Guest Services Assistant

Location: Bentonville, Virginia (Shenandoah Valley) Position Type: Part-Time/Full-Time Seasonal (April–October) Reports To: Operations Manager Compensation: Competitive seasonal wage between $13-$16/hour depending on experience. Age Requirement: 14–17 years old (or as permitted by Virginia labor laws)

Since 1974, Downriver Canoe Company has been a family-owned premier outfitter on Virginia's South Fork of the Shenandoah River. We specialize in self-guided canoe, kayak, raft, and tube float trips for families, corporate groups, and outdoor enthusiasts. We're seeking an enthusiastic guest services assistant to support our operations team and gain valuable experience in outdoor recreation. This is a perfect first job for a teenager interested in working outdoors and learning new skills!

We're seeking an energetic and reliable Guest Services Assistant to assist the Operations Manager with customer-facing support, equipment management, and general maintenance. You'll help fit customers with Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs), oversee paddle and tube trips, assist with equipment maintenance, and support daily operations. This role is ideal for a responsible teenager looking to gain first-job experience, develop work skills, and have fun in an outdoor recreation environment.

Greet customers and help them select properly-fitting Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs).

Explain PFD safety features and proper wear to customers.

Assist customers with sizing and adjustments to ensure comfort and safety.

Answer basic questions about trips, safety, and river conditions.

Provide friendly, welcoming customer service to all guests.

Assist with organizing and staging paddle and tube trips.

Help customers get situated on tubes and check that PFDs are properly worn.

Monitor tube groups during launch to ensure safety and readiness.

Assist with tube collection and organization after trips.

Help with basic troubleshooting (loose straps, sizing issues, etc.).

Report any safety concerns to Operations Manager immediately.

Help inspect tubes, PFDs, and other equipment for damage or wear.

Assist with cleaning and maintaining equipment after use.

Help organize and store equipment properly.

Support inventory checks and equipment organization.

Assist with minor repairs under supervision (patching tubes, adjusting straps, etc.).

Help maintain cleanliness of storage areas and work spaces.

Assist Operations Manager with daily tasks and special projects.

Help with facility organization and cleanup.

Support customer flow and logistics during busy periods.

Perform other duties as assigned by Operations Manager.

Age 14–17 (or as permitted by Virginia labor laws).

Friendly, enthusiastic, and reliable attitude.

Ability to follow instructions and work safely.

Comfortable working outdoors in various weather conditions.

Willingness to learn and ask questions.

Good communication skills and ability to interact with customers.

Physical ability to lift and carry items up to 80 lbs.

Ability to work as part of a team.

Prior experience with outdoor activities, sports, or recreation.

Swimming ability or comfort in water environments.

Previous work or volunteer experience.

Interest in outdoor recreation and river activities.

Ability to work flexible schedules including weekends.

Customer Service: Friendly, helpful, and professional interactions with guests.

Safety Awareness: Understanding and prioritizing safety in all tasks.

Reliability: Showing up on time, following through on tasks, and being dependable.

Teamwork: Supporting Operations Manager and collaborating with team members.

Physical Capability: Comfortable with active outdoor work and lifting.

Attention to Detail: Noticing equipment issues and maintaining organization.

Willingness to Learn: Open to feedback and eager to develop new skills.

Outdoor Work: Primarily outdoor work in varied weather conditions (sun, rain, wind).

Physical Activity: Active role involving standing, walking, lifting (up to 25 lbs), and assisting customers.

Customer-Facing: Direct interaction with customers in a friendly, supportive capacity.

Flexible Schedule: Shifts may include early mornings, afternoons, evenings, and weekends based on demand. Peak season (May–September) includes high-volume weekend operations.

Fast-Paced Environment: Dynamic, seasonal business with varying activity levels.

Scenic Setting: Work in one of Virginia's most beautiful outdoor destinations with direct access to the Shenandoah River and mountain scenery.

No Vehicle Operation: This position does not involve driving trucks, trailers, or other vehicles.

Gain valuable first-job experience in a fun outdoor recreation environment.

Learn about river safety, equipment, and outdoor recreation operations.

Build work skills: reliability, teamwork, customer service, and problem-solving.

Work alongside experienced outdoor professionals who will mentor you.

Enjoy a beautiful Shenandoah Valley setting with genuine outdoor enthusiasts.

Flexible seasonal schedule that works with school (spring/fall) or summer availability.

Competitive seasonal wage.

Great addition to a resume or college applications! Downriver Canoe Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We comply with all applicable child labor laws and safety regulations.

Original job description PDF