Job Openings at Kenai Backcountry Lodge

Essential Requirements for all Kenai Backcountry Lodge Positions:

  • Cheerful and enthusiastic attitude during long days in a sometimes cramped workspace.
  • Possess the ability to work within a team structure and in a flexible manner to accomplish a variety of tasks including: food preparation, packing, housekeeping, light maintenance and guest service.
  • All positions (including managers) have camp chores and dishwashing duties. Please note: all dishwashing at this lodge is done by hand using a three-step method.
  • Ability to routinely lift and load luggage, supplies and equipment (up to 75 pounds).
  • Ability to live and work in a communal, camp-like atmosphere.
Seasonal Management

Additional Essential Requirements for Management Positions:

These management positions demand a high level of organization, leadership, attention to detail and exemplary customer service skills. Salary DOE. Applicant must be available April 1 – September 15.

  • Must possess or have the ability and experience to obtain a Restricted Operator of Uninspected Vessels (ROUPV) or greater Merchant Mariner Credential. (For details regarding license requirements please contact our hiring office.)
  • Applicants must pass a pre-employment physical and drug screen and participate in a random drug screening program as required by Alaska State Parks and the United States Coast Guard.

Seasonal KBL Lodge Manager and Assistant Lodge Manager

The Seasonal Lodge Managers will coordinate all aspects of our Kenai Backcountry Lodge. These positions will typically work 45-50 hours per week but must be flexible to work more especially during the training period of May and early June. Day-to-day schedule may fluctuate depending on arrivals and guest occupancy at the lodge. These dynamic positions requires experience in staff leadership and supervision, program logistics and scheduling, general maintenance skills, experience running a backcountry lodge, experience with boat operation and maintenance and Alaska natural history interpretation.

Duties may include but are not limited to:

  • Greet guests upon arrival at lodge
  • Oversee management of hospitality and maintenance staff
  • Organize continual maintenance and construction projects
  • Manage staff schedules
  • Problem solve unique remote lodge logistics
  • Ensure daily activities are booked and guide staff are available
  • Be capable of performing any of the lodge duties from hospitality to guiding to cooking with a positive team outlook
  • Competent with computers and Windows operating system; working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and Google Drive
  • Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
  • Ability to manage, train and schedule guide, hospitality and maintenance staff while providing constructive feedback
  • Ability to multitask and problem solve under time restraints
  • Ability to live and work in a communal, camp-like atmosphere
  • Affinity for natural history and interest in expanding knowledge of ecotourism, Alaska and Alaska tourism experience
Hospitality

Cook

Prepares and presents hearty, delicious family-style meals. Various responsibilities include: baking, assisting the dinner and breakfast cooks, as well as doing some prep cook work. It is essential that this person possesses a strong ability to work positively in a team environment. Previous cooking experience required. 


Housekeeper/Dishwasher

This position has a variety of rotating responsibilities which are essential for the overall success of the team. Responsibilities include but are not limited to: housekeeping; cooking assistance as needed; outdoor groundskeeping projects; assisting with hauling luggage, propane, food, supplies, garbage and recycling; dishwashing and some serving. Dishwashing is done using a 3-step method and is required of all positions.

Maintenance

Maintenance Assistant

Assists Lodge Managers with boat and building maintenance and repair, as well as construction. Mechanical and construction experience are required. Strong preference given to candidates who have professional experience with micro-hydro, solar, or other off-grid power systems, boat and outboard maintenance or operation, strong construction trade skills or advanced mechanical certifications.

Guiding and Outdoor Leadership

Natural History Hike/Kayak Guide

Supports AWA Trip Leaders and guides with naturalist responsibilities while guests are at KBL. Also leads activities such as hiking and sea kayaking for independent lodge guests as well as an independently-designed evening program. Must have interpretation background and Wilderness First Responder or higher certification. Experience in sea kayaking or rafting class III white water (or higher) is a plus. Our guides also act as deckhands on our USCG inspected vessel. As such, applicants must pass a pre-employment physical and drug screen and participate in a random drug screening program as required by the United States Coast Guard and Alaska State Parks. Pay is DOE.


KBL/Skilak-Based Captain

Job Requirements/Qualifications:

  • Previous experience in operation of vessels in inclement weather and seas. Alaska experience a plus.
  • Must possess at least a 25 ton inland USCG license.
  • First Aid/CPR or higher medical training.
  • Excellent customer service and natural history interpretation skills.
  • Communication skills with both guests and employees.
  • Ability to be flexible with daily schedule.
  • Pre-employment drug screen as well as participating in a random drug screen program during time of employment.
  • Maintaining a clean and organized vessel.
  • Be familiar with USCG regulations and be able to adhere to them.
  • Be familiar with outboard motors and possess the ability to maintain them.
  • Greet guests and orient guests to the vessel.
  • Perform Safety Speech required by USCG.
  • Be safety conscious in all aspects of vessel operation.
  • This is a lodge-based position that requires other lodge-based work outside of regular captain duties.
  • Be able to live remotely in a small group living setting.

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