Kayak/Canoe Manager

HAINES KAYAK/CANOE MANAGER JOB DESCRIPTION 

TIMEFRAME: April – October 

QUALIFICATIONS: Driver’s License, Wilderness First Responder and CPR/First Aid  

*WFR and CPR/First aid certifications offered on site at the beginning of the season 

JOB DESCRIPTION: 

AMG operates kayaking and canoeing tours for guests visiting Haines, Alaska both from cruise ships and independent travelers. The trips are held either in the ocean fjord or Chilkoot Lake. The Kayak & Canoe Manager oversees this programming in conjunction with the Haines office staff. The Kayak & Canoe Manager is responsible for ensuring guest safety by making certain that guides adhere to all safety protocols and program procedures, and for overseeing the day-to-day “on-the-ground” operation of the tours and participating in all aspects of the programming (guiding, driving, dock repping, kayak maintenance, general maintenance, training, etc). This position will oversee a guiding staff of 20 - 30 guides, depending on the time of the summer.   

The Kayak Site Manager works closely with administrative staff to ensure a smooth flow of communication between the office and on-site operations. Part-time office responsibilities and coverage is required for the position.  

JOB REQUIREMENTS: 

• ACA Kayak Instructor Certification preferred.  
• Previous experience leading sea kayaking or canoeing tours and management experience. 
• Expert sea kayaking skills. Proficiency in performing various types of sea kayak rescues. 
• Previous experience teaching sea kayaking and other outdoor sport skills. 
• Basic kayak repair skills. 
• Basic word processing skills and knowledge of Microsoft Office. 

JOB DUTIES: 

• Help the company to run safe, efficient, and high-quality tour programs. 

• Lead by example by portraying excellence in customer service. 
• Provide written weekly reports to the Haines Operations Manager.  
• Time sheets and payroll –Review and approve hours for the program staff. 
• Time management and scheduling – perform a weekly scheduling consultation with the office staff and provide scheduling forecast input.  
• Lead or assist in leading program training. Training is generally 7 days but may be longer. Training will include policies and procedures, maintenance, and emergency response. Initial guide training is unpaid for the guides. 
• Responsible for being certain that all guides follow all policies and procedures as outlined in the Haines Guide Manual, Employee Manual and Emergency Response Manuals through delegation and direct management of the team.  
• Must immediately address any performance or safety issues with guides as they occur.  
• Provide feedback for mid-season and final evaluations. 
• In the case of an emergency, coordinate guides to ensure that procedures are accurately followed, and that communication is constant. Confirm that paperwork is correctly filled out and collected. 
• Ensure all emergency response equipment is correctly stationed, complete, and up to date. 
• Organize and verify completion of guide paperwork and waivers for each day. 
• Help create, modify, and strengthen systems associated with maintenance, guide performance and tour quality. Assist with modifications to program manuals on an as needed basis.  
• Identify program maintenance needs and report to the Haines Program Manager. Track maintenance on the kayaks, vehicles, and canoe motors.  
• Identify lake scene maintenance needs and help coordinate with Haines Program Manager to staff and properly execute lake trail maintenance, dock upgrades, deck & campsite issues, etc. 
• Organize and manage season put-away of program equipment, including equipment inventory.   
• Other duties as dictated by daily needs. 

Please Note: This is a list of general responsibilities and isn’t fully comprehensive. Most importantly, the Kayak/Canoe Manager needs to be flexible to react to the varying needs of day-to-day operations. The Kayak/Canoe Manager should expect 40+ hours of work every week throughout their entire contracted dates of employment. 

 
ADDITIONAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES  

Employees may be called on to participate in other Haines programs at any time.  This may include but is not limited to: hiking tours, gear truck driving, CDL bus driving for other tours, vehicle maintenance, general driving duties, food prep, gear maintenance, and overall operational support. 

The ability to be flexible with schedules and adapt to changes, sometimes with short notice, is a requirement and expectation of your employment. 
 

PROFESSIONALISM 

AMG employees represent the company whether they are working with clients packing in the warehouse, or off the clock and hanging in town. AMG expects employees to always conduct themselves in a professional manner and provide a leading example in the community for the type of behavior associated with the quality guide service that employs them. We live and work in small Alaskan communities, poor/inappropriate behavior will quickly establish a bad reputation for an individual and reflect poorly on the company as a whole.   
 

LIVING AND RENT STRUCTURE  

Haines housing options consist of our employee campground, we have a few campers/RVs for senior staff including managers, and limited space for employees seeking to bring their own campervans/trailers/RVs, most 1st year staff camp in the wooded area encircling the campers/RV parking. The campground has (4) plumbed bathroom/shower units and a communal cooking area – due to the presence of bears in our area we prohibit cooking/food storage outside the communal cooking space. The campground is located on the same lot as our warehouse/office making the commute to work convenient for any staff planning to come to Alaska without a vehicle. The campground does not have laundry services, but there is a laundromat located within a short walk down the street. A guide room is located on the corner of the warehouse with access to WiFi. 

Additional Notes  

• Employees must vacate housing within 48 hours of their final shift unless other arrangements have been approved by management. 
• Pets – Must be approved by management, approval may be rescinded if your pet causes problems or is not friendly towards humans and other animals. 
• Failure to abide by rules outlined in the employee manual and housing agreement may result in immediate expulsion from employee housing. 

STANDARD DRESS AND PROFESSIONAL APPEARANCE 

Alaska Mountain Guides requires guides to maintain a professional image at all times. The standard Skagway uniform is your name tag, AMG uniform shirt and/or guide jacket with guide or Carhartt style pants and closed toed outdoor shoes/boots. AMG requires staff to be clean with appropriate hygiene and appear professional while working.  

TRAVEL AND LOGISTICS 

Employees are responsible for their own travel arrangements to and from Skagway, AMG will assist wherever possible in helping outline necessary steps in travel plans. Please make arrangements with a few days on either end of the season for mishaps.