Kayak Tour Guide

Happy Paddler Kayak Tours & EcoVentures is seeking an experienced guide to lead kayak tours at Ted Sperling Park on Lido Key. Primary responsibilities include guiding groups of up to 10 people on kayaking excursions throughout the mangrove habitats of Lido Key. This position is an excellent opportunity for the budding outdoor professional who wishes to turn their passion for paddling and the natural world into a rewarding career in guiding and leadership.

Happy Paddler is an award-winning, top-ranked paddling tour company in the area and has achieved this status by creating unforgettable, uplifting experiences for each one of our guests. The Kayak Tour Guide position is meant for a high-spirited, charismatic individual with a strong desire to share their passion for the marine environment and local culture with guests that span the full spectrum of age, paddling experience, and background. Guides are expected to engage with guests in a sincerely caring, fun, and enthusiastic way and to have a strong sense for anticipating and surpassing their expectations.

Candidates should have experience guiding tours with examples of strong positive reviews from traveler review forums. Candidates should be committed to excellence in hospitality and safety and should emulate the company’s high standards in every respect. Preference will be given to applicants who have familiarity with Florida coastal environments.

Tours will emphasize (1) the local environment and culture, (2) passive wildlife encounters (e.g., dolphins and manatees), and (3) immersing guests in our five-star, yet warm, friendly service.

This is a seasonally fluctuating position (certain times of the year are busier than others) expected to begin in February 2025. Guides should be available to lead up to two tours per day, up to five days per week during high-volume periods. Flexibility is necessary as schedules can change depending on last minute reservations and changes in weather conditions.

Position will remain open until filled.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead groups on entertaining, informative, and comfortable sit-on-top kayak and/or SUP excursions.
• Make sound decisions about group and individual safety and comfort while on the water.
• Engage with and respond to guests in a positive, friendly, and supportive manner, always striving to meet their spoken and unspoken needs.
• Prior to guests arriving, unload equipment and amenities at launch site and have everything clean, organized, and prepared prior to guests arriving for the outgoing tour.
• Provide a thorough yet concise, fun, and encouraging paddling lesson for each of your tour groups prior to launching, and continue to provide instruction and encouragement throughout the trip as deemed appropriate.
• Locate, handle (if appropriate), identify, and provide information about invertebrates, birds, vegetation, and mammals, etc.
• Provide high-quality interpretation to guests focused on flora and fauna, wildlife encounters, as well as cultural, historical, and anecdotal highlights of the area.
• Tow paddlers at any point on the tour, if necessary.
• Thoroughly clean, maintain, load, and store all paddle equipment upon return.
• Work positively with other team members to set up equipment prior to tours and to clean up afterwards.
• Safely trailer equipment to and from launch sites.
• Take excellent care of Happy Paddler equipment and facilities.
• Maintain CPR and First Aid certifications throughout employment.
• Professionally represent Happy Paddler and its Mission, Vision and Values.
• Act as a good steward of the natural world and follow Leave No Trace practices.

Guide Qualifications:

• Legally allowed to work in the United States.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and clean driving record.
• Experience and proven expertise in hospitality, guest services, or group leadership (special mentions in TripAdvisor and Google reviews, etc.).
• Excellent verbal communication skills with the ability to simultaneously entertain, instruct, and maintain safety at the highest level on every excursion.
• Must be a positive and supportive team player.
• Willing and eager to interact positively with a range of age groups, from small children to seniors.
• Demonstrate successful guiding practices on one or more mock trips.
• Ability to identify, avoid, and react to high risk situations.
• Ability to address safety, comfort, and group dynamic needs to ensure all participants are having a stellar experience.
• Current Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR certification or higher (e.g. WFA, OEC, WAFA, WFR, WEMT, EMT) and current CPR certifications (to be completed before leading tours).
• Physically fit and able to paddle and work in a variety of weather conditions (e.g., hot & humid, cold & wet, strong winds & tides, etc.) while always maintaining a positive attitude.
• Applicants with a personal connection and knowledge of the local area will be given preference.
• Applicants with an academic or professional background or equivalent experience in natural science, environmental education, or conservation related field may be given preference.
• Applicants with both kayaking and paddle boarding experience may be given preference.
• Adhere drug-free and tobacco-free workplace policy.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: Up to $200.00 per day

Expected hours: 20 – 40 per week

Supplemental Pay:

• Tips

Experience:

• group leadership: 1 year (Preferred)
• kayak or SUP guiding: 1 year (Preferred)
• customer service: 1 year (Preferred)
• trailering: 1 year (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Sarasota, FL 34236 (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $200