Ketchikan & Misty Fjords, AlaskaExceptional Employees Wanted
Applicants should have some kayaking experience but 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 Us?
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…
When and How to Apply
We begin hiring for the upcoming summer in early January and usually have all positions filled by mid February. Please read over our website to learn about our tours and read all of the employment information below which should answer most questions about housing, travel, uniforms etc. If you are genuinely interested and meet the requirements, please email us at: paddle@kayakketchikan.com and include:
- your resume
- a cover letter explaining why you would like to work for Southeast Sea Kayaks
- a current photo (optional)
- the dates you are available to work for the season
Boat Captain - Filled for 2012
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. Ideally, Boat Captains also train as sea kayak guides and will occasionally work on board the mothership as host. Must be available to work at least June 1st through September 1st
Sea Kayak Guide - 1 position open for 2012
Guides will lead daily tours (see our half day tour descriptions) in the local Ketchikan waters. Being a sea kayak guide is fun and hard work: guides begin very early in the morning and may work well into the evening. Our schedule depends on our bookings: 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 the office 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 help with maintenance projects. Highly qualified and second year guides may also lead overnight trips in the Misty Fjord National Monument. In addition to the duties listed above for day tour guides. Guides with appropriate experience may also work as part of a team to teach kids aged between 10 and 18yrs kayaking and outdoor skills. Youth Program instructors must have experience working with kids in an outdoor setting and be able to work without supervision.
Part Time or Assistant Sea Kayak Guide- now hiring for 2012
Part time sea kayak guides have the same duties as listed above and must be available to work on Sundays. Assistant guides must be at least 17 years old. Assistant guides help with kayak loading and gear organization; host on board the Sea Spree and work with lead guides on trips with more than 6 guests. Assistant guides will go through the same training as all kayak guides and can work towards qualifying as a lead guide.
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 however, all applicants should have sufficient kayaking experience to be comfortable on the water. 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; have a driver's license and clean driving record and be legally able to work in the United States. First year sea kayak guides begin at $10 per hour plus tips - which can be a significant source of income.
Guide Training
Training consists of learning sea kayak skills, self and assisted rescues, cold water survival skills, towing, and leadership skills. Training is usually in early May (or later for peak season guides) and is conducted on the ocean 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 must pass a skills test at the end of the training.
Season and Availability
In 2012 our season runs May 5th - September 25th. We have only one remaining full-time guide position open for someone who can work at least May 19th - August 27th. Please do not apply if you cannot work these dates. Part time guides and Assistant Guides must be available to work during June, July and August.
End of Season Bonus
For all employees who work through their agreed date, we offer a bonus of $.75 per hour worked during the season.
Rain
Ketchikan is in the heart of a rain forest and gets about 164 inches of rain
each year. We kayak rain or shine so guides should be ready to work in
the rain: having the right gear (see uniforms and dress code below) really helps.
Pre-Employment and Random Drug Testing Program
Our kayak guides work aboard our vessels and are required by the US Coastguard to participate in a DOT drug testing program. All employees will be required to submit to a pre-employment drug test, post accident drug testing and participate in a random screening program
Uniforms, Dress Code and Gear Requirements
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. Many guide candidates will already possess suitable attire but if you do not already own a good quality rain or paddling jacket and pants, please consider the cost of purchasing these items when you consider employment with us.
Transportation to Ketchikan, Alaska
Southeast Sea Kayaks does not provide transportation to Alaska so please consider the cost of transportation to Ketchikan before applying for a position. Ketchikan is the southernmost town in Alaska and is located on an island that is accessible only by plane or boat. 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.
Housing
Employees may choose to find their own accommodations in Ketchikan or to live in Southeast Sea Kayaks' employee housing. Southeast Sea Kayaks subsidizes employee housing in a share house or apartment. For 2012 the maximum rent for employees in our housing will be $500 per month (includes utilities). Employees who choose to live in employee housing will sign a housing contract at the beginning of the season. We do ask that all employees be willing to share a room with a person of the same gender if necessary. We cannot provide housing for people wishing to bring pets or for friends or family members who are not employed by Southeast Sea Kayaks.
