Sea Kayak Guide

Above and Beyond Alaska (ABAK) is seeking exceptional Sea Kayak Guides to join our seasonal team in Juneau, Alaska. ABAK has been facilitating outdoor adventure experiences on the ocean and ice for over 21 years and employs 40 seasonal team members from April-September.

Our guides embody Above and Beyond Alaska’s dedication to safety, customer service, and environmental conservation. New ABAK Guides must be able to participate in an intensive pre-season training program in mid/end of April to learn or develop technical skills, natural history knowledge, and superior customer service strategies.   

Sea Kayak Guides facilitate tours on several remote and local coastal waterways, including the Channel Island State Marine Park and Auke Bay. Sea Kayak Guides will be trained in specific tours, locations, and skills based on their ability level and motivation to grow. Additionally, guides will also develop a comprehensive natural history knowledge of the dynamic ecosystems in the rainforest, coastal, and marine operating areas. 

Sea Kayak Guides will also be expected to assist in support operations at our kayak rental shop throughout the season. These duties include assisting Kayak Rental Specialists with outfitting of kayak rentals, transportation, set up, cleaning of rental gear, and warehouse support.

General Duties Include, but are not limited to….

• Guide 5 – 6 hour sea kayaking tours in remote wilderness locations for up to 8 clients.
• Facilitate tours in accordance with ABAK safety protocol while providing superior customer service and providing natural and cultural history narrative
• Prepare equipment and food for assigned trips, process used gear post-trip, make repairs as needed, and maintain a clean workspace. 
• Actively contribute to a collaborative team environment in the field and company headquarters. 
• Teach effective and safe kayaking skills to novice paddlers, provide accurate natural-history narrative throughout tours, and maintain awareness of risk, weather, and marine conditions before and throughout all tours. 
• Must be able to travel on float plane and/or motorboat, and safely operate company vans to transport guests and equipment. 
• Provide transportation to clients in company vans to and from downtown Juneau.
• Loading kayaks/canoes and lifting heavy gear in all operational zones. 
• Pack, clean, repair, and maintain ABAK outdoor apparel, equipment, facilities and vessels.

General Requirements: 

• High School Diploma – Associate’s or bachelor’s degree is preferred
• US Citizen OR Be Eligible to Work in the US
• Wilderness First Responder Certification or higher (valid through September 30, 2025)
• Driver’s License and Clean Driving Record for past 5 years (Valid Through September 30, 2025)

Preferred Experience: 

• Knowledge of Southeast Alaska ecosystems, wildlife, and glacial environments
• Technical Paddle Skills (Paddle Strokes, Maintenance, Rescue Technique, Navigation, And More)

Training: All Sea Kayak Guides are required to participate in one of the two mandatory paid trainings. Training includes kayak skills and rescue, coastal theory and navigation, critical incident response, and zone familiarization.

Start Date: April 15, 2025 – September 30, 2025

Compensation: $18/hour + tips 

Bonus: Employees who fulfill the terms of their employment agreement are eligible for an end-of-season bonus that is based on 3% of gross wages.

Perks: 

• Competitive Pay 
• Optional 401K plan 
• End of Season Bonus
• Pro-Deal Purchasing Privileges
• Free Trips for you, your friends and family on a space-available basis
• Paid Training (Preseason, and Ongoing throughout the Season)
• Free or Discounted Trips with participating tour operators (whale watching, helicopter flights, etc.)
• Free Use of Kayaks, Paddleboards, and an array of outdoor gear
• Discounted flights with our partner, Alaska Seaplanes 
• Free fitness membership during the summer months