Expedition Guide

In 2025 San Juan Outfitters will hire 20-25 expedition guides to work from May through October. Guides can expect to lead trips in the San Juan Islands and in Washington National Parks, such as Olympic and Mt. Rainier.  Our paid training will help you get acquainted with these areas as well as operational goals on various itineraries.  From 3hr kayak trips to 6-day biking expeditions you could be backpacking in the Olympic Mountains one week and leading an outer island kayak trip the next.  All operations are based off of San Juan Island.   

Expedition guides are expected to lead professional, informative tours in a variety of environments in potentially challenging conditions. Guides are involved in all expedition logistics including route planning, food preparation, and equipment in addition to educating guests about local flora/fauna, geology, and natural history. Guides must be outgoing, with excellent communication skills, solid decision-making skills, sound risk management decisions, the ability to thrive in group environments and exhibit a positive attitude.

Duties:

• Lead informative and fun backpacking, hiking, biking, and kayak tours 

• Plan expedition routes based on group expectations, tides, trail and road conditions and weather 

• Effectively manage groups while in the field, assessing guest safety and wellbeing 

• Plan expedition routes based on group expectations, tides, trail and road conditions and weather 

• Follow Leave No Trace Principles 

• Communicate directly with guests about trip goals and expectations, safety issues, weather, equipment usage, and the natural environment 

• Prepare food for guests in a backcountry setting. Food is rustic gourmet and consists of fresh ingredients.   

• Prepare food, equipment, and vehicles prior to expedition departures.  Clean all equipment and vehicles at the end of each trip. 

Qualifications: 

• CPR/AED and First Aid or higher  

• Washington State Food Handler’s Card (available online) 

• Must be on San Juan Island by early May and attend paid trainings 

• Working cell phone with an international plan (Canada)

Preferred Skills:

• Wilderness First Aid or Wilderness First Responder

• Education background: outdoor education, environmental education, recreation, biology, natural resource management, earth sciences or related field 

• The confidence/ability to teach one or more of our activities (kayaking, backpacking, natural history, biking, camping) 

• Catering/restaurant/kitchen experience 

• Experience driving fifteen-passenger vans and/or trailers 

• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively to guests and co-workers 

• Good physical fitness: ability to lift 50lbs comfortably and walk on uneven terrain 

• Leadership experience  

Training:

• Provided training exceeds industry standards 

Benefits:

• Opportunity to use equipment and attend tours on an available basis 

• Pro-deal access 

• Opportunity to expand skill sets across disciplines and a multitude of ecosystem types 

• Assistance securing housing 

• A like-minded, fun, dynamic workplace with the best office views in the world