Kawanti Adventures
Kawanti Adventures
Currently recruiting for the season from April 1st, 2026 to October 31st, 2026.
Kawanti Adventures brings the beauty and excitement of Alaska to visitors from around the world. You can work on a zipline course, take people black bear viewing, lead off-road vehicle trips, take photos, work in the retail shop, or coordinate our excursions while working on the dock! Each position comes with the perks of living in Alaska!
Ketchikan, Alaska
- Location
- Alaska
- Season
- Summer
- Staff size
- 80
- Housing
- Whether included in the compensation package or provided at a cost, housing is provided for staff.
- Meals
- None
- Cell phone service
- Some, ask for details
- Internet access
- Good
About Kawanti Adventures
Alaskan owned and operated, our spectacular attractions in Ketchikan draw tens of thousands of visitors each summer. Guests experience the beauty of our forest while flying across a series of steel cable ziplines, exploring the rainforest from below with a knowledgeable nature guide on the lookout for the local wildlife, or tearing down dirt logging roads in amazing off-road machines. Our expertly trained guides ensure guest safety and enjoyment, and share the thrill of providing a once-in-a-lifetime experience for so many!
We operate daily shore excursions in Ketchikan for cruise ship passengers and independent travelers. Our goal is to provide the best and most memorable tour in Alaska!
Safety and customer service are our top priorities, and we're always looking for energetic people to join our professional team!
The Employee Experience
We are a Work Hard/Play Hard environment. The workday usually starts between 6:30 and 9:30 most days and you are generally off work by early afternoon. That gives you a lot of play time in the long Alaska days (with sunsets as late as 11 pm). You will be surrounded by huge areas of public lands and miles of coastline for hiking, backpacking, kayaking, paddle boarding, fishing, skiffing, beach bonfires, camping and everything else Alaska has to offer.
Ideal Candidate
Applicants must have a strong commitment to risk management and customer service. Most positions have paid training for qualified applicants. For Guides we will provide the resources, equipment, and instruction at no charge to the potential employee to obtain the required skills. All Guide trainees must pass a written and on-the-job skill test prior to guiding. All training is paid at an hourly rate.
All Guide positions require working outdoors in inclement weather and require a high level of physical activity. Guides should also be able to multi-task, have keen observations and communication skills, as well as be prepared to educate and entertain.
We welcome employees and clients from various backgrounds and lifestyles and inclusiveness is a must for all employees. Discrimination and harassment in any form with not be tolerated.
Room and Board
Staff housing is available for qualified applicants - shared room (2-3 to a room) with large communal kitchens and communal living space. Living spaces include smart tv and Wi-Fi. Staff housing is furnished. No pets are allowed in staff housing.
Some employees prefer to find their own housing and we can help with matching roommates and listing agents.
Employee Perks
- Competitive pay plus gratuity (for select positions)
- Paid Training
- End of Season Bonus
- Uniform Provided
- Free or discounted tours with other companies
- Working with a great group of like-minded people
Getting Here and Getting Around
If you are traveling with your own vehicle you may choose to drive to Skagway, Alaska or Bellingham, Washington and take the ferry to Ketchikan. By plane, you will fly into the Ketchikan International Airport.
For Fun
Each of our locations has access to a wealth of hiking trails and there are cabins for overnight rentals. There are some great places for beach fires, star gazing, and sometimes you can catch the Northern Lights. There is a recreation center in downtown Ketchikan that includes two basketball courts, a weight room, cardio equipment, and a pool. We also partner with some of the other local tour companies to offer trades so that summer staff can experience some of the other tours at little to no cost; tours include whale watching, flightseeing, crab feasts, kayaking, etc.
Current Job Openings
- Responsible for supervision of off-road tour vehicle operations
- Ensures all operations are conducted in accordance with company’s safety standards
- Ensures all tours are operated in timely manner and in accordance with operational procedures
- Responsible for conducting necessary safety inspections
- Monitors and supervises all participant groups when the tour is in operation
- Assist in training staff at all levels
- Certified in all skills required to be a tour guide
- Ensures that all required documentation of tour operations is maintained
- Assists in maintaining documentation of the usage of all tour equipment
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Pre-Trip Inspection: Conduct thorough pre-trip inspections of the vehicle and report any maintenance concerns.
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Guest Interaction: Greet guests warmly and provide excellent customer service, ensuring a positive experience.
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Safety Procedures: Perform a pre-departure safety speech, explaining safety protocols and ensuring passengers are informed.
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Safe Driving: Adhere to all traffic laws and safety procedures while driving.
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Narration: Offer guided narration on the local area, history, and points of interest during the drive.
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Vehicle Maintenance: Assist with daily and weekly vehicle maintenance, including routine cleaning.
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Vehicle Cleaning: Ensure the vehicle is clean both inside and outside on a daily basis.
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Flexible Schedule: Be prepared to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with a flexible schedule.
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Private Tours: Potential to conduct private tours at designated sites (training provided).
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Clean Driving Record: Required for safety and insurance purposes.
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Age: Must be at least 21 years old.
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DOT Physical: Must be able to obtain and pass a DOT physical.
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Driving Duration: Ability to drive safely for multiple hours.
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Guest Assistance: Aid guests in boarding and unloading from the vehicle.
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Outdoor Comfort: Ability to work outside in various weather conditions and drive in them.
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Lifting: Must be able to assist with loading walkers and wheelchairs and lift up to 50 pounds when necessary.
Ensures guests are greeted with warm welcome and provide excellent customer service
Performs a pre-use safety inspection for all Unimog systems
Always follows traffic rules and follows safety procedures while driving
Helps performing daily and weekly vehicle maintenance and repairs/fix small malfunctions
Cleans the vehicle(s) daily
Must become very knowledgeable about the tours and the timing of the tours
Responsible for all bus and van transfers
Responsible for reporting any changes of departures to the supervisor on duty
Communicates with ground support
Assists the gift store, tour desk, and photo counter as needed
Adheres to all company standards of safety, security and confidentiality
Other duties as assigned
Provide outstanding customer service in the coffee shop, gift shop, and other assigned areas.
Prepare and serve coffee, tea, specialty drinks, and food items according to company standards.
Assist in the gift shop with customer inquiries, restocking, and retail sales.
Maintain cleanliness and organization of all work areas, including the coffee shop and gift shop.
Operate the point-of-sale system to process orders and transactions accurately.
Follow health and safety regulations, including food handling, cleanliness standards, and workplace safety.
Mix and serve alcoholic beverages, including cocktails, beer, and wine, according to recipes and company standards.
Verify customer identification to ensure compliance with legal drinking age requirements.
Maintain knowledge of bar inventory, drink recipes, and alcohol service protocols.
Adhere to alcohol service laws and company policies to provide a safe environment for all customers.
Work cohesively with team members to ensure smooth operations in all areas.
Be adaptable and willing to shift between coffee shop, gift shop, and (for employees over 21) bar responsibilities as needed.
Communicate effectively with coworkers and supervisors to complete tasks efficiently.
Stay informed about coffee blends, brewing techniques, menu changes, and gift shop products.
For employees over 21, maintain knowledge of bar operations, drink recipes, and alcohol safety standards.
Demonstrate a passion for customer service and a willingness to learn and grow in all areas of the role.
Prior experience in customer service, food and beverage, or retail is a plus but not required.
For bartending responsibilities (21+), prior bartending experience or willingness to learn is preferred.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment while maintaining attention to detail.
Basic math skills for handling transactions and, for bartending, measuring drink ingredients.
Must be at least 16 years old to work as a Barista.
Must be at least 21 years old to perform bartending responsibilities.
High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
Food safety and alcohol service certifications (e.g., TABC, ServSafe) are a plus or will be provided as part of training for eligible employees.
Ability to stand for long periods and perform repetitive tasks.
Capability to lift and carry items up to 50 pounds, such as coffee bean bags, retail products, or bar supplies.
Comfortable working in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.
Flexible availability, including mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Willingness to assist in coffee shop, bar (if over 21), and gift shop areas as needed.
Friendly and approachable demeanor.
Team player with a proactive attitude.
Passion for coffee, retail, bartending (if applicable), and providing excellent customer service.
Employees under 21 will not be required to bartend but will focus on coffee shop and retail responsibilities.
Employees over 21 will rotate between coffee shop, bar, and retail duties as needed.
- Establish warm and friendly relationship with each participant group upon their arrival and departure
- Assist passengers on and off aircraft and while they are walking on ramps, docks, or trail
- Monitor and control assigned passenger groups for the duration of their tour while searching for wildlife
- Provide safety briefing to assigned passenger groups regarding tour guidelines and safety
- Drive passengers to and from the trailhead at remote location(s), never exceeding 25 mph
- Provide narration regarding flora, fauna, and associated wildlife while leading them down trails
- Remain in continuous radio contact with dispatch
- Collect trash and maintain cleanliness of trail and in each vehicle
- Communicate to dispatch and participants any delays or weather challenges
- Work closely with dispatch to coordinate ship counts and schedule variations throughout the day
- Maintain detailed and accurate daily guide reports as well as trip sheets on vehicle
- Monitor tour quality and report needs for improvement to supervisor
Ketchikan Adventure Karts
Operations Supervisor
The Operations Supervisor is responsible for the supervision of Adventure Karts operations. This position requires a strong understanding of and experience with tour operations and training standards. Applicants must have a risk management background.
Summary of Essential Job Functions
Ketchikan Dock Operations
Driver Guide -Non CDL
As a Driver Guide, your primary responsibility will be the safe and timely transportation of guests. You will ensure guests have an enjoyable experience while providing informative narration and ensuring the vehicle's upkeep. This role requires commitment to safety, customer service, and maintaining a clean driving record. All applicants will need to pass a DOT physical and medical exam prior to starting. Training is provided to qualified candidates.
Essential Job Functions
Minimum Requirements
Physical Abilities Required
This position requires an individual who is safety-conscious, customer-oriented, and flexible to meet the varying demands of the job. If you enjoy providing tours, sharing local history, and interacting with guests, this is an excellent opportunity for you!
Ketchikan Sanctuary Guides
CDL Driver Guide
This position is $25.00/hour and up based on experience and qualifications. The CDL Driver Guide is responsible for the transportation of customers and crew in a safe and timely manner. Duties include a certain level of maintenance and cleaning. Commitment to safety, clean driving record, and Class B CDL License with passenger endorsement required, with Manual transmission and air brake restrictions lifted. Training provided for qualified applicants on how to drive our exciting Mercedes Unimogs (must be able to drive manual). Staff housing available and part-time available!
Summary of Essential Job Functions
Guest Services Coordinator
The Guest Services Coordinator is responsible for all tour groups arriving back to their ship at the scheduled time by coordinating the boarding and departure of all guests from our Herring Cove site. This job requires an individual who is organized, prompt, can multi-task, and has high energy and enjoys working with the public. This person is the last point of contact with the tour guests and will be responsible for making sure their transfers go smoothly.
Summary of essential job functions
Ketchikan Sanctuary Service Hosts
Barista
Job Summary:
The Barista/Bartender position will contribute to the overall success of Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary at Kawanti Coffee, by embracing the culture valued by ARS. The Barista is responsible for preparing and serving high-quality beverages and food in the coffee shop, as well as providing exceptional customer service in the gift shop. Employees over 21 years old will also be trained and scheduled to serve alcoholic beverages as bartenders. All employees are expected to maintain a clean, welcoming environment and work collaboratively to ensure smooth operations in all areas.
Key Responsibilities:
General Responsibilities (All Employees):
Bartending Responsibilities (Employees Over 21 Only):
Teamwork and Collaboration:
Knowledge and Passion for Coffee, Retail, and Alcohol (as applicable):
Qualifications:
Skills and Experience:
Age Requirements:
Education:
Physical Requirements:
Work Environment:
Preferred Qualities:
Note:
Taquan Air Guides
Bear Guide
As a naturalist bear guide, it is your utmost responsibility to ensure quality customer service is paramount. This responsibility includes diligently maintaining the vehicle driven each day and providing each participant with a quality nature/wildlife experience. In addition to company product knowledge, this position also requires the knowledge and adherence to company safety procedures and requirements.
Summary of Essential Job Functions
How to Apply
Please apply online. For more information about the experiences we offer, please visit our website.
Contact Info
- Dante Troina
- hiring@kawanti.com
- (907) 225-8400
- www.kawanti.com
