Dog Sled Guide

Nature's Kennel Sled Dog Adventures

Seeking Dog Sledding Adventure Guide for Sled Dog Tours in Michigan's Eastern Upper Peninsula. 

We are looking to fill a guiding position at the Midwest's premier dog sledding kennel. Each winter we employ six full time staff to work with our kennel of 150 sled dogs.  Each guide is assigned a team of 24 sled dogs which they learn to train, care for and use for leading guests on guided day trips and overnight excursions. We expect professionalsim in all that we do and hold our staff and our dog care to the highest of standards. In addition to our guiding staff, we also like to hire one trail grooming/snow removal/maintenance person.  If you prefer to work with machinery instead of guests, please let us know, we may have a position for you.

We have been in business for over twenty years and receive many repeat guests and have many returning staff.  Please know that you are applying for a position in an area of the country that receives a LOT of snow. Be honest with yourself that you can thrive in a winter environment.

Start date is October 2nd, 2023.  The end date is May 1st, 2024.  We begin training the dogs in the fall and these start dates provide ample time for you to learn how to train the dogs, bond with each individual dog, learn the trails and prepare for tours.  Generally, tour/ sledding season begins December 1st.  

Housing and meals are provided in addition to a monthly stipend and pay for tours.  A  handbook with details on pay are provided once an application is received.  Staff receives one day off per week.  This is far more than a job...it's a lifestyle...hours are long, days are long, but the experience is amazing.  

Please note: Applicant must be a US citizen and reside in the US.   

Duties include such things as:

• Leading half-day, full-day, and overnight dog sledding adventure tours with 1-12 guests.
• Planning and preparation for dog sledding tours.
• Completing tour trip reports.
• Cleanup and repair of equipment
• Providing guests with orientation/instruction sled driving and safety.
• Maintaining the safety of all clients and dogs on tours.
• Completing maintenance and repair of gear, winter camp, kennel, buildings, etc. as needed throughout the fall, winter and spring.
• Completing daily care, cleanup, and monitoring of dogs to Nature’s Kennel highest standards.
• Participating in pre-season setup and post-season cleanup.
• Committing to knowing the dogs before tour season-being comfortable and having a strong bond with your team makes working with them easier throughout the season and is expected before guiding tours.
• Creating a fun experience for guests.
• Training/running dogs with a four-wheeler (fall/spring) and sleds (winter).
• Working outdoors in rain or shine 8-12 hours a day outside, 6 days a week.

You'll be living and working with a staff of six guides and a kennel manager.  Kennel owners are also involved with daily operations and training.  We have many returning staff members from previous seasons as well as many returning guests.  

Housing: Nature’s Kennel is located off-grid. Housing clean, comfortable and bunk style with 2-4 people per room and a shared common area. Meals are family style or on your own in the main building which has power and running water. We do not provide food/meals for specialty diets (organic/gluten free). You must be comfortable with communal living and are expected to share house duties and upkeep. Please note we are a dry camp–no alcohol or drugs allowed on the property and no smoking. There is limited cell and internet service, be prepared to be "unplugged". 

Compensation: Housing and meals are provided along with a $350/month stipend + paid per dog sled tour which is approximately $600-$1200/month December through March. Average take-home pay is approximately $5000-$6000 per season, which does not include tips.  Guides receive generous tips from guests, which are yours to keep and average about $4000 per season. There is not a charge for housing or utilties and food is provided.  

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must be a clean and tidy person.  This is especially important as we require staff to keep up with current standards to prevent the spread of COVID and other illnesses.  If you do not consider yourself a clean person, do not apply.    
• Self-motivating, can-do, positive attitude, resourceful, organized and energetic.
• Must have attention to detail regarding record keeping.

REQUIRED SKILLS:
Must have love and respect for both dogs and the winter wilderness environment. Can lift and carry 40-70 lbs.  Must be able to work in a remote environment (without unlimited access to cell phone/internet). Must be able to work well in a team and possess solid interpersonal skills. Must be able to lead and entertain a group of guests. Must be able to adapt to changing conditions due to weather, guests, dogs, and trails.

PREFERRED SKILLS:
Experience leading wilderness trips a plus but not required. Ability to operate a tractor, snowmobile, ATV, and other power tools a plus, but not required. Onsite training will be done after hire.

You can get more insight on our operation on our Nature's Kennel Facebook page.