Porter Owens
Black Sheep
Charleston,WV
10
years of professional experience
Service industry professional with strong commitment to high standards and delivering exceptional customer experiences. Proven ability to adapt to fast-paced environments while maintaining focus on quality and collaboration. Known for reliability, teamwork, and flexibility in meeting dynamic operational needs.
Work History
Waiter
1 Year 10 Months- Delivered attentive table service, taking accurate orders and ensuring timely food and beverage delivery
- Anticipated guest needs, refilled drinks, and maintained polished dining room presentation
- Coordinated with kitchen staff to communicate special requests, allergies, and order modifications
- Used POS system to enter orders, process payments, and maintain accurate guest checks
- Resolved service issues promptly, preserving positive guest experiences and repeat business
- Supported opening and closing duties, including setup, side work, and station restocking
- Managed high volume of customers during peak hours, maintaining prompt and efficient service.
- Maintained a clean and organized dining area, contributing to a pleasant atmosphere for guests.
White Water Raft Guide
9 Years 4 Months- Provided guest entertainment and support to ensure positive guest experience.
- Maintained guest and crew safety during Class V whitewater operations.
- Assessed rapid conditions and guided raft through rapids spanning all levels of experience.
- Provided guided instruction for guests on ducky (inflatable kayak) operation and handling.
- Responded to guest emergencies, escorted rescued guests to assigned destinations, and ensured timely arrival.
- Instructed guests on safe navigation of Class I–III rapids in a ducky.
- Guided guests through Class I–V rapids safely and efficiently.
- Educated guests on river operations and required actions during emergency circumstances.
- Managed multiple emergency situations with prompt response and situational control.
- Adapted rapidly to changing situation and crew requirements.
- Led crew down river while maintaining safe, enjoyable outing experience.
- Handled escalation triage for human relations issues and implemented damage control measures for timely resolution.
- Adapted operations and guided activities amid continuously changing conditions, including water levels and event circumstances.
- Managed daily crew leadership through day-to-day instructions and execution of assigned tasks.
- Adapted trip plan to align with crew preferences and operational needs.
- Handled customer inquiries, addressed concerns, and coordinated resolution activities to support ongoing customer needs.
- Guided rafting trips through varied river conditions, maintaining guest safety and trip control.
- Instructed participants on paddling commands, safety protocols, and river-specific hazards before launch.
- Evaluated water levels, weather, and course conditions to select appropriate routes and trip plans.
- Managed guest briefings, equipment distribution, and launch coordination for smooth daily operations.
- Coached new guides on guest communication, navigation techniques, and trip preparation standards.
- Inspected rafts, paddles, PFDs, and safety gear for readiness, cleanliness, and compliance.
- Led rescue responses and emergency procedures during swiftwater incidents and unstable vessel conditions.
- Upheld high standards of professionalism while fostering a fun, engaging environment for guests on rafting adventures.
Zip Line Guide
9 Years 4 Months- Hosted and entertained guests to support positive guest experiences.
- Provided equipment usage instruction to support safe and correct guest operation.
- Taught guests zipper-steer self-brake meaning of hand signals and self-rescue techniques to support safe navigation.
- Calmed and worked with nervous, frantic, and/or panicked people
- Provided calm support and de-escalation to stabilize nervous, frantic, and panicked people.
- Executed rescue procedures with tandem zips and e-braking to support safe, controlled response.
- Conducted equipment inspections and carried out maintenance activities to ensure proper functionality.
- Inspected cables, trolleys, helmets, and rigging for operational readiness
- Led guest safety briefings and fitted harnesses before zipline launches
- Guided participants through course elements with clear, confident instruction
- Monitored rider conduct and adjusted support to maintain safe operations
- Responded quickly to equipment issues and emergency situations
- Trained new guides on safety procedures, guest service, and course standards
- Reinforced compliance with adventure park protocols and daily inspection checklists
- Led large groups on zipline excursions while managing time effectively to ensure smooth operation for all participants.
Ski / Snowboard Instructor
3 Years 3 Months- Assessed guest skill levels and matched lesson plans to beginner, intermediate, and advanced riders.
- Instructed snowboard lessons for varied ages and abilities, adapting techniques to individual learning styles.
- Coached guests through turns, balance, stopping, and terrain progression with clear, encouraging guidance.
- Demonstrated safe riding techniques, mountain etiquette, and proper fall prevention during instruction sessions.
- Monitored mountain conditions and adjusted instruction approach to support safe, effective learning.
- Maintained snowboard equipment readiness and ensured proper fit for boots, boards, and protective gear.
- Supported group lesson flow by organizing participants, managing transitions, and reinforcing resort policies.
- Evaluated student progress regularly, adjusting lesson plans as needed to ensure continued improvement in skills and confidence on the slopes.
- Created customized training programs for intermediate-level riders focused on honing specific techniques relevant to their goals.
- Enhanced student performance by developing and implementing engaging snowboarding lessons tailored to individual skill levels.
- Promoted a culture of inclusivity by adapting teaching strategies for students with varying physical abilities or learning styles.
- Provided exceptional customer service by promptly addressing concerns or issues related to lessons or equipment rental.
- Engaged beginners in basic snowboarding skills while maintaining a fun environment that encouraged ongoing participation.
- Collaborated with fellow instructors to design innovative lesson plans, maximizing learning opportunities for diverse groups of students.
- Implemented regular feedback sessions with students and parents after lessons, ensuring ongoing communication regarding progress and areas for improvement.
- Mentored novice instructors in effective teaching methods, contributing to a higher overall quality of instruction within the team.
- Stayed on top of current weather conditions to maintain student safety.
Ski and Snowboard Technician
1 Year 5 Months- Fitted guest for snow sport gear and assured proper fit
- Addressed guest complaints about gear, adjusting for comfort while ensuring proper fit for safety
- Listened to guests complaints about gear and adjusted accordingly for comfort well also insuring proper fit for safety
- Educated guests on different types of skis and boards as well gave advice on which skis or board to use for the kind of ride they were looking for
- Helped people pick which skis or board they would like to buy and sold them
- Worked with and organized; groups, families, and coworkers on equipment; fitting, movement, storage, and repairs
- Ensured guests received optimal experiences during their stay at Snow Basin resort
Dive Master
3 Months- Lead guest on scuba diving tours
- Educate, review and assist with open water certifications for students at the company
- Instruct guests on proper marine conservation and how to stay safe
- Coordinated safe transportation for guests between boat and hotels to ensure seamless experiences
- Facilitated communication with non-English speaking guests to enhance their diving experience
- Protect wildlife and guests from each other
- Give dive briefings and debriefing before and after dives
- Made sure guests followed safety protocols
- Assisted guests with dive logs, dive tables, dive equipment etc.
- Used machinery to refill tanks and mix the proper gases safely
- Communicate with guests that did not speak the same language
Rides Operator
4 Months- Provided enjoyable experiences for guests
- Helped educate guests on proper safety equipment use
- Tested and operated equipment
- Maintained cleanliness of assigned areas
- Educated guests on proper use of safety equipment to ensure compliance and safety
- Maintained positive guest relations even with difficult guests
- Worked with people of all ages from 1-98
- Followed correct procedures
- Responded promptly to emergency incidents
Education
Basic Life Support - Emergency Medicine
- First aid
- CPR
- Transport
Private Pilots License - Aviation
- Check list management,
- cockpit management,
- emergency procedures,
- navigation,
- regulations,
- equipment checks
- crosscheck instruments,
- problem-solving
- no go or go decisions,
- safety considerations,
- limited maintenance
High School Diploma
Skills
Order management
Decision making
Customer service
Complaint resolution
Guest relations
Communication skills
Decision-making
Problem-solving
Team leadership
Instructional skills
Instructional tasks
Individualized instruction strategies
Student relations
Teamwork and collaboration
Adaptable and flexible
Dependability
Pressure management
Cool under pressure
Warm and friendly
High energy and stamina
Physical fitness
Heavy lifting
Safety management
Equipment maintenance expertise
Documentation and reporting
Quality control
Individualized instruction
Swiftwater rescue
Route planning
CPR training
Work under pressure
Crew resource management
Group leadership
Professional development
Decision-making skills
Physical fitness
Safety management
Leadership qualities
Instructional skills
Friendly
positive attitude
Crew resource management
Decision making and problem solving
Outdoor Experience and Education
- High School Diploma
- Class V White Water Raft Guide on the New and Gauley Rivers in West Virginia
- Ski and Snowboard Technician at Snowbasin Ski Resort
- Zip Line Guide
- Boy Scouts of America (BSA)
- Certified SSI Dive Master
- EMT Basic Class
- Swift water rescue certificate of complication class 4
- Intermediate-Advanced Kayaker
- River boarder
- Over 4,000 river miles (6,400 kilometers)
Disclaimer
References Available Upon Request
Timeline
Waiter
Black Sheep
12.2024 - CurrentRead More
Ski / Snowboard Instructor
Snowshoe Mountain Resort
12.2020 - 03.2024Read More
Dive Master
Merlin Divers
11.2018 - 02.2019Read More
Ski and Snowboard Technician
Snowbasin Ski Resort
11.2017 - 04.2019Read More
White Water Raft Guide
River Expeditions
06.2017 - 10.2026Read More
Zip Line Guide
River Expeditions
06.2017 - 10.2026Read More
Rides Operator
Lagoon Theme Park
06.2016 - 10.2016Read More
Red Cross
Basic Life Support from Emergency Medicine
Read More
Hanger 9 Aviation
Private Pilots License from Aviation
Read More
Doris Academy
High School Diploma
Read More