Assistant Guide — Haida Gwaii Kayak

Assistant Guide — Haida Gwaii Kayak

Location: Daajing Giids, Haida Gwaii

Term: May — September

Apply by email or phone to: info@haidagwaiikayak.com or +1 (778) 260 9644

Local Employment and Training Opportunity – Seasonal Kayak Guide (May – September)

Haida Gwaii Kayak (HGK) is seeking to train and employ a local resident of Haida Gwaii to join our team in the 2025 season as an Assistant Sea Kayak Guide. We are an eco-tourism company based out of Daajing Giids that delivers professional sea kayak tours and rentals in the Skidegate Inlet/ Xaana Kaahlii area.

Candidates will play an essential and valuable role as part of the HGK team, ideally using their lived experience and local knowledge to provide guests an authentic Haida Gwaii paddling experience. Both Haida and non Haida residents are encouraged to apply for this opportunity.

Eligibility

-       At least 19 years of by season start date

-       Legal status to work in Canada

-       Have lived on Haida Gwaii for a minimum of 3 years

-       Basic knowledge of local flora & fauna, natural history and indigenous context

-       Willingness to travel off island to complete pre-season training

-       Commitment to an entire season of full-time employment

Employer Paid Training

-       40hr Wilderness First Aid

-       Marine Radio Operators Certificate (ROC-M)

-       Canadian Food Safe Level 1

-       Sea Kayak Guide Alliance of BC, Assistant Overnight Guide Course

-       Marine Education Research Society, Marine Mammal Naturalist Course

How to apply

The selected applicant will undergo pre-season training beginning in the late spring in a blended delivery format (in person & online). Some of the courses will require the applicant to travel off island, these travel costs can be subsidized by Haida Gwaii Kayak. Successful completion of training is a requirement of seasonal employment. Applicants already holding some or all of the required training will be prioritized.

Please review the full job posting and email info@haidagwaiikayak.com with your resume and any questions regarding the training/recruitment process. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview. Deadline for applications is March 31^st 2024.

Haida Gwaii Kayak respectfully acknowledges that we live and work on the unceded territory of the Haida Nation. We are grateful for the opportunity to bring guests to this territory, and ask them to review and commit to the Haida Gwaii Pledge to respect Haida Gwaii and Haida ways of being during their stay.

Roles & Responsibilities

·       Act as a representative for Haida Gwaii Kayak delivering quality and professional guest experiences

·       Group management and instruction for shore and water-based activities

·       Provide first aid and rescue techniques as required

·       Deliver standardized orientations for kayak and equipment rentals

·       Familiarize themselves with local area and safety procedures at camp and around base

·       Act as the main point of contact to take bookings and customer inquiries via phone or email

·       Collect photos and videos for social media advertising

·       Exemplify professional camp craft on multi-day tours

·       Timely and effective communication with support staff for tours and general operations

·       Maintenance of kayak and camping equipment as necessary

·       Practice of Leave-no trace principles and adhere to SKGABC operating standards

·       Provide clients with educational knowledge of local ecology, cultural and natural history and wildlife

·       Able to cook and serve meals in a wilderness setting consistent with FOODSAFE practices

·      Work cooperatively with the Lead guide and Manager for operational and administrative planning

      Qualifications

·       SKGABC AOG or equivalent

·       Foodsafe Level 1 or 2

·       Wilderness First Aid (40hr)

·       VHF Radio Marine Operators Ticket

·       Clean Drivers Abstract (Class 4 preferred)

·       Formal or informal education in Haida Gwaii flora, fauna, indigenous culture & history, ecology

·       Legally able to work in Canada

Pay & Benefits

Pay Structure (possibility of additional gratuities)

Day Tour: $200/day

Multi-Day Tour: $230/day

Shore Support Rate: $25/hr

·      4% Vacation Paid lieu

·      Available pro-deals on kayaking, camping and fishing equipment

·      Ability to use kayaks and equipment free of charge, although based kayak availability (extended to friends and family)

·      Staff discounts for friends and family of 30% to join a tour that has spaces available

·      Free tickets to Haida Gwaii’s Edge of the World Annual Music Festival

Guide Development & Support

·       Subsidized local and central staff accommodation for $400/month

·       Paid staff training at hourly rate

·       Support of ongoing professional development with certifications or areas of interest

·       Inclusion in community events, local gatherings and staff parties

·       Collection of literature and resources to support hard and soft skills

·       Mentorship from lead guides (HGK & community paddlers)

Haida Gwaii Kayak Background & Considerations

Haida Gwaii Kayak began in 2023 with the goal making sea kayaking more accessible for the average traveller to Haida Gwaii by creating another commercial opportunity outside of Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve. We take pride in being able to share the islands in a culturally respectful and appropriate way as local leaders in the community. Please consider the Haida Gwaii Pledge before applying.

Haida Gwaii is a remote archipelago where access to certain goods and services aren’t as readily available. As such guides should be prepared for living and working here and bring everything, they may need for the duration of their contract.

The tourism season on Haida Gwaii is shorter and sees less volume than the rest of the BC Coast. Guides must be comfortable with a flexible schedule and variable hours based on booking demand. Guides aren’t required to have a vehicle. However, it is heavily encouraged for personal and professional use.

Thank you for your interest in joining the Haida Gwaii Kayak team! We appreciate you taking the time to apply, however only short-listed candidates will be contacted. Please reach out to info@haidagwaiikayak.com with any questions regarding your application.

Posted on 2025-01-07~