Expedition Guide
Juneau, AK · On-site
This means we kayak among icebergs, travel to hidden waterfalls, snorkel with sea lions, dive with ... The Guide is supervised by the Expedition Leader and Lead Guide and work in teams of 2-7 members ...
Expedition Guide
Juneau, AK · On-site
This means we kayak among icebergs, travel to hidden waterfalls, snorkel with sea lions, dive with ... The Guide is supervised by the Expedition Leader and Lead Guide and work in teams of 2-7 members ...
The Guide leads groups of guests on hikes ranging from shore walks to route finding or bushwhacking, skiff tours, snorkeling, and paddle boarding, as well as whole and half day kayak trips. This ...
The Guide leads groups of guests on hikes ranging from shore walks to route finding or bushwhacking, skiff tours, snorkeling, and paddle boarding, as well as whole and half day kayak trips. This ...
Sea Kayak Guide information
What is a sea kayak guide?
Sea kayak guides are outdoor professionals who lead individuals or groups on kayaking trips in marine environments such as oceans, bays, or coastal waterways. Their responsibilities include ensuring participant safety, providing paddling instruction, interpreting local wildlife and natural features, and managing logistics for trips of varying lengths. Sea kayak guides must be knowledgeable about tides, weather, navigation, and emergency procedures. They often work for tour companies, resorts, or as independent contractors and are typically certified in first aid and water rescue techniques.
What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a sea kayak guide, and why are they important?
To thrive as a Sea Kayak Guide, you need strong paddling skills, navigational ability, and knowledge of local weather and marine environments, often backed by certifications such as ACA or BCU. Familiarity with safety equipment, GPS devices, and first aid/CPR certifications are typically required. Excellent communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills help guides manage group dynamics and respond to emergencies. These skills ensure the safety, enjoyment, and satisfaction of clients in dynamic and sometimes challenging outdoor settings.
What are some common challenges faced by sea kayak guides during tours, and how are they addressed?
Sea kayak guides often encounter challenges such as rapidly changing weather conditions, managing group dynamics among guests with varying skill levels, and ensuring safety in remote environments. To address these, guides rely on thorough pre-trip briefings, continuous weather monitoring, and strong communication skills to keep everyone informed and safe. Additionally, guides are trained in first aid and rescue techniques, and they work closely with other guides and support staff to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for all participants.
What is the difference between Sea Kayak Guide vs Canoe Guide?
| Aspect | Sea Kayak Guide | Canoe Guide |
|---|---|---|
| Certifications | CPR, First Aid, kayaking certifications | CPR, First Aid, canoeing certifications |
| Work Environment | Open water, coastal areas, marine settings | Rivers, lakes, inland waterways |
| Industry Usage | Tourism, adventure sports, eco-tours | Recreation, eco-tours, outdoor education |
The main difference between a Sea Kayak Guide and a Canoe Guide lies in their work environment and specific certifications. Sea Kayak Guides typically operate in open water and coastal areas, requiring specialized marine safety skills, while Canoe Guides work mainly on rivers and lakes. Both roles involve guiding groups, ensuring safety, and providing outdoor education, but they focus on different watercraft and settings.
What are popular job titles related to Sea Kayak Guide jobs in Alaska?
For Sea Kayak Guide jobs in Alaska, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Sea Kayak Guide jobs in Alaska look for?
The top searched job categories for Sea Kayak Guide jobs in Alaska are:
Full-time
Re-posted 10 days ago
Job description
ABOUT UNCRUISE
At UnCruise Adventures, we work together to provide an enriching adventure experience while inspiring an appreciation of local cultures and the natural world. This means we kayak among icebergs, travel to hidden waterfalls, snorkel with sea lions, dive with manta rays, and share air with whales. Our destinations include Alaska, the Hawaiian Islands, Mexico's Sea of Cortes, and Costa Rica.
Join one of our virtual information sessions to learn more about working at UnCruise-register here.
CREW PERKS
The Expedition Guide is part of a team whose goal is to inspire guests and help them understand and appreciate the areas they visit during their cruise. The Guide is supervised by the Expedition Leader and Lead Guide and work in teams of 2-7 members, along with the full vessel crew. Primary responsibilities include guiding and interpretation, onboard presentations and narration, and behind the scenes daily maintenance and programmatic tasks. Topics range from geology, glaciology, and marine biology to cultural history and current issues in local destinations. The Guide leads groups of guests on hikes ranging from shore walks to route finding or bushwhacking, skiff tours, snorkeling, and paddle boarding, as well as whole and half day kayak trips. This position takes ownership of delivering an unforgettable vacation experience to guests through sharing their knowledge, guiding excursions, and exemplary customer service, with an emphasis on safety.
QUALIFICATIONS
ONBOARD ENVIRONMENT / PHYSICAL DEMANDS / EMPLOYMENT COMPLIANCE
Pay Range
$139-$209 USD
DISCLAIMER STATEMENT
This job description is intended only to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by an employee in this position. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills or abilities required or persons so classified or assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
It is the policy of UnCruise Adventures not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, creed, religion, marital status, citizenship, the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, ancestry, national origin, or veteran status in its educational programs, activities, or employment as required by law.
At UnCruise Adventures, we work together to provide an enriching adventure experience while inspiring an appreciation of local cultures and the natural world. This means we kayak among icebergs, travel to hidden waterfalls, snorkel with sea lions, dive with manta rays, and share air with whales. Our destinations include Alaska, the Hawaiian Islands, Mexico's Sea of Cortes, and Costa Rica.
Join one of our virtual information sessions to learn more about working at UnCruise-register here.
CREW PERKS
- Room and board when scheduled
- Rotation schedule (6-8 weeks sailing with 2-3 weeks off)
- Travel stipend
- Pro deals
- Credential reimbursement (qualifications required)
- Heath care benefits (once qualifications are met)
The Expedition Guide is part of a team whose goal is to inspire guests and help them understand and appreciate the areas they visit during their cruise. The Guide is supervised by the Expedition Leader and Lead Guide and work in teams of 2-7 members, along with the full vessel crew. Primary responsibilities include guiding and interpretation, onboard presentations and narration, and behind the scenes daily maintenance and programmatic tasks. Topics range from geology, glaciology, and marine biology to cultural history and current issues in local destinations. The Guide leads groups of guests on hikes ranging from shore walks to route finding or bushwhacking, skiff tours, snorkeling, and paddle boarding, as well as whole and half day kayak trips. This position takes ownership of delivering an unforgettable vacation experience to guests through sharing their knowledge, guiding excursions, and exemplary customer service, with an emphasis on safety.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Minimum one year of naturalist interpretation or environmental education in the field and formal presentations for groups of up to 90 participants.
- Demonstrable written and verbal communications including interpretive materials and presentations development. Demonstrable ability to operate Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and photo editing software.
- Minimum education of a Bachelor of Science in natural and/or cultural history, or other relevant field of study, or equivalent experience.
- Minimum one year professional experience leading small groups in remote field settings and on the water.
- Exceptional and demonstrable customer service and problem solving skills.
- Strong preference for working in a team setting in remote environments.
- Prior small ship cruise industry experience strongly preferred.
- Wilderness First Responder (WFR)
- CPR / First Aid / AED
- Government ID (REAL ID compliant) or Passport
- Lead hiking and kayaking expeditions in remote wilderness settings with few or no defined trails, utilizing safety standards and route finding skills.
- Work within a cohesive and cooperative team led by the Expedition Leader and Lead Guide, with heavy emphasis on communication and teamwork.
- Confidently and competently lead groups of up to 20 guests in the field and on the water, and create an enjoyable experience for guests even when an excursion does not go as planned. Heavy emphasis on customer service, dynamic thinking and safety.
- Demonstrable ability to utilize a GPS, and read navigational and topographical maps and software.
- Provide in the field, hands-on interpretation, and thematic, formal onboard presentations that are integrated into a week-long interpretive program, and wildlife narration utilizing interactive tools such as maps, charts, guidebooks, power point, microscopes and spotting scopes to involve the guests.
- Develop and deliver educational presentations covering environmental science, history, or other relevant topics to the itinerary as assigned by the EL for up to 90 guests.
- Cultivate the guest experience by focusing on the observation of the surrounding geology, flora and fauna by encouraging passengers to spend as much time on deck exploring and experiencing the natural surroundings that may go unnoticed.
- Participate in the behind the scenes daily maintenance and programmatic tasks that keep our gear and program running. These tasks will include, but are not limited to, photo editing, blogging, slideshow creation, gear stowage, repair, cleaning, and organization.
- Proactively maintain the cleanliness, order and function of all Expedition tools, including kayaks, paddleboards, electronics and snorkeling gear.
- Assist in general shipboard tasks during the operating season including loading of ship's food stores, laundry, garbage, luggage, and helping the hotel staff with cleaning as needed.
- Maintain a professional demeanor and appearance amongst crew and guests at all times, while living in a close community setting.
ONBOARD ENVIRONMENT / PHYSICAL DEMANDS / EMPLOYMENT COMPLIANCE
- Living Conditions - Crew live in close quarters with 4 to 8 people of all genders per room depending on the vessel. Having your own room is not an option due to limited berthing.
- Length of Work Shift - Physically able to work 12 hours per day, 7 days a week for 6 to 8 weeks at a time. Rotations off the vessel are usually 2 to 3 weeks.
- Mobility - Frequent bending, reaching, twisting, kneeling, crawling, and pushing/pulling. Must ascend and descend stairs and ladders, sometimes while carrying tools or objects. Able to stand or sit for long periods of time.
- Handling & Strength - Able to handle, lift, and lower objects totaling 50 pounds between the ground/deck level to a height of about 4 to 6 feet, and able to repeat these movements. Able to carry these objects up to 100 feet continuously for 20 minutes.
- Environmental Conditions - Able to work in all weather conditions, around loud noise, in small spaces, and fit through a 28-inch wide hatch.
- DOT Drug Testing - In compliance with USCG regulations, must pass a pre-employment drug test and additional in-season testing per federal guidelines.
- Allergens - This position requires working with and/or being around raw and cooked shellfish, cleaning chemicals and other known allergens.
- Medical Review - A medical review is required. Must be medically fit to work onboard for safety and compliance.
- $139 / day + $70/day tip guarantee. Weekly tip amounts vary, the lowest being $70/day.
Pay Range
$139-$209 USD
DISCLAIMER STATEMENT
This job description is intended only to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by an employee in this position. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills or abilities required or persons so classified or assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
It is the policy of UnCruise Adventures not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, creed, religion, marital status, citizenship, the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, ancestry, national origin, or veteran status in its educational programs, activities, or employment as required by law.