Summary of Duties
Conduct educational sea kayak tours for diverse clientele.
Though the Work Study hire is only for Spring quarter (April 5th - June 17th), to be eligible for hire students must be able to commit to working as a sea kayak guide through the entire summer (at least Labor Day, September 5, 2022).
To graduate from trainee to guide, the student must possess a CPR and First Aid certification, as well as pass the new WDFW Sea Kayak Guide Whale Watch Operators test.
Guides will teach an orientation of basic kayaking techniques and group cohesion to tour participants. After the orientation the guide will conduct interesting discussions about local natural and human history. Guide will identify and inform guests about birds, marine mammals, other wildlife, marine invertebrates, plant life, ecology, geology, and human history. Guide will train for and be able to carry out safety and rescue procedures and emergency communications. Guide will train to be able to assess weather conditions, marine navigation, tidal currents, and the interactions of them to be able to write their own float trip plans. Guide will log paperwork and also participate in kayak maintenance and general shop maintenance.
Educational Benefits for Student:
- Deepen knowledge of local natural & human history
- Opportunities for making observations of wildlife which can lead to novel hypotheses
- Deepen knowledge of sea kayaking and associated skillsets
- Work in a fast-paced ecotourism environment serving clientele from around the country and world
Minimum Qualifications / Required Skills:
- Knowledge of local marine ecology and/or be willing to spend extensive time studying it
- Some background with sea kayaking or other human powered craft
- Excellent communication skills
- Punctuality and dependability
- Reasonably physically fit and able to lift 50 lbs with two hands above their head
- Multitasking required: scanning for safety hazards while also being able to give an interesting talk
- Must be able to commit to working as a naturalist sea kayak guide through the entire summer
- Provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination
Approximate Hours Per Week:
up to 19 hours
Days and Hours Needed:
To be determined by student's schedule
Preferred Start Date:
Spring quarter (but applicants should apply before Spring quarter starts)
Rate of Pay:
$15.74 / hour as a trainee
Wage will increase to $18.00 / hour after training is completed and the trainee has:
- passed a written, verbal, and physical examination, and
- obtained their First Aid and CPR certification, and
- passed the WDFW Sea Kayak Guide Whale Watch Operators test
Guiding is a tipped position, and tips are not expected to be shared with the company. Tips may on average be an additional $5 - $10 / hour, and sometimes more.
Location:
Olympic Kayak Tours
Fort Flagler State Park, on Marrowstone Island
(near the boat launch, about 100 feet from Beachcomber Cafe)
Contact Information:
Sam Kaviar, olympickayaktours@gmail.com, 360-531-3881
To apply, please email your resume or CV, a cover letter, any employer references, as well as proof of your Work Study eligibility. In the cover letter please include detailed information about your experience traveling on marine waters and/or kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding, as well detailed information about your familiarity with fauna and flora of coastal Washington State.
Other Details:
Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the position.
In keeping with the College's Guiding Principles, we seek to achieve the following learning outcomes for all student work study employees (where applicable):
1. Time Management/Organizational Skills: Student worker will demonstrate techniques for effective organization and task prioritization, and understand how time management affects his or her job performance and the ability of others to do their jobs, along with appropriate record keeping skills.
2. Professionalism: Student worker will understand expectations for professionalism in the workplace including language, dress, behavior, personal hygiene, and phone/email etiquette.
3. Customer Service: Student worker will be able to meet and exceed internal and external customer expectations by listening to customer needs, responding in a timely manner, and anticipating what a customer may need in the future or may need more information or clarification on in the present.
4. Teamwork/Collaboration: Student worker will work successfully in team settings which require flexibility, conflict management at lowest level of resolution possible, and cooperation.
5. Communication Skills: Student worker will communicate in a professional manner and understand the appropriate style of communication based on the audience and the setting or type of meeting.
6. Work Ethic: Student worker will understand the value of a strong work ethic, honesty, integrity, observance of health and safety standards, and the impact those values have on success in the workplace.
7. Critical Thinking/Problem Solving: Student worker will demonstrate the analytical ability to gather facts, suggest solutions, discern flaws in reasoning, and make decisions which are sound and timely.
8. Technology: Student worker will develop proficiency in common technology tools, including phone, email, online searches, Zoom or other online meeting platforms, Microsoft Office applications, and specific technology used in the student worker's job duties.
9. Upward Management Skills: Student worker will demonstrate competency on how to communicate needs, concerns, and requests to immediate supervisor and other managers.
10. Workplace Simulation Mastery: Student worker will learn how to receive and learn from feedback, importance of regular input to and from the supervisor, and the supervisor will perform genuine performance evaluations and exit interviews.