Kayak Tour Guide
Posted by Olympic Kayak Tours on 03/04/2025
Job Basics
Industry Sector: Outdoor, WaterSports
Job Categories: Customer Service, Guide (raft,fish,bike hunt,horse etc.), Outdoor Education
Company Type: Recreation, Service, TravelandTourism
State: WA
City: Port Townsend
Country: United States
Required Experience: 1 - 3 years
Contact Name: Austin Burnett
Job Type: Seasonal Part Time
Salary: $20-$25/hr, DOE
Required to Relocate:
Required to Travel:
Employee May Telecommute: No
Job Seeker Must Live Within: 25 miles
Job Description & Requirements
Lead Kayak Tour Guide
Assistant Kayak Tour Guide positions also available--submit your resume/cover letter for more info!
***Housing Available for Summer Staff!!***
Location: Port Townsend, WA and surrounding areas
Status: Part-time seasonal, hourly
Compensation: $20-$25 per hour, DOE
Reports to: Kayak Operations Manager
Position Overview
The Lead Sea Kayak Guide is responsible for leading and managing our sea kayak tours of the Olympic Peninsula and Puget Sound, providing guests with an exciting, safe, and informative experience. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of marine ecosystems, expert kayaking skills, and the ability to engage and inspire guests of all experience levels. The Lead Kayak Tour Guide will oversee tours, manage assistant guides, manage the safety of all participants, and educate guests about the local environment while maintaining a fun and supportive atmosphere. This includes preparing, leading, and setting up/breaking down all elements of the tours, as well as being an engaged member of the larger team. The Lead Sea Kayak Guide prioritizes the customer experience and works proactively to be a steward of our region.
Job Responsibilities
Guiding
? Run guided tours (primarily night bioluminescence tours), serve as an expert and environmental steward. Demonstrate professionalism and leadership; exceed client expectations.
? Lead junior guiding staff during all stages of a tour.
? 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.
? Responsible for all set up, touring, breakdown, and cleaning before, during, and after tours. Ensure a safe environment for clients.
? Thoroughly pack, clean, and report repair needs for all company gear and kayaks.
? Lead a tour that meets all company protocols including time and location expectations. Prioritize friendliness and service.
Other Duties
? Be available for, and respond to, tour scheduling requests from the Operations Manager.
? Attend Company training and have a thorough understanding of the company guide manual.
? Obtain and keep current all relevant permits and certifications including First Aid and CPR.
? Proactively seek out continuing education on environmental regions and topics or wilderness training.
? Maintain the physical plant and equipment, keeping the space and equipment clean and organized.
? Be present and engaged with fellow team members. Adhere to all SOPs and be receptive to feedback from clients and manager.
? Handle minor interpersonal and performance issues, utilizing the support of the HR manager when necessary.
? Other duties as assigned by supervisor and in support of the Company.
Duties may change as business needs dictate. The above list is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, skills and responsibilities.
Skills and Qualifications
A passion for customer service and environmental stewardship is vital. The ideal candidate will possess the following:
? Available to work April - October
? Have established tour guiding skills in a wilderness setting environment
? Have established sea kayaking skills and knowledge including technique, rescue protocol, tides/currents, and navigation equipment
? Strong leadership skills in outdoor activities
? Strong customers service and hospitality skills
? A degree in natural sciences or outdoor recreation is a plus
? ACA/BCU certifications are a plus
? Working knowledge of the Olympic Peninsula and Puget Sound area waterways, wildlife, and natural history of the area
? Experience in kayaking and traveling in a marine environment
? Ability to lift 50+ pounds
? Clean driving record
? Ability to load/drive/park kayak trailers
? Current First-Aid and CPR certification
Schedule and Benefits
This position is part-time, seasonal, hourly, non-exempt. This role includes travel to multiple sites, and frequent morning, early/late evening, and weekend availability is required. Employees receive paid sick leave in accordance with Washington state law.
Olympic Kayak Tours Equal Employment Opportunity Policy
Olympic Kayak Tours provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, pregnancy status, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
About Olympic Kayak Tours
Olympic Kayak Tours LLC provides the highest quality sea kayaking eco-adventures. We have a commitment to excellence in safety, fun for the customer, environmental and wildlife sensitivity, customer service and providing an educational experience. We seek to raise awareness that wildlife are subjects and not objects, with priorities of their own. We seek to inspire a love of nature and wildlife with joyful and exciting sea kayak adventures!
