Do you have a passion for educating people while guiding them into wild places? ✔️
Are you a naturally curious, enthusiastic explorer? ✔️
Do you love living, laughing, and working hard within a community of like-minded people? ✔️
Does problem-solving, and a positive attitude come naturally to you, even in challenging situations? ✔️
Do you love to connect with a diverse group of people, learn from them, and hear their stories? ✔️
Are you a person who is at ease with giving, receiving, and learning from constructive feedback? ✔️
Are you passionate about learning from the people and the world around you? ✔️
Do you enjoy living in a communal environment, and the respect, forgiveness, and understanding required for living in a diverse culture? ✔️
Are authentic experiences, and making lifetime friends important to you? ✔️
Do you share the values of Sunny Cove Kayaking’s C.A.R.E.S philosophy? ✔️

Do you connect with these statements?

If so, Sunny Cove Kayaking might just be a perfect fit for you. Sunny Cove offers a different kind of seasonal lifestyle experience. Is it hard work? Yes. Are there long stretches with little time off? Yes. Is sharing wild places with people from all over the world rewarding? Yes.

Joining Sunny Cove Kayaking means joining a value-driven culture and immersing yourself in a lifestyle. It also means joining a diverse culture of adventurers who love newly forged friendships, traveling in wild places, enjoying amazing experiences, and quiet once-in-a-lifetime moments in the wilderness.

Are you still intrigued? Great! Our application process is rigorous, and we have high expectations when it comes to bringing in new staff members. If you’re game to prove you are the best fit for Sunny Cove Kayaking, we’re excited to meet you!

*International applicant? We welcome applicants who have obtained visas to work in the US and are available for the entirety of our season. We do not sponsor visas.

Would you like to be a part of our community?
Do we share similar values?

What it’s like to guide with Sunny Cove from our team’s perspective

Gear/Maintenance - Minimum Requirements

  • Current First Aid & CPR/AED certification

    • May be obtained after hiring and before training

    • Must be valid through the end of the season

  • Current, clean driving record

    • Must be at least 23 years old to meet our insurance requirement

  • Trailer moving experience preferred

  • Top-notch communication and listening skills

  • Strong sense of empathy, compassion, and caring

  • Ability to lift 60+ pounds repeatedly

    • Will be moving 60-100 lb kayaks multiple times a day

  • General maintenance skills preferred

    • Vehicle, trailer, and kayak repair

    • Possible additional work with staff housing maintenance

  • Comfortable with limited time off and working outdoors in challenging weather conditions

  • Available June 1 through at least late August

    • Some positions may start in May and end in September

Driver Guide - Minimum Requirements

  • Current First Aid & CPR/AED certification

    • May be obtained after hiring and before training

    • Must be valid through the end of the season

  • Current, clean driving record

    • Must be at least 23 years old to meet our insurance requirement

  • Willing to prepare food and maintain food trailer

    • DG is responsible for preparing day trip lunches daily

  • Top-notch communication and listening skills

  • Natural curiosity and a passion for continued learning

  • Strong sense of empathy, compassion, and caring

  • Ability to lift 50+ pounds repeatedly

  • Comfortable with limited time off

  • Available June 1 through at least late August

    • Some positions may start in May and end in September

Driver/Gear/Assistant Kayak Guide HYBRID role - Minimum Requirements

  • This role is great for someone desiring to break into guiding and includes filling in as a Driver Guide, Gear Guide, and Kayak Guide. Please see the description for each role above.

Guide/Instructor - Minimum Requirements

  • Prior leadership experience, preferably in remote locations

  • Leadership and outdoor education background

  • Current Wilderness First Responder Certification from a nationally accredited organization

    • May be obtained after hiring and before training

    • Fully online courses are not considered valid

    • Must be valid through the end of the 2027 season (September 2027)

  • Current CPR/AED certification

    • Must be valid through the end of the 2027 season (September 2027)

  • Current, clean driving record, and willing to run shifts in addition to kayaking to drive guests or gear between locations

    • Must be at least 23 years old to meet our insurance requirement

  • Top-notch communication and listening skills

  • Natural curiosity and a passion for continued learning

  • Strong sense of empathy, compassion, and caring

  • Ability to lift 50+ pounds repeatedly

  • Comfortable working outdoors for long periods, in adverse conditions

  • Willingness to work overtime (with appropriate pay) regularly

  • Comfortable with limited time off working in challenging weather conditions

  • ACA/BCU certifications (preferred, not required)

  • Comfortable living respectfully in communal, co-ed bunk housing (fee-based) with little privacy

  • Available May 1 through late September

2027 Available Positions

Have you read everything, and are you still interested?

Great! To apply with Sunny Cove, please email a resume, cover letter, and if you have one, a field log (kayak guide only, recommended).

Working for Sunny Cove & Seward Tours requires attention to detail. Your application materials will be evaluated on their attention to detail.

We’ll review your information, and if we feel you’re a potential fit, we’ll send you additional application information. Should we select you to continue with our interview process may be required to submit a current driving record and you will be subject to a background check.

Submit Cover Letter & Resume

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Looking for Something Else?

  • Kenai Fjords Glacier and Wildlife Tours

    Kenai Fjords Full Day Tour

    If glaciers are a must, this is the trip. This tour includes a wildlife cruise on our private catamaran, Ascension, combined with kayaking near a tidewater glacier. This popular tour is limited to 12 seats daily and tends to sell out early.

    Kenai Fjords Day Tours
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    Fox Island Cruise & Kayak Combo

    Beloved by our guides, Fox Island boats a mix of sheer cliffs, turquoise waters, and wildlife viewing. These tours are combined with a wildlife cruise with Kenai Fjords Tours.

    Fox Island Tours
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    Resurrection Bay Half & Full Day Tours

    Resurrection Bay is a staple in our offerings, boasting a mix of mountain & ocean vistas, and viewing of smaller marine mammals. Choose from kayaking-only tours or tours mixed with beach combing, rainforest walking, or trail hiking.

    Resurrection Bay Tour