Kingfisher Wilderness Adventures - Assistant Overnight Guide

About the SKGABC

Since 1994 over 10,000 people have been involved with the Sea Kayak Guides Alliance of BC. There are currently over 500 active members in the SKGABC, including guides, associate members, and company owners/operators. Guides are certified to four different levels, and Level Three Guides may receive additional certification statuses.

Assistant Overnight Guide Kingfisher Wilderness Adventures

Job Description:

Kingfisher Wilderness Adventures is looking for Assistant Overnight Guides to join our team for the 2027 season. You’ll assist our base camp kayak tours and lead or assist our expedition kayak tours. We’re looking for safety-minded paddlers who love sharing the coast with guests, can put a great meal on the table at camp, and are eager to learn from some of the best guides on the coast.

What you’ll do

Guiding responsibilities:

• Assist on base camp and expedition tours, following the direction of the lead guide
• Give every guest an exceptional wilderness experience
• Run pre-trip orientation meetings with guests
• Teach kayaking skills and keep guests safe on the water
• Share the natural and cultural history of the area
• Run camp: meal preparation, on-shore activities, and maintain the safety and cleanliness of the campsite

Non-guiding responsibilities:

• Assist with trip prep, including packing food and supplies
• Clean, maintain, and pack away gear after each trip
• Take part in guide training and orientation beginning in late May
• Help with pre- and post-season work, including base camp set-up and kayak and equipment preparation

What you bring

Required:

• SKGABC Assistant Overnight Guide certification (equivalent certifications will be considered)
• Advanced Wilderness First Aid (40-hour minimum, 80+-hour preferred)
• Restricted Operator Certificate – Maritime (ROC-M)
• Valid driver’s licence (Class 5 minimum, Class 4 unrestricted preferred)
• Natural history interpretation skills
• Culinary skills
• An outgoing, personable style and the ability to engage a wide mix of guests
• Excellent organizational skills
• The ability to work as part of a team
• A cell phone and plan with reliable coverage on the North Island
• The physical fitness to lift and carry loaded kayaks and gear, and to perform on-water rescues in cold water
• Legal eligibility to work in Canada
• Availability from late May to early October

We can provide these if you don’t already have them:

• Marine Naturalist Training
• FoodSafe certification

Pay and perks

• Starting rate of $235 per guiding day, with a minimum of 40 guiding days per season
• $23.50 per hour for off-trip work
• Free staff accommodation (a taxable benefit)
• In-house and external training on kayaking skills and company operations
• The chance to learn on the water from experienced Level 2 and Level 3 guides, building your skills toward your next certification

Additional Details:

Closing Date: 2026-12-31

Guiding Area: Northern Vancouver Island, Haida Gwaii, and the Great Bear Rainforest

Work Term: June to September

Salary: 235