Lead Sea Kayaking Instructor

Overview

Position Description

Our two Sea Kayaking Instructors will run six multi-day programs in the Prince William Sound out of Whittier between June and August. Instructors will provide a safe, inclusive space for a diverse group of Alaskan youth and teachers while managing the inherent risks of sea kayaking in a remote wilderness area. Instructors will work alongside Chugach National Forest rangers and staff to deliver programs, requiring excellent collaboration and communication skills to maintain a positive relationship with our partners. Additionally, a student leader (program alum) will be part of the leadership team on each trip.

Each Sea Kayaking Instructor will independently guide one multi-day Teacher Training course with the National Park Service in Kenai Fjords (Seward) or the US Forest Service in the Prince William Sound (Whittier), respectively. These courses require exceptional collaboration and communication skills with our USFS and NPS partners to ensure the trip meets educational goals.

– Deliver exceptional multi-day base-camped kayaking and stewardship expeditions

– Work closely in a demanding environment with a small kayak staff team (2) from May-August

– Ensure safety of 7-10 participants (teens and adults) in a dynamic outdoor environment – including, but not limited to, the management of water and kayaks, wildlife, cooking and stove use, off-trail hiking and navigation in unpredictable and extreme weather conditions.

– Administer risk management framework, often in partnership with agency staff in the field

(backcountry rangers, etc)

– Effectively work alongside agency partners to establish specific program goals and review risk management policies and procedures

– Serve as primary Wilderness First Responder

– Communicate clearly and effectively to other guides, students, office staff, and agency partners

– Use and teach tide charts, maps, and marine navigation

– Facilitate place-based learning and group discussions

– Assist Program Coordinator with pre and post trip gear logistics – including, but not limited to, menu planning, food purchasing, gear pulls, van loading, etc (non-field work is paid at an hourly rate)

– Drive 15 passenger van with kayak trailer on city streets, unpaved roads, and on the Seward highway

– Other Education related duties as assigned

Tagged as: Backcountry Skills, Conservation, Full Time, Instruction and Guiding, Teaching/Education, Water Skills

Qualifications:

Qualifications

- 21+ years old

- 2+ seasons of guiding or instructing experience, preferably in Alaska

- 2+ seasons of experience working with teens

- ACA Level II certification, equivalent experience or ability to obtain prior to June 6 (course in AK May 18-22)

- Wilderness First Responder and CPR

- Must be able to comfortably guide in a kayak with a 22" cockpit, or provide a custom boat

- Must have valid driver's license

- Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.

Required Skills:

Ability to work effectively with co-guide in a diverse, fast-paced, demanding environment with a high level of responsibility.

- Willingness to be flexible and adaptable, understanding that programs may change on short notice due to weather, border closures, ferry delays, water taxi delays, agency partner abilities, or other unpredictable circumstances. These situations may unexpectedly extend program days.

- Must be able to lift 60 pounds regularly

Preferred Skills:

- Strong preference is given to applicants local to Alaska.

- Proven group management experience in an expedition setting.

- Comfortable working with highly diverse teen groups, including groups where English is not students' primary language