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Employment at Southeast Sea Kayaks

Southeast Sea Kayaks is dedicated to providing exceptional sea kayaking trips to visitors from cruise ships 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. Most of our employees are local to the Ketchikan area; however we do have limited openings for sea kayak guides interested in coming to Ketchikan each year. 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.

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 2008 season.
3. A photo (optional)
4. A cover letter describing your experience and interest in working for Southeast Sea Kayaks.

Thanks for checking in. We are currently recruiting for all positions for the 2008 season.

Van Drivers: Pick up and drop off clients for sea kayak trips in a 14 passenger van. The van driver is responsible for accounting for all clients for each trip and getting them to the store in a timely manner. Van drivers clean and maintain the van and help out in the store in between pick-ups. Van drivers may be cross trained to be an assistant guide on kayak trips if interested.

Van Driver Requirements: Must be 21 years old and be a US Citizen or legally able to work in the USA. Must have a current drivers license and clean driving record. Excellent customer service and organizational skills.

Sea Kayak Guide Job Description: Guides will lead daily tours (see our half day tour descriptions) in the local Ketchikan waters and 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 give paddling instruction, lead safe tours according company guidlelines and provide an interesting and informative narratives. 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 2008 season will be conducted from May 6th to 12th. 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
We have full or part time positions for van drivers available.

Salary
Van drivers are paid $11 - $13 per hour depending on experience.

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 $350 to $550 per month in rent for shared accommodations.