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Kayaking Guide Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

Chef de Cuisine @ Sand Valley

Nekoosa, WI · On-site

$68K - $94K/yr

Beyond premier golf, Sand Valley is a year-round celebration of all the outdoors from fat-tire biking, hiking, and kayaking to ice hockey, skating, or a guided cold plunge. The resort now features a ...

Chef de Cuisine @ Sand Valley

Nekoosa, WI · On-site

$68K - $94K/yr

Beyond premier golf, Sand Valley is a year-round celebration of all the outdoors from fat-tire biking, hiking, and kayaking to ice hockey, skating, or a guided cold plunge. The resort now features a ...

Chef de Cuisine @ Sand Valley

Nekoosa, WI · On-site

$68K - $94K/yr

Beyond premier golf, Sand Valley is a year-round celebration of all the outdoors from fat-tire biking, hiking, and kayaking to ice hockey, skating, or a guided cold plunge. The resort now features a ...

Outside Services Attendant @ Lido

Nekoosa, WI · On-site

$14.50 - $18.25/hr

Beyond premier golf, Sand Valley is a year-round celebration of all the outdoors from fat-tire biking, hiking, and kayaking to ice hockey, skating, or a guided cold plunge. The resort now features a ...

Grounds Care Technician @ The Lido

Nekoosa, WI

$15.75 - $20.25/hr

Beyond premier golf, Sand Valley is a year-round celebration of all the outdoors from fat-tire biking, hiking, and kayaking to ice hockey, skating, or a guided cold plunge. The resort now features a ...

Starter @ Sand Valley

Nekoosa, WI · On-site

$18 - $22/hr

Beyond premier golf, Sand Valley is a year-round celebration of all the outdoors from fat-tire biking, hiking, and kayaking to ice hockey, skating, or a guided cold plunge. The resort now features a ...

Public Area Attendant @ Sand Valley

Nekoosa, WI · On-site

$14.50 - $18.25/hr

Beyond premier golf, Sand Valley is a year-round celebration of all the outdoors from fat-tire biking, hiking, and kayaking to ice hockey, skating, or a guided cold plunge. The resort now features a ...

Starter @ Sand Valley

Nekoosa, WI

$18 - $22/hr

Beyond premier golf, Sand Valley is a year-round celebration of all the outdoors from fat-tire biking, hiking, and kayaking to ice hockey, skating, or a guided cold plunge. The resort now features a ...

Public Area Attendant @ Sand Valley

Nekoosa, WI · On-site

$14.50 - $18.25/hr

Beyond premier golf, Sand Valley is a year-round celebration of all the outdoors from fat-tire biking, hiking, and kayaking to ice hockey, skating, or a guided cold plunge. The resort now features a ...

Grounds Care Technician @ The Lido

Nekoosa, WI · On-site

$15.75 - $20.25/hr

Beyond premier golf, Sand Valley is a year-round celebration of all the outdoors from fat-tire biking, hiking, and kayaking to ice hockey, skating, or a guided cold plunge. The resort now features a ...

Grounds Care Technician @ The Lido

Nekoosa, WI

$15.75 - $20.25/hr

Beyond premier golf, Sand Valley is a year-round celebration of all the outdoors from fat-tire biking, hiking, and kayaking to ice hockey, skating, or a guided cold plunge. The resort now features a ...

Beyond premier golf, Sand Valley is a year-round celebration of all the outdoors from fat-tire biking, hiking, and kayaking to ice hockey, skating, or a guided cold plunge. The resort now features a ...

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Kayaking Guide information

See Wisconsin salary details

$7

$17

$29

How much do kayaking guide jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for kayaking guide in Wisconsin is $17.43, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.12 and $21.35 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Kayaking Guides?

Kayaking Guides are outdoor professionals who lead individuals or groups on kayaking trips, ensuring safety, providing instruction, and sharing knowledge about the local environment. They are responsible for planning routes, supplying equipment, and teaching proper paddling techniques. Kayaking Guides also often share information about wildlife, natural features, and local history, making the experience educational as well as enjoyable. Their primary goal is to create a safe, memorable, and fun adventure for all participants.

What are some common challenges faced by Kayaking Guides, and how can they be managed effectively?

Kayaking Guides often face challenges such as rapidly changing weather conditions, varying skill levels among clients, and ensuring group safety on the water. Managing these challenges involves thorough pre-trip briefings, continuous monitoring of environmental conditions, and adapting plans as needed to prioritize safety. Effective communication and strong situational awareness are essential, as is maintaining certifications in first aid and water rescue. Building experience through regular training helps guides handle unexpected situations confidently.

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

To thrive as a Kayaking Guide, you need strong paddling proficiency, water safety knowledge, and typically a relevant certification such as ACA or BCU. Familiarity with GPS devices, rescue equipment, and first aid/CPR certification are commonly required. Exceptional communication, leadership, and crisis management skills help guides effectively instruct and reassure diverse groups. These abilities are vital for ensuring client safety, providing memorable experiences, and responding calmly to emergencies in dynamic outdoor environments.

What is the difference between Kayaking Guide vs Canoe Guide?

AspectKayaking GuideCanoe Guide
CertificationsFirst Aid, CPR, paddling certificationsFirst Aid, CPR, paddling certifications
Work EnvironmentRivers, lakes, calm or whitewaterRivers, lakes, calm or whitewater
Industry UsageAdventure tourism, outdoor recreationAdventure tourism, outdoor recreation
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

Both kayaking guides and canoe guides work in outdoor water environments, often in adventure tourism. They require similar certifications and serve similar industries. The main difference lies in the type of watercraft they specialize in—kayaking guides focus on kayaks, while canoe guides work with canoes. Their roles are comparable, with overlapping skills and work settings, making them common points of comparison for those interested in water-based guiding careers.

What job categories do people searching Kayaking Guide jobs in Wisconsin look for? The top searched job categories for Kayaking Guide jobs in Wisconsin are:

Chef de Cuisine @ Sand Valley

Lever Organic

Nekoosa, WI • On-site

$68K - $94K/yr

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

Sand Valley is a golf resort and community settled gently upon 12,000 acres of rugged, pre-historic sand dunes in central Wisconsin. Here, residents and guests will find six world-class golf courses built in harmony with the land: Sand Valley, Mammoth Dunes, Sandbox, The Lido, Sedge Valley, and Commons.  Founded in 2016 by brothers Michael and Chris Keiser, the resort is known for its friendly hospitality and a community of golf and outdoor enthusiasts who have been drawn to the raw beauty and serenity of the vast Wisconsin Wilderness.
 
Beyond premier golf, Sand Valley is a year-round celebration of all the outdoors from fat-tire biking, hiking, and kayaking to ice hockey, skating, or a guided cold plunge. The resort now features a 13,000-square-foot Tennis Center with 16 grass tennis courts and the eleventh Court Tennis facility in the United States. Alongside soul-stirring golf and outdoor exploration, Sand Valley offers a variety of savory dining venues showcasing globally inspired and rustic Wisconsin cuisine.
 
The Sand Valley team works together to create experiences of a lifetime by asking questions and sharing ideas. With authenticity and a hard-working attitude, Sand Valley helps guide guests through an immersive experience in Wisconsin's natural beauty and away from the demands of daily life.
Position Summary

As Chef de Cuisine at The Gallery, you will lead day-to-day culinary operations for Sand Valley’s Italian restaurant, working closely with chefs, service leaders, and culinary team members to deliver consistent food and thoughtful service. You will guide menu execution, food quality, sanitation, and team development while remaining hands-on in the kitchen. Through steady leadership and attention to detail, you will help create a warm, lively dining experience centered on handcrafted pizzas, Italian classics, and fresh local ingredients.

What You’ll Do
  • Lead daily culinary operations at The Gallery with a steady focus on quality, consistency, timing, and presentation.
  • Serve as a working chef, staying actively engaged in preparation, service, and team support.
  • Train, coach, schedule, and develop kitchen team members in partnership with the Executive Chef and Executive Sous Chef.
  • Support menu development, costing, inventory, purchasing, product sourcing, and seasonal execution.
  • Monitor food cost, labor, waste, organization, and overall kitchen efficiency.
  • Uphold all health, safety, sanitation, and food handling standards.
  • Partner with front of house leadership to support a seamless, warm, and well paced guest experience.
  • Lead with calm urgency in a high volume, hospitality driven service environment.
  • Maintain a clean, organized, and well prepared kitchen operation.
What You’ll Bring
  • Culinary degree required.
  • Minimum of five years of culinary experience, including supervisory or leadership responsibility.
  • Experience with Italian cuisine, pizza, resort dining, or high volume hospitality preferred.
  • ServSafe or applicable state food safety certification required.
  • Strong leadership, communication, organization, and coaching skills.
  • Working knowledge of food cost, labor planning, inventory, and kitchen operations.
  • Clear, steady communication and the ability to build trust with culinary and service teams.
  • Ability to work a flexible schedule, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
Working Conditions

This role operates in a commercial kitchen and resort environment. Conditions may include heat, sharp objects, moving equipment, varying noise levels, and seasonal changes in business volume.

Perks
  • Golf Privileges
  • Retail and Restaurant Discounts
  • Employee Meal Program
  • Uniform Benefit Provided
  • Employee Assistance Program – Canopy
Classification
  • Full-Time \u007C Salaried \u007C Exempt
Ready to Apply?

If you enjoy hands on culinary leadership, thoughtful hospitality, and the opportunity to shape the daily rhythm of a restaurant with a strong sense of place, we would love to connect.

Sand Valley LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer
 
We participate in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility.
 
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#LI-WD1 

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.