HIRING. Wilderness Guides.

Not Your Average Job: Wilderness Guide Position

Looking for an outdoor job in the Canadian North? We are seeking hard-working, team-oriented, and experienced paddling professionals who love living and working in the outdoors and have a passion for wilderness. Currently hiring for the 2026 summer season.

You’ll be working with some of the best canoe and kayak guides and instructors in the Northwest Territories. This is an opportunity to explore the Arctic and become part of a tight-knit team.

Join our qualified team of outdoor leaders and assist with:

• Instructing Paddle Canada certified canoe and sea kayak courses, on flat or whitewater
  Facilitating youth wilderness trips across the Northwest Territories
  Guiding trips of a lifetime to remote and wild northern rivers & lakes

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Organize food, gear & logistics to support our guided trips
• Work as a lead or assistant canoe or sea kayak guide on trips – up to 14+ day expeditions across the Canadian North
• Follow our Emergency Protocols and responsibilities in our Guide Manual & Safety Plan
• Practice low-impact land use and respect indigenous rights and our licensing requirements
• Provide wildlife, historical and natural interpretation
• Create a supportive environment where clients can learn new skills and improve confidence
• Instruct paddling courses and clinic
• Assist self-guided trips with rentals and shuttles

QUALIFICATIONS

• Expedition experience by sea kayak or canoe – preferably in a professional role and even better if in the Canadian North
• Paddle Canada (or equivalent) skill, instructor, and instructor-trainer certifications are an asset
• Whitewater experience is an asset
• Current Whitewater Rescue Certification and Wilderness First Responder certification is an asset
• Must submit a criminal records check (vulnerable persons)
• Driving Licence, Class 4 (large van is an asset) and must submit driver’s abstract

THE DETAILS

• Season: Positions are available from May through September. Some flexibility depending on your availability, but we prefer to hire guides available for the bulk of the season.
• Location: Based in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories. May work out of our satellite bases in Norman Wells, Inuvik, or Fort Simpson for specific trips.
• Compensation: Pay ranges from $20–28 per hour + tips, includes 4% vacation pay
• Requirements: Staff will need to supply their own first aid kit as per our Guide Manual list
• Benefits: Accommodation is provided free of charge at our staff house in Yellowknife, as well as return flights to the North from a major Canadian hub

HOW TO APPLY:

• Submit your resume and cover letter to info@jackpinepaddle.com (with 3 references)
• Provide an “outdoor CV” or list of trips/courses/camps you have been on with details such as: distance, days, watercraft, role, route
• Selected candidates will be contacted for an interview

If you are interested in improving your own experience, skills and certifications as a paddle guide, check out our Northern Guide Training Program.