Description and Quaifcations

Set within 4,200 acres surrounded by the Smoky Mountains in East Tennessee, Blackberry Farm combines legendary hospitality and luxury with expansive opportunities for adventure and exploration.

All Outdoor Adventure Activities positions are highly interactive with our guests and committed to providing world-class hospitality experiences. Blackberry Farm partners with MasterCraft Boat Company to provide watersport activity opportunities. Watersports Instructors mainly teach wake surfing and occasionally wakeboarding and waterskiing to guests of all ages with varying levels of experience; help lead natural history lake tours; and occasionally assist the Boat Captain drive the boat. This position entails working as a professional watersports instructor for groups of up to 6 passengers at a time. This individual will welcome guests, transport them to access points on the Little Tennessee River, get them safely onto the boat, help navigate the waterways of Tellico Lake and the Little Tennessee River, provides on water instruction, and return the guests back to Blackberry Farm on time. This position is seasonal with an agreed upon end date, and operates on an hourly pay schedule. Full-time and part-time seasonal positions are available. The boating season begins in late May and ends in late September, with high demand during the summer months.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following and other duties as assigned:

Primary Functions

• Local and regional knowledge, particularly relating to the foothills and the Great Smoky Mountains
• Provide an outstanding, safe, and educational experience to guests on land and on the water
• Explain and demonstrate proper wakesurfing techniques
• Supervise and ensure the safety of guests
• Help monitor changing weather and water traffic conditions and make appropriate decisions to ensure safety of guests, staff, and other water users
• Inspect equipment before and after each trip and clean equipment after use
• Assist our Concierge team with guest needs
• Interact with guests as a resource during non-guide time
• Assist with other guided adventure activities when needed

Customer Service and Collaboration

• Provide outstanding customer service
• Interact effectively with a wide diversity of people and support Blackberry Farm’s values and mission
• Establish and maintain working relationships with various departments at both Blackberry Farm and Blackberry Mountain

Safety

• Ensure all operations are conducted with safety of staff and guests as first priority, and in accordance with the Blackberry Policies and Procedures, TWRA, and other safety policies
• Ensure completion of proper documentation for each guest
• Report maintenance problems and/or broken and unsafe equipment to the appropriate party immediately

Must comply with all company policies and procedures.

To perform the essential functions of this position, regular and consistent attendance is required.

Must be able to work well with other Team Members, Managers, and interact with our guests.

Must have the flexibility to work weekends.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Prior guide and teaching experience is preferred
• Excellent technical wakesurfing and waterskiing skills (or excellent understanding of skills)
• Ideal candidates will have experience driving and docking high-end inboard boats
• Current CPR/First Aid certification
• Must have a valid Driver’s License
• High School Diploma or GED and some college preferred

LANGUAGE SKILLS

• Must have excellent communication skills to effectively communicate with guests, managers, and team members

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

• Basic knowledge and understanding of math

REASONING ABILITY

• Must be able to resolve any issues regarding guests in relation to the program
• Must be able to assess current and possible conditions to provide a quality experience and keep our guests safe
• Must be able to exercise judgment and make decisions based on safety, job knowledge, and awareness of company goals

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• The nature of the Watersports Instructor position is very physically demanding in all-weather conditions
• Must be able to recognize and respond to emergencies and prevent injuries or drowning
• Must be able to consistently lift up to 45 lbs. and occasionally up to 75 lbs.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus
• Must be able to safely operate a company vehicle or golf cart

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Must be able to work outside in all conditions and will involve exposure to cold water, sun, wind, rain, and other outdoor elements.
• Surrounding areas including the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Chilhowee, and Tellico Lakes

About Blackberry

Blackberry Farm and Blackberry Mountain, Relais & Châteaux properties located in the Great Smoky Mountains, continue the traditions of unparalleled hospitality and luxury that have always been the hallmark of the Blackberry brand. Combining land conservation, modern-day luxuries, and captivating natural setting, the two resorts create vacation experiences unlike any other. Activities abound at Blackberry Farm and Blackberry Mountain offering the opportunity for every guest to create an ideal experience to enjoy the properties and the region, whether they’re seeking the thrill of adventure, the relaxation of a spa immersion, or quality time around the table enjoying celebrated cuisine.

A career at Blackberry means being surrounded by a welcoming and supportive team who strive each day toward common goals: legendary hospitality, memorable experiences and generational sustainability.

From ensuring our guests have a memorable stay to providing renowned cuisine, Blackberry provides career-defining opportunities, a comprehensive benefits program, and the tools to explore and grow your career. Some of our benefits include travel perks and property benefits, tuition reimbursement, paid time off with additional paid holidays, health insurance and flexible spending accounts, 401k match with profit share and training and education.

Blackberry is an Equal Opportunity Employer.