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JOB DESCRIPTIONS

Below is a listing and brief description of the summer staff positions that Swamp Base has available. Please contact Swamp Base with any questions regarding the positions. Some positions have prerequisites as listed below.

Trek Guide:
Trek Guides stay with crews for the entire 61.6-mile trek, for 6 days at a time. Trek guides are required to paddle an average of 15.4 miles per day, and live with crews at the different program locations (Floating Campsite, Rougarou Island, Camp Atchafalaya). Other duties include:

  • Providing crews with orientation and outdoor skills training

  • Packing and issuing trail food

  • Being a resource for safety purposes, environmental awareness and historical background of the area

  • Reminding crews to stay hydrated and protected from the sun

  • Keeping the morale of the crew high

Trek Guides must be 18 years or older. Requires current CPR certification, ability to pass BSA Swim Test, and Wilderness First Aid or higher (these trainings are provided during Swamp Base's Staff Week).

Orientation Guide:
Each crew that arrives at Swamp Base is met by the Orientation Guide. He/she is responsible for:

  •  Greeting each crew

  •  Conducting health checks

    • Blood pressure check of adult leaders

    • Review of medical records of leaders and participants

    • Inquiries regarding medications, allergies, current illnesses or injuries

  •  Presentation of the Swamp Base Orientation PowerPoint

  •  Placing dinner orders for Olde Tyme Grocery for dinner

The Orientation Guide must be available from 1:30 pm to 5:30 pm every day of the Trek Season. He/she must be a people person that can communicate well with adults and youth. Local knowledge of the area is preferred but not mandatory. This position is the "Director of First Impressions."

Camp Atchafalaya Interpreter:
Oversees Camp Atchafalaya programs and activities. Greets participants as they arrive and helps them unload gear. "Camp A" is located within Lake Fausse Pointe State Park. Staff are required to live at Camp A during the duration of their scheduled work period. Responsibilities include:

  • Running “Zydeco Social” program

  • Preparation of (2) dinners, (1) lunch and (1) breakfast, as well as portioning out trail food and water for the final day of paddling

  • Maintain cleanliness of bathrooms, main program room, and kitchen

  • Makes sure all program supplies are cared for and in working order

Must be 18 years of age or older. Requires current CPR certification, ability to pass BSA Swim Test, and Wilderness First Aid or higher (these trainings are provided during Swamp Base's Staff Week).

Swamp Shuttle Bus Driver:
Must have a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). It is essential that the driver be thoroughly familiar with the bus or vehicle they will be driving, including knowing the location of emergency exits and fire extinguishers and how to operate them. The driver is expected to:

  • Be able to handle and brake a fully loaded vehicle and trailer

  • Transport no more passengers than there are seating locations

  • Ensure that luggage and equipment are safely secured

  • Check that emergency exits are clear of people and things

  • Conduct a pre-trip inspection of critical systems (signals, fuel, fluids, tires, horn, winshield wipers, etc.)

  • Help to load and unload the trailer with gear

  • Maintain the cleanliness of the Swamp Base vehicle (inside and out)

    • Collecting and removing trash after a crew is dropped off

    • Periodically sweeping the bus floors

    • Wet mop the bus floors as needed

    • Rinse the dust off of the bus and trailer

    • Wash the exterior of bus and trailer as needed

Satisfactory driving record and appropriate insurance for each driver will be evaluated as part of the hiring process.

Quartermaster:
Responsible for loading boats and trek gear onto the trailer, as well as cleaning/washing boats in between treks. Responsible for making trips to the store to buy supplies, then re-supplying program areas with necessary supplies. He/she must:

  • Be 16 years of age or older

  • Have a valid Driver’s License with a good driving record

  • Have a reliable vehicle with proper insurance coverage

  • Have a cell phone

  • Be able to lift and move multiple objects up to 50 lbs.

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