Chad Ward
Wartburg
Summary
Professional outdoor guide skilled in leading and instructing kayaking tours. Strong background in water navigation, safety protocols, and customer engagement. Focused on team collaboration and achieving top-notch results in dynamic environments. Reliable and adaptable, excelling in responding to changing conditions and ensuring positive experiences for all participants.
Proactive and goal-oriented professional with excellent time management and problem-solving skills. Known for reliability and adaptability, with swift capacity to learn and apply new skills. Committed to leveraging these qualities to drive team success and contribute to organizational growth.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
Fourth Grade Classroom Teacher
Wartburg Central Elementary
07.2023 - Current
- Utilized differentiated instruction techniques to meet the varying abilities and learning styles of all students in the class.
- Organized extracurricular activities such as after-school tutoring programs or clubs to support student learning outside the classroom setting.
- Developed individualized learning plans for students with diverse needs, ensuring academic success and growth.
- Assisted in the planning and execution of school-wide events that promoted community engagement and fostered a sense of pride among students and staff members alike.
Owner/Operator/Guide
Obed River Adventures LLC
01.2019 - 01.2023
- I was the owner, operator, and guide for Obed River Adventures LLC guide service
- I operated within the boundaries of the Obed Wild and Scenic River National Park
- I offered whitewater rafting, multi-day rafting, and kayaking trips to individuals, families, school groups, and organizations seeking adventure, instruction, and education within the park
- Every year in May I would offer a free two-day rafting adventure for any Veteran or First Responder wishing to participate in a wilderness river experience
- Managed day-to-day business operations.
- Developed and maintained strong relationships with clients, resulting in repeat business and referrals.
Firefighter/Paramedic
City of Oak Ridge Tennessee Fire Department
05.2011 - 08.2019
- As a firefighter/paramedic, I was responsible for using my physical stamina and compassionate nature to combat fires and other hazardous situations while ensuring the safety of others
- My duties included, but were not limited to; using equipment to extinguish fires, rescuing members of the public from dangerous conditions, responding to and rendering aid in all medical emergencies, motor vehicle accidents, and various rescue scenarios
- In addition to emergency response, I was also an instructor/educator in such areas as firefighter fitness, firefighter operations, swift-water rescue, wilderness rescue, medical aid, and high-angle rescue
- In addition to teaching firefighting, rescue, and medical response specific criteria, I was also an active member of the public fire education team which taught school-aged children the importance of fire prevention and ways to react to emergency situations
- One of my major accomplishments during my time on the fire department was receiving two life-saving medal of valor awards, which were presented to myself and my team by the individuals which we assisted
Paramedic
Morgan County EMS
03.2009 - 05.2011
- As a paramedic in a rural community, I was responsible for responding to, and rendering aid for a variety of medical, rescue, and hazardous situations
- Not only was I responsible in performing my duties as a paramedic under normal response circumstances, I was also responsible for backcountry response in the local State and National Parks
- One of my most memorable and rewarding moments, while working as a paramedic, was in assisting in the delivery of a healthy baby on two separate occasions
Whitewater Raft Guide
Clear Creek Rafting Company
05.2002 - 07.2010
- During my time as a whitewater rafting and adventure guide, I had the privilege of guiding on rivers in Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, British Columbia, North Carolina, Oregon, Tennessee, Utah, and West Virginia
- My job duties consisted of; Guiding whitewater rafting trips anywhere from half day to 14-day trips, trip leader for many youth multi-day wilderness adventures, interacted with guests throughout tour with educational discussion of community, culture and nature information, conducted comprehensive tour narrations to adventure participants for safe execution of planned outdoor activities, and mentored apprentice guides to promote better understanding of information to present to tourists and travelers
- In addition to guiding whitewater rafting adventures, I also spent time guiding snowmobile tours through the Rocky Mountains in Leadville, Colorado, and lead many hiking trips through various parts of the Country
- Demonstrated commitment to environmental stewardship by educating guests about local ecosystems and Leave No Trace principles during trips.
Education
Associate of Science - Paramedicine
Roane State Community College
Harriman, TNBachelor of Science - Elementary Education/Early Childhood Development
King University
Bristol, TN05-2021
Skills
- Customer relations
- Relationship building
- Client service
- Partnership development
- Crisis management
- Strategic project planning
- Environmental awareness
- Water safety
- Local history
- Emergency preparedness
- Problem-solving
- Organizational skills
Affiliations
- East Tennessee Whitewater Club (ETWC)
- Chota Canoe Club
- East TN Mentorship Association
Languages
American Sign Language
Professional Working
Timeline
Fourth Grade Classroom Teacher
Wartburg Central Elementary
07.2023 - Current
Owner/Operator/Guide
Obed River Adventures LLC
01.2019 - 01.2023
Firefighter/Paramedic
City of Oak Ridge Tennessee Fire Department
05.2011 - 08.2019
Paramedic
Morgan County EMS
03.2009 - 05.2011
Whitewater Raft Guide
Clear Creek Rafting Company
05.2002 - 07.2010
Associate of Science - Paramedicine
Roane State Community College
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education/Early Childhood Development
King University
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