JOB SUMMARY: This position is located in the New River Gorge National River (NERI) Resource and Visitor Protection Division. Duties of the position are to promote safe use of the rivers, perform search and rescue operations, aid in emergency medical services, and maintain the park's fleet of watercraft and equipment. The seasonal Entry-on-Duty period for is April/May 2025 but can be variable during these months due to weather conditions, project needs, or funding. The anticipated Entry on Duty: May 2025. MAJOR DUTIES: Position responsibilities include river patrols on all waters and tributaries in the three National Park System areas under the administration of a NERI Superintendent, which include over 90,000 acres and 90+ river miles. The selectee for this position will be responsible for providing whitewater river patrols on the New, Gauley, Meadow and Bluestone Rivers up to Class V+ whitewater river sections. DUTIES INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO: Safety patrols, rescue and recovery, and education in safe boating practices and etiquette. Monitor for compliance of camping regulations, sanitation and refuse, and resource stewardship along remote river shoreline camping and recreation areas accessed only by boat. Involved in extensive contact with heavy commercial boating activities, as well as increasingly numbers of private boaters and overnight boat campers. River equipment utilized includes paddle and oar-powered rafts, motorized catarafts, duckies and kayaks. Will work closely with land-based Visitor Use Assistants & commissioned law enforcement rangers in managing riparian river zone recreation and resource stewardship efforts throughout all river segments of the park. Responsible for training and maintenance of river skills for all Ranger Division personnel assigned collateral river responsibilities. Assists others in safely planning and engaging in potentially high-risk recreational sports. Provides general planning information, safety suggestions and park regulations. Responsible for responding to emergencies either personally or via obtaining appropriate assistance, and for providing basic first aid. Creates bulletin board displays, temporary exhibits, and other non-personal interpretive services. Creates interpretive props, worksheets, and other visual aids and written information. Assists with program administration, including record-keeping and correspondence. IMPORTANT: Click the 'Apply for this job' button to view a complete job description.
