Kayaking Instructor (Part-Time)

About the Role: The Christ School Outdoor Program seeks a part-time Kayaking Instructor for the 2026 fall season and/or 2027 spring season. This role involves collaborating with the lead instructor to develop and execute practices on our private lake and nearby rivers, including the French Broad, Tuckaseegee, and Green River. The ideal candidate is adaptable, hard-working, organized, and able to build strong relationships with students. Because Christ School is an all-boys boarding school, the ability to foster trust, connection, and positive rapport with young men is essential. This opportunity is especially well-suited for outdoor educators who want meaningful experience in group management, trip planning, and coaching under the mentorship of the Outdoor Program Director and lead kayaking staff.

Schedule: Monday–Friday: 3:30–5:30 p.m. One extended practice each week, on a predetermined Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday: 3:30–8:00 p.m. These longer practices allow for off-campus river trips and may vary based on weather or school events.

Responsibilities: Assist with planning and leading daily kayaking practices for students of varying experience levels. Support skill progression in flatwater and whitewater kayaking, including paddling technique, rolling, river reading, and rescue skills. Help lead off-campus river trips and ensure safe group management in dynamic environments. Model and uphold best-practice risk management and sound judgment on the water. Work collaboratively with lead instructors and Outdoor Program staff. Support transportation, gear organization, and general program logistics. Help foster a positive team culture marked by trust, encouragement, accountability, and fun.

Required: Comfortable kayaking and rescuing in up to Class IV whitewater. Strong swimming ability. Ability to respond calmly and effectively in emergencies. Ability to communicate clearly and work well with other staff. Enthusiasm for sharing outdoor adventure with students. Adaptable, motivated, and safety-conscious. Valid U.S. driver's license.

Preferred: Comfort driving a short bus. Prior experience teaching or instructing youth. Wilderness First Aid or Wilderness First Responder. Swiftwater Rescue or ACA Instructor certification.

Salary: $2,000 per season. Meals: Dinner provided after practice from 5:30–7:30 p.m.; all meals on team trips covered by the school. Paid professional development: Wilderness First Aid/Wilderness First Responder recertification. Potential advancement opportunities within Christ School, including faculty or staff roles. School breaks aligned with the academic calendar, including Thanksgiving Break of approximately one week and Spring Break of approximately two weeks.

How to Apply: Email Outdoor Program Director Wesley Shelmire at wshelmire@christschool.org with a brief note of interest, résumé, and list of current certifications. About Christ School: Christ School was founded in 1900 and is affiliated with the Episcopal Church. Located nine miles south of Asheville, North Carolina, Christ School is an all-boys boarding and day school for grades 8–12. Students come from 16 states and eight foreign countries. All world faiths are represented and welcomed at Christ School. Christ School is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military status, or any other legally protected status.