Backcountry Guides

For us it isn't only about the amazing destinations that we get to see within our jobs, but the amazing people. Breakwater works with all kinds of populations. We love helping people experience places that they never thought they could see or experience. Traveling all over the country meeting people that truly want to have nature impact their lives is why we do the work we do. Being a small company we want to create a community and a family within our company for all of our shared vision. We encourage our guides to take on their own projects and grow in the directions that fit them. When we all come together with a shared mission, opportunities are endless.

Job Overview

Job Title: Guide; Canoeing, Sea Kayaking, Backpacking

Industry: Outdoor Education/Experiential Learning/Expedition Trips/Therapeutic and Non-Therapeutic

Job Type: Contact/Part-time/Seasonal

The Breakwater Guide will supervise client’s staff and participants to provide physically and emotionally safe expedition activities and ensure that all trip dynamics are ran in accordance with the standards of Breakwater Expeditions.  Ideal candidates are dynamic and experienced guides who have the passion to help facilitate meaningful and goal oriented expeditions for our clients  

Appropriate candidates will have strong interpersonal and technical skills, and are looking for opportunities to grow in the outdoor industry. Applicants must have the ability to plan and execute work effectively, demonstrate clear and concise expression of ideas, and establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, supervisors and the general public.

Duties will include but not limited to:

• Plan, manage, and execute logistics (food, itinerary, equipment, organization/planning) and programming for trips.
• When appropriate, plan, manage and execute programming.
• When required make pre-trip participant calls as well as facilitate group video conferencing with participants and staff to prep group for upcoming trip.
• Ability to work and assist clients in staying healthy, safe, and comfortable in varying climates.
• Manage emergency situation and adhere to all local operating procedures, safety policies, and emergency response plan as outlined within the staff manual.
• Provide clear and effective communication with Breakwater management and staffing team.
• Drive 15 passenger van with a fully loaded trailer for long distances.   

Preferred Knowledge and Skills:

• Possess a general zest for life and propensity towards laughter.
• Is highly comfortable in the outdoors and has a strong ability for self-care to ensure primary focus is on the expedition and its participants.
• Ability to maintain and support appropriate professional boundaries with clients and participants.
• Baseline understanding of map and compass navigation, land, oceanic, and rivers.
• Proficiency in flat-water canoeing and/or sea kayaking.
• Awareness of outdoor hazards and local area weather patterns, as well as tide charts and flash flood warning.
• Must be flexible and willing to accept changes.
• Ability to build rapport quickly with participants of multiple ages, backgrounds, genders, ethnicity, etc.
• Effective communication with participants, program staff, and co-guides. 
• Comfortable giving and receiving feedback to and from co-guides and management team.  

Additional Qualifications:

• Must be 21 years or older
• 2-5 years guiding experience 
• Have a valid driver’s license
• Possess a current WFR and CPR
• Willingness to participate in a background check and a motor vehicle record check

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to lift and transport 50 lbs. of gear and sometimes over multiple times a day.
• Able to work outdoors regardless of weather and season.  

Compensation:

• Compensation ranges from $125/day – $200/day, with $100/day for prep and break down days on either side of the trip. 
• The right candidate will move up the ladder quickly!

How to Apply:

• Send resume and cover letter to Angie Roberts at [email protected]   

Special Benefits

Pro deals with retailers.

Minimum Requirements

2-5 years professional expedition guiding or wilderness therapy guiding

Wilderness First Responder