Kayak Guide

Overview

Sea Kayak Guide:
San Juan Island, WA. Discovery Sea Kayaks. We are reopening for guide positions. Kayak experience preferred.

• Lead and assist kayak tours and provide guests with a safe and educational experience. Pre-trip planning with tides and weather data; maintain awareness of water conditions and changing weather patterns.
• Arrive on time for trip preparation and departures.
• Pre- and post-trip cleanup of equipment and vans.
• Van and kayak washing; assist in shuttle driving for multi-day drop-offs and pickups when needed.
• Guide facility general duties (grass and brush trimming, garbage and recycling disposal).
• Equipment and maintenance assistance (kayak repairs, etc.).
• Some tours require food preparation and meal planning.

• A valid First Aid and CPR certificate (WFA, WFR, or Red Cross).
• A valid driver’s license with a clean driving record.
• Be able to lift up to 75 pounds overhead.
• Complete Discovery Sea Kayaks pre-season training program.
• Complete Washington State Food Handler permit (online before seasonal employment begins).
• Complete the Washington State Kayak Guide permit (online before seasonal employment begins).
• Online permits can be completed post-training.

• ACA, BCU, or equivalent kayak certifications.
• Previous kayak guide or other guide experience with a good reference from a previous employer.
• Biology or Ecology background.

• Positive attitude with a desire to learn.
• Hard-working and flexible.
• Able to work individually and as part of a team.
• Punctual and detail-oriented.
• Act with maturity and patience.

• The season on San Juan Island follows a bell-curve pattern with training at the start, a busy mid-season, and winding down toward the end.
• May: new staff arrive for training; tours may be limited while equipment and facilities are prepared.
• June: schedule becomes more regular; some free time for island exploration.
• July: peak season with multiple tours daily and overnight tours twice a week.
• August: workload similar to July with daily tours.
• September: busy but weather-dependent; last full month of tours.
• October: tours offered first week while relocating kayaks and equipment for winter storage.

We offer several departures each day and night departures for approximately two weeks each month. Guides can expect two tours per day during night-tour periods. Full-season work requires readiness for seasonal schedule intensity.