Sea Kayak Guide & Office Job Listings

We now have sea kayaking guide jobs and office job positions open for the San Juan Islands season, spring through fall. Please check below for details on how to apply. Be sure to contact us soon - we have a limited number of positions to fill!

Become a Sea Kayak Guide in the San Juan Islands!

"Working as a sea kayak guide has been the most rewarding job I've ever had. Kayaking with whales is better than any indoor job I can imagine! Its the perfect compliment to my career as a teacher." Randy Wright

Kayak Guides Jobs - Kayaking with Whales

Are you interested in working outdoors, teaching natural history, and leading sea kayak trips? Then apply now to join our cadre of professional sea kayak guides. Keep in mind that guiding is hard work and requires a great deal of training and preparation. Sea Quest guides need to excel at a wide array of skills, including leadership, sea kayaking safety and rescue, instructing outdoor skills, teaching natural history, and preparing great meals.

Our sea kayak guides undergo the most rigorous and lengthy training program of any outfitter on San Juan Island, two weeks in our own intensive kayak guide school. When completed, you will feel confident of your skills and prepared for whatever happens on the water, as you will have practiced it all in true marine conditions. Most other outfitters in this region spend only one to three days (if any) training their guides on ponds and lakes.

How to Apply for a Job with Sea Quest Kayaking Adventures

Applications are by resume only. A recent photo of yourself, especially in an outdoor situation, can be helpful. Send a standard resume augmented with details of sea kayaking and/or marine travel experiences, and marine natural history skills. Please be very complete when providing the augmented kayaking and marine experience information. We must have the specific information requested in order to properly evaluate applicants. Keep in mind that if you are in good physical condition, we can train you to be a safe and strong kayak guide very quickly. On the other hand, natural history knowledge is something that takes much longer to acquire, and you will need to be knowledgeable in this area or spend several months studying before you arrive for training. We will provide a required reading list for this purpose!

Sea Kayak Guide / Naturalist Educator

Qualifications: A degree in one of the natural sciences; strong leadership abilities in outdoor situations; able to lead detailed discussions on marine natural history. Experience traveling on marine waters; camping and kayaking. Driver's license and clean record with no moving violations in past 3 years. Current CPR and at least standard first aid required. Possession of tent, suitable outdoor clothing, and other miscellaneous items. Enrollment and successful completion of our intensive pre-season “Sea Kayak Guide Training Program” is mandatory. Internships are available for students and those with little experience. If interested, please indicate this clearly in your cover letter.

Duties: Assist in all phases of field operations, including leading sea kayak tours, transportation of gear, preparation of food and equipment, routine maintenance, etc. Summer program: averages to full-time from late June to early September, and part-time in May to early June and from late September to mid-October. Depending on your individual agreement, positions begin either mid-May or late June and end sometime between early-September to mid-October. Mandatory "Sea Kayak Guide Training Program” takes place mid to late May with dates announced later.

Work Location: Near Friday Harbor, San Juan Island, Washington.

Salary: Up to $200/day depending on skills and prior experience.

Office Jobs: Reservations, Logistics & Assistant Director

Sea Quest Kayak Expeditions also hires people for administrative jobs such as reservations and logistics. Often times these administrative folks can supplement their normal duties by working part-time as kayak guides or assistants, provided that they have completed the kayak guide training class. Or, if they prefer, they can participate on the trips as guests during their days off so they don't miss any of the fun!

Colleges and universities frequently send us interns who are interested in pursuing a career as outdoor educators and/or administrators. Please let us and your education coordinator know if this opportunity interests you, but be aware that our internships require a firm time commitment and hard work.

Assistant Director, Reservationist, and Logistician

Qualifications: Excellent communication and organizational skills. Ability to work smoothly with both the public and staff under occasionally demanding situations. Previous office experience is a must with strong computer and telephone skills. Driver's license and clean driving record.

Duties: Assist with all aspects of office administration and field program support. Telephone duties include providing program information, taking reservations, etc. Other office duties include word processing and other computer work, record keeping, mailings, staff scheduling, etc. Logistical support includes shuttling of vehicles and preparation of supplies for overnight sea kayak tours. Five days per week, full-time, April/May through September, possible part time in October. Position could develop into a year-round job for the right person. Shorter-term positions also available.

Work Location: Near Friday Harbor on San Juan Island, Washington.

Salary: Up to $800/week depending on skills and prior experience.