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Employment at Southeast Sea Kayaks

Southeast Sea Kayaks is dedicated to providing exceptional sea kayaking trips to cruise ship visitors and independent travelers. We are fortunate to have some of the best kayaking in Southeast Alaska right at our doorstep including the spectacular Misty Fjords National Monument. We are committed to employing people with a passion for sea kayaking and for Southeast Alaska's beautiful natural environment. Many of our employees are local to the Ketchikan area; however we do have some openings for people interested in coming to Ketchikan for the summer.

Applicants do not have to be expert sea kayakers as we provide extensive training. We are looking for enthusiastic, motivated people who are committed to our goal of providing every one of our clients with an exceptional experience. Unfortunately we cannot sponsor work visas: all applicants must be US citizens or legally able to work in the USA.

Why Work for Southeast Sea Kayaks?
There are literally hundreds of companies that hire seasonal workers so why choose to apply to Southeast Sea Kayaks? Alaska is a truly special place and we are a unique company. Many of our employees become part of our family and we stay in touch for years to come. As a small company, we offer many benefits that larger companies cannot. Our employees can use our kayaks and equipment on their days off and we encourage them to take kayak camping trips and to see the best of our local area. Employees can also purchase gear and clothing at discounted rates through our kayak store. Did we mention that you get paid to kayak in Alaska? If you love to kayak and be outdoors and enjoy sharing that with others then please read on…

Please read over our website and the job descriptions below. If you are genuinely interested and meet the requirements, please email us at: paddle@kayakketchikan.com and include:

1. Your resume,
2. The dates you will be available to work for the 2010 season
3. A photo (optional but very helpful)
4. A cover letter describing your experience and interest in working for Southeast Sea Kayaks.

Our hiring process for the 2010 season begins January 1st and we usually have all positions filled by the end of February.

Boat Captains
Full time position for a Captain with a USCG 25 ton Master's License. Captains will drive our 22 & 26 foot Hewescrafts for the Orcas Cove tour and the water taxi service to Misty Fjords. Must be available to work at least June 1st through September 15th.


Office Manager
Our Office Manager is the heart of the organization. Job duties include answering phones, taking reservations, dispatching tours and working at our retail counter. This is a fun, fast paced position ideal for someone interested in a career in tourism or outdoor recreation who is interested in learning about all facets of a small business. The office manager may choose to be trained as an assistant guide if they so desire. Requirements: proficiency in standard office computer systems, ability to handle cash & credit card transactions and experience in a customer service environment. Must be available to work May 1st through September 15th. Starting wage $12 - $13 per hour depending on experience.

Sea Kayak Guides - All Positions Filled Please Check Back in 2011
Guides will lead daily tours (see our half day tour descriptions) in the local Ketchikan waters. Qualified candidates (must have Wilderness 1st Aid & back country experience) may lead overnight trips in the Misty Fjords. Being a sea kayak guide is fun and hard work: guides begin very early in the morning and may work well into the evening. On busy days guides may paddle 3 trips but there are also quiet days where guides will paddle only one trip. Guides will drive clients in our 14 passenger van and may spend 1 day per week working in our store or on board one of our boats. Guides give paddling instruction, lead safe tours according company guidelines and provide an interesting and informative narrative. Guides set up kayaks for each tour and must be able to move and carry kayaks. Guides will also work in our retail store and help with maintenance projects.

Sea Kayak Guide Requirements: A genuine love of kayaking and interest in guiding safe, fun and informative trips are the most important qualities we seek in our guides. Guides do not need to be expert sea kayakers as we provide extensive training. Guides must possess strong communication skills, be physically fit and be able to work long hours during the busy summer months. Guides must be First Aid and CPR certified; at least 21 years of age and be legally able to work in the United States.

Sea Kayak Guide Training: Training for the 2010 season will be conducted in early May and throughout the season.Training consists of sea kayak skills training, rescue training and trip leadership training all of which is conducted in kayaks and drysuits. Training, like sea kayaking, is physically demanding and it is helpful to be able to swim. We also spend time learning about the local area and ecology and training in our retail store operations. Guides will take a skills test at the end of the training.

Availability
Our season runs May 5th - September 25th. We need several guides who are available for the entire season as well as some who work only the busy months of June, July & August. All applicants must be available to work at least 13 weeks. Please carefully consider the dates that you are available to work before applying.

Salary
First year guides begin at $10 per hour plus tips and season completion bonus.

Drug Free Policy
Southeast Sea Kayaks is a drug free employer. All employees will be required to submit to a pre-employment drug test and participate in a random screening program.

Uniform & Equipment
Southeast Sea Kayaks provides guides with Kokatat life vests and Werner paddles and all paddling equipment and kayaks. Uniforms are also provided and a dress code and grooming standards are enforced. Guides provide their own khaki pants and shorts, capilene or polypropylene thermals, raingear and waterproof shoes. All these items are essential for working in Southeast Alaska's rainy environment and having them is not optional: guides without suitable work attire can purchase a basic kit from us when they begin work.

Transportation & Housing
Southeast Sea Kayaks does not provide transportation to Alaska. Alaska Airlines flies to Ketchikan from Seattle. Vehicles (and people) may be transported on the Alaska Marine Highway Ferry System. Ferries depart from Bellingham, Washington or Prince Rupert, B.C. Southeast Sea Kayaks will assist guides in finding accommodation in Ketchikan. We cannot assist people wishing to bring pets. The cost of living in Alaska is relatively high. Expect to pay $400 to $550 per month in rent for shared accommodations.