Kayak Instructor

Wet Planet is looking for Instructors for our kayak school at Wet Planet!

Wet Planet Kayak Instructors enjoy sharing their love of kayaking, introducing people to the sport, and creating amazing experiences for our students. Our popular kayak program includes weekly beginner classes, advanced classes and clinics, kayak guiding on area rivers, youth camps, charter camps for organizations such as First Descents, and an annual multi-day whitewater kayaking trip on the Main Salmon River in Idaho. Following Wet Planet course outlines, Lead Kayaking Instructors set the tone and pace, take care of all course logistics, and take pride in the guest experience and achieving positive course outcomes. Lead Instructors enjoy being the point person while coaching and mentoring assistant instructors. Assistant instructors are new to professional kayak instruction, and work under the supervision of lead instructors while developing their skills and experience.

Wet Planet

Each year, many of our guests and team members return to enjoy the abundance of beautiful rivers we raft and kayak in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. Our headquarters are located on the banks of the White Salmon River in the heart of the Columbia River Gorge, surrounded by a whitewater paradise and an incredible community of boaters. It's the perfect location for raft guides and kayakers to work and play in the Pacific Northwest.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Formal whitewater kayak instruction experience required for Lead Instructors
• Professional appearance, excellent communication skills, and team player
• Ability to kayak comfortably at a Class III level at minimum
• Comfortable managing a group of students in a dynamic river environment
• Current Wilderness First Responder & CPR certifications required for Lead Instructors
• Current First Aid and CPR certifications required for Assistant Instructors
• Current River Rescue Certification required (Sierra Rescue, ACA Swiftwater, or equivalent)
• ACA or BCU training for whitewater kayaking instruction required for Lead Instructors

Kayaking Season: We offer kayak courses from mid-May through mid-September

Availability:

• Full-time, full season: mid-May through mid-September
• Part-time, peak season: June - August

Many of our staff combine work in multiple disciplines and enjoy the variety of work throughout the season. For those with skills in paddle rafting, rowing, and/or kayaking, work is available from April through September by combining day trips, multi-day trips, and kayak instruction.

Wet Planet Perks:

• Access to free trips and courses, and discounted professional training (river rescue courses, medical courses, ACA instructor course, etc.)
• Cross-training for other job areas & opportunities within Wet Planet
• Discounts on food, drinks, and merchandise in the Wet Planet store and espresso bar
• Industry Pro Purchase Program
• Free rafting and kayak courses for friends & family
• Annual multi-day staff trip (Main Salmon or Owyhee rivers)
• Regular staff dinners (SND – Saturday Night Dinner)
• Access to local housing options
• Connections for winter job opportunities
• Accrued Sick Leave
• Retirement plan after two seasons of full-time employment

Compensation:

• $135-163 per day, based on experience, training & certifications, and role (assisting or course lead).
• Simple IRA savings plan option after 2 years

Combine your desire to play outside with your professional skillset and experience – join our team!