Field Positions

Canoe and Hiking Guide

$18.00 - $20.00 / hour + tips

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Above and Beyond Alaska (ABAK) is seeking exceptional Canoe and Hiking Guides to join our seasonal team in Juneau, Alaska. ABAK has been facilitating outdoor adventure experiences on the ocean and ice for 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 a pre-season training program in mid/late April to learn or develop technical skills, natural history knowledge, and superior customer service strategies.    

The vast majority of ABAK glacier tours operate on the Mendenhall Glacier, accessing this magnificent feature by foot and large canoes. Guides will be trained in specific tours and technical skills that correspond with their ability level and motivation to grow. Additionally, guides will develop a formidable knowledge of the unique rainforest and glacial ecosystems and geographical features. 

Canoe and Hiking Guides will also be expected to assist in support operations at our warehouse throughout the season. These duties include prep equipment/gear and food for trips, engage guests, help maintain operational zones, assist the operations team with daily logistics, transport guests, and fuel and clean vans.

General Duties Include, but are not limited to…

  • Guide 6–8-hour hiking or canoeing for up to 8 clients while maintaining safety protocol, superior customer service, and providing natural history narrative. 
  • 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. 
  • 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 in preferred
  • US Citizen OR Be Eligible to Work in the US
  • Exceptional customer service skills 
  • Wilderness First Responder Certification or higher (valid through September 30, 2024)
  • Driver’s License and Clean Driving Record for past 5 years (valid through September 30, 2024)
  • Must know how to swim

Preferred Qualifications

  • Canoeing – Basic Skills, Safety, and Self Rescue Techniques
  • White water rafting, packrafting, or kayak experience
  • Knowledge of Southeast Alaska ecosystems, wildlife, and glacial environments
  • Experience working in the service industry 

TrainingCanoe and Hiking Guides must participate in one of the two mandatory paid trainings. Training includes canoe skills and rescue technique, naturalist training, critical incident response, trail navigation, and zone familiarization.

Start Date: April 15, 2024 – September 30, 2024 

Compensation:
$18/hour + tips 

Bonus: Guides 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 and standby flights with Alaska Airlines and Delta 
  • Free fitness membership during the summer months 
  • Subsidized housing at a local campground