Outdoor Programs Manager

Reports to: education Director

Status: Full-Time, Exempt

HELP PEOPLE DISCOVER THE RIVER

Do you love being outside, working with people, and creating experiences that connect communities to the natural world? Are you equally comfortable leading a paddling trip, solving a last-minute logistics challenge, and coaching a team of enthusiastic seasonal staff?

The Nashua River Watershed Association (NRWA) is looking for an energetic, organized, and safety-minded Outdoor Programs Manager to lead our growing suite of outdoor recreation and environmental programs.

From launching kayaks and canoes on a summer morning to leading paddling instruction, guided tours, corporate team-building events, River Classroom® programs, and water chestnut pulls, this position puts you at the heart of NRWA’s outdoor programming. You’ll help people of all ages experience the Nashua and Squannacook rivers while building a strong, welcoming culture for both our guests and our seasonal staff.

This is a year-round, full-time position reporting to the Education Director. While the summer season is focused on waterfront operations and outdoor programming, the off-season offers opportunities to help shape the year ahead through public and school outreach, program planning, and organizational capacity-building projects.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

Lead the Riverfront Experience

• Oversee the daily operations of a high-volume canoe, kayak, and stand-up paddleboard rental center.
• Lead waterfront operations, including dock management, boat traffic flow, and launch and landing areas.
• Create a welcoming, organized, and positive experience for guests, community members, and program participants.
• Monitor river conditions, weather, and environmental factors and make thoughtful decisions about paddling operations.
• Deliver exceptional customer service and help visitors feel confident and excited about getting out on the water.

Lead and Develop Your Team

• Hire, train, mentor, and support a team of seasonal outdoor recreation staff and paddlesports instructors.
• Build and manage staff schedules, monitor coverage needs, and coordinate daily assignments.
• Foster a culture of teamwork, professionalism, inclusion, and enthusiasm for the outdoors.
• Be a hands-on leader who is ready to jump in wherever needed during busy days.

Make Outdoor Programs Happen

• Prepare and manage boats, paddles, PFDs, and other equipment for lessons, guided tours, summer camps, River Classroom®, water chestnut pulls, corporate team-building events, and other programs.
• Coordinate the logistics of delivering and retrieving canoes and equipment at off-site locations.
• Support and help grow NRWA’s diverse portfolio of outdoor programs.
• Work collaboratively with education staff and community partners to make programs engaging, safe, and memorable.

Keep People and Equipment Safe

• Establish and reinforce safe paddling practices, appropriate PFD use, and water safety protocols.
• Maintain the rental fleet, including kayaks, canoes, SUP boards, paddles, PFDs, and safety equipment.
• Keep accurate records and ensure equipment and operational systems are ready for the next adventure.
• Apply sound judgment around risk management, trip planning, river conditions, and changing weather.

WHAT YOU’LL BRING

We’re looking for someone who combines outdoor leadership, people skills, and a can-do attitude. You might be an experienced paddlesports professional, outdoor educator, waterfront manager, guide, camp leader, or someone whose experience has prepared them to confidently take on this role.

You are someone who:

• Loves working outdoors and is genuinely excited to help others enjoy the river.
• Has experience supervising and supporting employees, including young or seasonal staff.
• Has experience leading teams in paddlesports, boating, waterfront operations, outdoor recreation, or a related setting.
• Is organized and calm in a fast-paced, high-traffic environment.
• Communicates confidently and warmly with coworkers, guests, students, families, and the public.
• Is comfortable using computer systems for reservations, scheduling, and operations.
• Pays close attention to details and takes pride in accurate record keeping.
• Has experience with kayaking, canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding, or other paddlesports.
• Brings a background in outdoor programming, guiding, environmental education, or a related field.
• Has an interest in freshwater ecosystems—or is excited to learn more about the Nashua and Squannacook rivers and the watershed.
• Understands river safety, risk management, and trip planning.

Most importantly, you’re a leader who enjoys being part of the action. You know that great outdoor programs depend on preparation, teamwork, flexibility, and a genuine commitment to helping people have a safe and rewarding experience.

Requirements

• Valid driver’s license and safe driving record.
• Ability to tow a trailer or willingness to learn.
• Current CPR and First Aid certification, or willingness to obtain.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and work comfortably in an active outdoor environment.
• ACA (American Canoe Association) instructor certification, or willingness to become certified.
• Willingness to work a seasonal schedule that includes weekends and holidays during the busy paddling season.

WHY THIS ROLE MATTERS

At NRWA, getting people on the water is about more than recreation. It’s about helping people experience the Nashua and Squannacook rivers, understand the watershed, and become stewards of the places they love.

As Outdoor Programs Manager, you’ll have the opportunity to make that connection happen every day—while leading a team, building meaningful programs, and spending your workdays outside.

If you’re ready to bring your leadership skills, outdoor expertise, and enthusiasm for the river to a mission-driven organization, we’d love to hear from you.

WHY JOIN NRWA

At NRWA, we believe people are our greatest investment. We’re building a team of curious, mission-driven professionals who are eager to learn, embrace new challenges, and grow alongside the organization. We don’t simply hire people to meet today’s needs. We hire people with the potential to help build tomorrow’s organization.

We’re passionate about protecting the rivers, forests, wetlands, wildlife, and communities of the Nashua River watershed, and we’re looking for people who share that passion. As NRWA grows, you’ll have the opportunity to grow with us, taking on new challenges, expanding your skills, and helping shape the future of both the organization and your own career.

At NRWA, we’re looking for people who are excited by our mission, eager to learn, and ready to make a meaningful impact.

We believe our team is strongest when it reflects a diversity of backgrounds, experiences, perspectives, and ideas. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels welcomed, valued, and supported.