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Kayak Guide Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Marquette Mountain

Kayak Tour Guide

Marquette, MI · On-site

$14/hr

Kayak Tour Guides are expected to assist with guest check-in and transit, unloading/loading of kayak equipment and gear, and will lead tours while on the water in an orderly and organized fashion.

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How much do kayak guide jobs pay per hour?

As of May 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for kayak guide in Michigan is $14.08, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.54 and $13.22 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Kayak Guide, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Kayak Guide, you need strong paddling proficiency, knowledge of water safety, and often certifications in first aid and CPR. Familiarity with navigation tools, rescue equipment, and sometimes swiftwater rescue certification are typically required. Excellent communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills help guides manage groups and respond to challenges on the water. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring client safety, providing memorable experiences, and handling emergencies effectively.

What are some common challenges faced by Kayak Guides during group excursions, and how can they be managed?

Kayak Guides often encounter challenges such as varying skill levels among participants, unpredictable weather conditions, and ensuring group safety on the water. Managing these challenges involves thorough pre-trip briefings, assessing each participant's abilities, and adapting routes or plans as needed. Guides must remain vigilant, communicate clearly, and be prepared to handle emergencies, making strong leadership and quick decision-making essential in this role.

What are kayak guides?

Kayak guides are outdoor professionals who lead individuals or groups on kayaking trips, ensuring safety, providing instruction, and sharing knowledge about the local environment and wildlife. They are responsible for planning routes, teaching paddling techniques, and responding to emergencies on the water. Kayak guides often work for tour companies, outdoor adventure programs, or parks, and must possess strong paddling skills, first aid training, and excellent communication abilities.

What is the difference between Kayak Guide vs Canoe Guide?

AspectKayak GuideCanoe Guide
Required CertificationsCPR, First Aid, guiding certificationsCPR, First Aid, guiding certifications
Work EnvironmentRivers, lakes, coastal watersRivers, lakes, coastal waters
Industry UsageTourism, outdoor recreationTourism, outdoor recreation
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

Both Kayak Guides and Canoe Guides work in similar outdoor environments, often requiring similar certifications like CPR and First Aid. They serve in the tourism and outdoor recreation industries, guiding clients on water adventures. The main difference lies in the equipment used: kayak guides specialize in single or double kayaks, while canoe guides focus on canoes. Understanding these distinctions helps travelers choose the right guide for their water activity experience.

What are popular job titles related to Kayak Guide jobs in Michigan? For Kayak Guide jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Kayak Guide jobs in Michigan look for? The top searched job categories for Kayak Guide jobs in Michigan are:
Kayak Guide jobs near you
Infographic showing various Kayak Guide job openings in Michigan as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, and 20% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $29,294 per year, or $14.1 per hour.
Kayak Tour Guide

Kayak Tour Guide

Marquette Mountain Resort LLC

Marquette, MI • On-site

$14/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Job Type
Part-time
Description
About Us:
Discover the allure of the Northwoods at Marquette Mountain Resort. Immerse yourself in our passion for providing an exceptional experience, where every detail is carefully considered. Our resort offers year-round adventure and stunning natural beauty across all four seasons. Whether you seek the thrill of the slopes or the tranquility of the trails, you'll be captivated by the spectacular views of Lake Superior. Conveniently located just minutes from downtown Marquette, Michigan, our resort is your gateway to an unforgettable getaway.
Our values of Honoring Commitments, Creating Positive Experiences, Fostering Lifelong Learning, Exhibiting Pioneering Spirit, and Demonstrating Good Stewardship permeates every aspect of our company. Join us in growing all aspects of our business while embodying these values.
Shift: Must be open for Weekdays, Weekends, Days and Afternoon
Job Purpose:
The designated tour guide of any MMR kayak tour is responsible for the tour's safe preparation and operation on and off the water. Kayak Tour Guides are expected to assist with guest check-in and transit, unloading/loading of kayak equipment and gear, and will lead tours while on the water in an orderly and organized fashion. Guides will maintain an understanding of and stay consistently updated on wind/wave/weather patterns and conditions relevant to the day's operations.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Assist in the check-in procedures of guests, organizing them into tour groups, arranging or conducting shuttle transportation, etc.
  • Assist with loading and unloading of equipment at start and end of day.
  • Maintain constant awareness of changing weather conditions relevant to the location/tour being given to interpret and make decisions based on meteorological reports.
  • Brief tour guests on kayak safety, techniques, and emergency procedures prior to every tour.
  • Ensure that all kayak and related equipment is kept clean, organized, accounted for, and in operational condition.
  • Act as leader and main authority while on-water, instructing and guiding the tour as needed.
  • React quickly to emergency situations and properly respond to them on and off the water.
  • All other duties as assigned.

The above list reflects the general details necessary to describe the principle and essential functions of the position and shall not be construed as the only duties that may be assigned for the position. An individual in this position must be able to successfully perform the essential duties and responsibilities listed above. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.
Minimum Qualifications:
  • Required: ACA (American Canoe Association) Certification that is equivalent to paddling on Lake Superior, and is current and not expired.
  • Strong communication skills and leadership ability
  • Organizational skills with ability to plan ahead
  • Ability to work manual labor in all weather conditions
  • Skilled in the proper and safe use of all equipment, tools, products, and materials relating to the department
  • Trailer driving experience preferred but not required

Education: High school diploma or GED equivalent
Experience and/or Training: Minimum of two years experience preferred, but not required.
Licenses/Certificates: Valid driver's license required, First Aid/CPR/AED, ACA (American
Canoe Association) Certification that is equivalent to paddling on Lake Superior, and is current
and not expired.
Technology/Equipment: Sea Kayak, PFD, Spray Skirt, Marine Band VHF Radio, Kayak Paddle
Physical and mental demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • Regularly required to sit, stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; and climb or balance
  • The employee is frequently required to sit and stoop, kneel, and crouch.
  • Must regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 100 pounds with assistance.
  • Specific vision requirements of this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus
  • Specific hearing requirements of this job include unaided ability to hear guest and staff
  • conversations, two-way and weather radio transmissions, and the ability to sense changes in weather conditions on open water
  • Must be able to handle the high pressure of open water and vehicle operating emergencies and to be able to process and make good decisions regarding the safety of themselves and others quickly and to act on those decisions
  • The employee will occasionally be required to swim, tread water, and rescue themselves and others back into a kayak.

Equipment Used:
  • Sea Kayak (Single or Tandem, 14-20ft)
  • 220-230cm Paddle
  • VHF Marine-Band Radio
  • Paddle Float
  • Bilge Pump
  • Tow Rope
  • Compass
  • Spray Skirt
  • PFD
  • Kayak Trailer
  • 15 Passenger Van
  • Kayak Truck/Trailer

Working Environment:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • Occasionally exposed to harsh outside weather conditions.
  • Occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions; cold water exposure, or extended sun and heat exposure.
  • Occasionally experience weather events, such as storms, swells, rogue waves/wind, etc.

Benefits (depended on status and hours worked)
Insurance:
  • Medical - PPO and HDHP options
  • Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
  • Health Savings Account (HSA) with company match
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Accident & Critical Illness Insurance
  • Group Term Life Insurance (company paid)
  • Short and Long-Term Disability (company paid)

Paid Time Off:
  • Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • Paid Holidays
  • Volunteer Time-Off
  • Paid Maternity/Paternity Leave
  • Bereavement/Funeral

Compensation:
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan with company match

Other:
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Wellness incentives
  • Company paid and provided uniforms
  • Training: In-House, Instructor-Led, and Online

Marquette Mountain is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability
Salary Description
14.00/hr.

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