| Job Description: |
Friends of the Chicago River is looking for a friendly, organized, dependable person to
supervise our canoeing program. This is a staff-run program that takes over 450 people
canoeing on the Chicago River over the course of the summer at locations from the Skokie
Lagoons to the downtown ‘canyons.' The successful applicant will supervise over 30
dedicated volunteers that are trained as canoe guides and work as part of a team to ensure
that Friends' guests have a safe, enjoyable, and unique experience paddling on the Chicago
River. A typical canoe trip lasts for four hours and requires two hours of planning and
preparation both before and after the trip. Most trips include seven volunteers and 24-30
guests.
As the only organization exclusively dedicated to improving the Chicago River, Friends seeks
an individual who is committed to the environment and views the river as an important part
of the history, culture, and future of the Chicago region.
Responsibilities:
• Manage all aspects of canoe program, including but not limited to scheduling, insurance,
permitting, and equipment
• Promote and sell private contracted canoe trips
• Communicate with volunteers for canoe trip planning and logistics
• Track volunteer and member participation in the canoe program
• Manage web-based registration and communication for canoe program
• Attend canoe trips on the Chicago River on various weekdays and weekends
• Serve as liaison between canoe program and Friends' education and outreach program
• Organize and facilitate all required training for guides, including CPR, safety and Friends'
messaging
• Coordinate the data collection for City outfall contract
• Serve as a ‘river ambassador' to Friends of the Chicago River's members and the general
public
Qualifications:
• Canoeing experience, ability to teach paddling basics to children and adults
• Able to work weekends and occasional evenings
• Knowledge of canoe safety
• Excellent oral and written communication, computer and organizational skills
• Ability to manage volunteers and delegate canoe trip tasks as appropriate • Comfortable making on-the-spot decisions, multi-tasking, and handling emergency
situations
• One to three years related work or volunteer experience.
• Commitment to conservation of natural resources
• Experience with volunteer management is preferred
• Ability to provide own transportation and a willingness to travel to a variety of sites in
the region
• Ability to move and manage gear
• Marketing and/or outreach experience helpful
• Completed or pursuing BS preferred. Equivalent life/work experience will be
considered.
• Knowledge of the Chicago River and the Chicago area is desirable
Compensation: This is a part time hourly position. Terrific team of colleagues.
To Apply: Send cover letter and resume to the attention of Dana Murphy, Director of
Education and Outreach at dmurphy@chicagoriver.org or Friends of the Chicago River ▪ 28
E. Jackson Blvd., Suite 1800 ▪ Chicago, IL 60604. No telephone calls, please.
Background: For three decades, Friends of the Chicago River has worked to create a
greener, more accessible, and better cared for river. Our acclaimed programs include
education and outreach programs that foster awareness, involvement, and a stewardship
ethic; public policy and planning efforts that have a systemic, long-term impact on the river's
health; and on-the-ground projects that physically improve the Chicago River.
Friends is supported by over 2,000 members including individuals, businesses, corporations,
foundations, government agencies, and other nonprofit organizations. Our work is led by a
staff of 11 as well as approximately 300 volunteers who assist Friends throughout the year
and 4,000 annual Chicago River Day volunteers.
Estimated start date: March 1
Friends of the Chicago River is an equal opportunity employer.
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