Canoe Program Specialist

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) is seeking a Canoe Program Specialist to work at various Minneapolis lakes and ponds during the 2025 season. The Canoe Program Specialist will:

• Provide canoe instruction to children, teens, families, and adults
• Lead canoe programming on Minneapolis waterbodies
• Ensure safety of participants while on the water
• Maintain inventory and quality of all canoes and associated equipment
• Drive a truck with six canoe-rack trailer, conduct regular evaluations of truck and trailer condition, load, unload, and secure canoes on trailer.
• Lead and coordinate two weeks of canoe-based summer day camp for ages 12-14
• Communicate with group leaders and program participants to ensure successful canoeing experiences
• Complete administrative tasks necessary to document and evaluate all canoe programs
• Provide direction and leadership to the Canoe Support Educator
• Other duties as assigned

Required Skills & Abilities

• Current Lifeguard certification or Wilderness Water Safety certification with First Aid/CPR certification
• At least 2 full seasons of demonstrated experience in canoe instruction and leading canoe programs
• Demonstrated ability to work well with children and diverse populations
• Strong problem-solving, organizational, communication, and public speaking skills
• Excellent customer service skills, positive attitude, and adaptability
• Must be able to accomplish tasks with little direct supervision
• Must be able to consistently arrive to programs prepared and on-time
• Must be able to repeatedly lift and carry 50 lbs., hike uneven terrain, and teach effectively in all weather conditions
• Valid driver’s license and clear driving record
• Light trailer towing experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Working knowledge of Minnesota and urban water quality issues
• Certification in canoe safety and instruction
• Training in environmental education, ecology, natural history, teaching, or similar
• Experience working in water education programming
• Ability to communicate fluently in a second language: Spanish, Hmong, or Somali preferred.

Compensation

$26.50 per hour, plus mileage reimbursement when applicable. This position is eligible to receive sick and safe time per the Minneapolis City Ordinance and Minnesota Earned Sick and Safe Time and will earn one (1) hour of sick and safe leave for every thirty (30) hours worked. This position is not eligible for other benefits

Hours

Work season and hours: Primarily June through August, with potential for extending the season into spring and fall with a limited schedule to start and end. Tentative start date is June 10th and final day of the summer season is August 29th. Hours include daytime and evenings up to 40 hours a week, and typically fall on Tues-Sat between 8am to 9pm with occasional shifts outside these days/hours. The exact schedule will vary depending on programming each week. Request for additional support on Saturday, September 6th to assist with the Minneapolis Monarch Festival/Festival de la Monarca.