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Kayaking Guide Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

For more than 130 years, PeaceHealth has been guided by a mission of improving the health and ... Year-round outdoor recreation including hiking, biking, kayaking, skiing, and camping * Family ...

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Kayaking Guide information

See Portland, OR salary details

$7

$18

$31

How much do kayaking guide jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for kayaking guide in Portland, OR is $18.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.75 and $22.45 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a kayaking guide?

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 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 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 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 are popular job titles related to Kayaking Guide jobs in Portland, OR?

For Kayaking Guide jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Kayaking Guide jobs in Portland, OR look for?

The top searched job categories for Kayaking Guide jobs in Portland, OR are:

Infographic showing various Kayaking Guide job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,092 per year, or $18.3 per hour.

Assistant Nurse Manager - Perioperative Services

PeaceHealth

Vancouver, WA • On-site

$134K - $201K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago


PeaceHealth rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 175 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

163rd of 898 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Lead with Purpose. Inspire Excellence. Grow Your Career at PeaceHealth.
Are you a perioperative nurse leader ready to take the next step in your career? PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center in beautiful Vancouver, Washington is seeking an Assistant Nurse Manager for Perioperative Services to help lead our Pre/Post team and support exceptional patient care in a collaborative, mission-driven environment.
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced RN who is passionate about servant leadership, caregiver development, and delivering outstanding surgical patient experiences. In partnership with the Nurse Manager, you'll help guide daily operations, support quality and safety initiatives, mentor caregivers, and foster a culture built on compassion, respect, and clinical excellence.
Why PeaceHealth?
At PeaceHealth, our mission is simple: to improve the health and wellbeing of the communities we serve. We believe exceptional patient care starts with supporting our caregivers. Here, you'll join a team that values collaboration, inclusivity, continuous learning, and whole-person care for patients and caregivers alike.
You'll work alongside experienced clinical leaders who are committed to professional growth, innovation, and creating an environment where every caregiver can thrive.
Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $134,264 - $201,406 annually
In addition to competitive compensation, PeaceHealth offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your physical, emotional, financial, social, and spiritual wellbeing, including:
  • Medical, dental, and vision coverage
  • Generous paid time off
  • 403(b) retirement plan with employer contributions and matching opportunities
  • Employer-paid life and disability insurance
  • Tuition reimbursement and continuing education support
  • Employee wellness programs
  • Expanded Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and mental health resources
  • Professional development and leadership growth opportunities

What You'll Do
What You'll Do
  • Partner with the Nurse Manager to support daily operations of the Perioperative Services Pre/Post team.
  • Assist with hiring, staffing, scheduling, onboarding, and caregiver development.
  • Promote a culture of safety, quality, accountability, and exceptional patient care.
  • Support performance management, staff coaching, and professional growth initiatives.
  • Help lead quality improvement efforts, operational projects, and budget monitoring.
  • Foster strong communication and collaboration across multidisciplinary teams.

What We're Looking For
Required Qualifications
  • BSN or current enrollment in BSN program
  • Current Registered Nurse license in the state of Washington (or ability to obtain)
  • Basic Life Support (BLS) & ACLS certification upon hire
  • Minimum three years of applicable nursing experience
  • Charge nurse experience gained within the last two years

Live and Work in Vancouver, Washington
Vancouver offers the perfect blend of professional opportunity and Pacific Northwest lifestyle. Located just across the Columbia River from Portland, Oregon, Vancouver provides access to world-class dining, arts, outdoor recreation, and a thriving healthcare community while maintaining a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere.
Enjoy:
  • No state income tax in Washington
  • Easy access to Portland's urban amenities
  • Hiking, biking, kayaking, and year-round outdoor adventures
  • Nearby Columbia River Gorge, Mount St. Helens, and the Oregon Coast
  • Vibrant neighborhoods, local breweries, farmers markets, and cultural events
  • A strong sense of community and exceptional quality of life

Join a Team That Makes a Difference
If you're ready to help lead a high-performing perioperative team while advancing your nursing leadership career, we'd love to hear from you.
Apply today and become part of PeaceHealth's mission of exceptional care, compassionate service, and community wellness.
PeaceHealth is committed to inclusivity, respect for diversity, and cultural humility. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences. PeaceHealth is an EEO Affirmative Action Employer/Veterans/Disabled.

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About PeaceHealth

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

PeaceHealth, based in Vancouver, WA, is a not-for-profit Catholic health system employing approximately 16,000 caregivers, a multi-specialty medical group practice with more than 1,200 providers and 10 medical centers serving both urban and rural communities in Washington, Oregon, Alaska. In 1890, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace founded what has become PeaceHealth. Today, the legacy of its founding Sisters continues with a spirit of respect, stewardship, collaboration and social justice in fulfilling its Mission. Get a feeling for the Spirit of PeaceHealth through this three-minute video, and visit us on Facebook or LinkedIn! We offer competitive compensation, a robust benefitspackage and a collaborative, Mission-driven work environment! To learn more please visit: jobs.peacehealth.org. Questions? Review our Employment FAQor email Recruitment@peacehealth.org. Please note this email does not accept resumes or applications.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Vancouver, WA, US

Year founded

1890

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