The Seasonal Head Guide role at Canolfan Tryweryn, the National White Water Centre, involves overseeing our team of whitewater guides and sharing managerial responsibilities of our activities.

Contract dates: March - October 2026

Hours: 35 hours per week

Salary: £28,000 - £30,500 annually pro rata

We are looking for someone who is:

• A proactive team worker
• An effective communicator
• IT-literate
• Experienced as a raft guide trip leader with a minimum of 2-3 seasons of guiding experience.

To apply, please send a CV and covering letter to sam.beesley@ukrafting.co.uk

Closing date for applications: 25th January 2026

About us

The National White Water Centre has been providing whitewater activities, coaching and rescue courses for the past 40 years. We pride ourselves on being the best whitewater venue in the UK. As the National Centre, we are an example of best practice across our industry.

The centre has over 20,000 activity visitors each year from all over the world who are drawn here by the quality experiences on offer. Working at the centre would allow you to gain valuable experience within the outdoor and tourism sector. Being based in Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park allows for a wide range of visitors during the busy summer months where the days can be long but highly rewarding.

Job description

The head guide is vital to the smooth running of daily operations. You will be the go-to point of contact for our team of guides. You must present as a role model and advocate for the centre. As well as spending time on the water, one of your main duties will be the staffing rota. This is a challenging task with ever-changing guide availabilities and bookings; however, you will have support from the Operations Manager and office team.

Main roles

• Staffing water-based activities
• Overseeing daily operations (Duty Managing)
• Kit checks and first aid equipment compliance
• Kit repair
• On-water activities
• Running assessments and training (qualifications dependent)
• Aiding the Operations Manager with updating Health and Safety considerations
• Guide qualification compliance and payroll administration

Experience/qualifications

Vital

• IRF Raft Guide level 3 Trip Leader (or equivalent) and competent grade 3+ whitewater paddler
• Rescue 3 Europe WRTA certification (or equivalent rescue ticket)
• Canyon guide certification or transferable experience from a climbing background
• At least 2-3 full seasons' raft guiding experience on grade 3 or above
• Full UK driving licence
• IT competence

Desirable

• D1+E driving licence
• IRF or BCAB Raft Guide / Kayak Instructor
• Rescue 3 Instructor
• Degree or equivalent studies in outdoor education

Benefits

• Use of the NWWC facilities
• Training / assessments related to activities run at the centre - canyon guide, raft guide and water rescue courses
• PPE/kit allowance
• Great track record of future employment opportunities at the NWWC and within similar outdoor organisations.

Rate of pay

£28,000 - £30,500

35.5 days' holiday (inclusive of Bank Holidays) annually pro rata.

35 hrs per week

The initial contract of 8 months will begin in March 2026.

Being able to work most weekends and Bank Holidays is vital for this role.