Sea Kayak Guide/Naturlist

Overview

The Sea Kayak Guide and Naturalist (‘guide’) is a mature, personable member of the Outdoor Odysseys staff, available for a minimum of 2 consecutive summer seasons, May-September. Under general guidance of the Outdoor Odysseys (‘OO’) Owner/Operator, guides are responsible for preparing and leading sea kayaking tours ranging from 3 hour half-day tours to 4 day (or more) overnight tours. Tours are designed with a high standard of quality in safety, naturalism, itinerary, campsite maintenance, and cuisine; guides are encouraged to bring their own creativity, passion, and skills to these areas. Guides are expected to apply expertise and thoroughness to all aspects of a trip, from preliminary planning and packing through trip clean-up.

Responsibilities include:
-Plan, pack, and execute single and multi-day sea kayaking expeditions, customized to guests’ interest and needs (physical, dietary, etc).
-Instruct beginner to intermediate paddlers on paddling technique, safety, and assisted rescue.
-Share and discuss natural history and pertinent wildlife knowledge with customers, including legal requirements for proximity with protected wildlife interactions.
-Design menus specific to trip dietary restrictions. Pack and purchase food within financial guidelines.
-Individually prepare three meals a day for up to 8 customers. Collaborate effectively with other guides for larger groups.
-Thoroughly pack, clean, and report repair needs for all Outdoor Odysseys gear and kayaks.
-Participate in all aspects of improving the team, including education/training of other team members and contributing to process/communication improvement initiatives.
-Work with Owner and HR Manager to set professional goals for career development.
-Act as back-up for other team members and functions, as needed.
-Perform other duties as assigned by Owner.

Tagged as: Water Skills

Qualifications:

Wilderness First Responder certified and up to date (completed in advance of hire).
Adult and Child CPR certified.
Demonstrated ACA Level 3 skills or comparable experience.

Required Skills:

The nature of the work may require exposure to inclement weather conditions and hazardous conditions on the water.
Must be willing to work in a variety of weather conditions.
Must possess the physical characteristics to perform the duties of the job including sufficient strength to lift 60 lbs.
Must be able to paddle approximately 10-12 miles per day and tow a customer’s kayak in case of emergency.
Driver’s license and a satisfactory driving record

Preferred Skills:

Formal education, degree, or equivalent experience in the natural history disciplines (e.g. biology, ornithology, environmental studies, etc.).
Completed outdoor guide training program (e.g. NOLS, IWLS).
ACA Level 3 certified, or equivalent experience.