Sea Kayak Guide

Where: East Coast Outfitters – Lower Prospect, Nova Scotia

When: May–October

What we need: Full-time & Part-time (30–40+ hrs/week, peak season June–September)

About East Coast Outfitters

East Coast Outfitters (ECO) is Nova Scotia’s premier sea kayaking outfitter, offering guided tours, lessons, rentals, and Paddle Canada courses along the stunning South Shore/Chebucto Peninsula. We strive to be a leader in the paddling industry, and to do it in a way that promotes safe, healthy, and sustainable outdoor endeavours and is a positive influence on the lives of our clients, our employees and the members of our community.

We’re looking for keen, enthusiastic, and safety-focused Sea Kayak Guides who love working with people, thrive in a team setting, and feel at home on the Atlantic Ocean.

A Typical Day at ECO

• Lead half-day, full-day, and sometimes evening sea kayak tours

• Complete trip reports and gather info on weather, sea state, and group ability that will assist with safe trip planning

• Assist guests with equipment fitting, launching, and landing

• Deliver engaging safety briefings and basic paddling instruction

• Share knowledge of local marine ecology, wildlife, and coastal history

• Maintain kayaks, safety gear, and equipment to ECO standards

• Represent ECO with professionalism, positivity, and excellent customer care

What You Gotta Have:

• Strong communication and people skills

• Paddle Canada Sea Kayak Level 2 Skills (or equivalent: BCU, ACA, SKGABC)

• Appropriate First Aid certification (minimum WRFA including CPR-C)

• Solid rescue skills and comfort in a variety of coastal conditions

• Experience leading groups in an outdoor environment

• Ability to work weekends, holidays, and in changing weather

It would be awesome if you also had: 

• Paddle Canada Sea Kayak Instructor certification

• Wilderness First Responder

• Multi-lingual (French, German, or others)

• Previous coastal guiding experience

• Strong knowledge of the Atlantic marine environment

Training & Onboarding

• New guides will shadow a minimum of three tours

• Lead a minimum of three tours under supervision before guiding independently

• Ongoing mentorship and skills development throughout the season

What We’re Looking For

• Safety-driven decision makers

• Team-oriented, reliable, and adaptable guides

• Strong situational awareness on and off the water

• A genuine love for people, paddling, and the ocean

What We Offer

• Competitive hourly wage (based on experience & certifications)

• Tips and bonus opportunities

• Subsidized training & professional development

• A supportive, fun, and experienced guide team

• The opportunity to work in one of Nova Scotia’s most beautiful paddling destinations

Employment Requirements

• Canadian citizen or permanent resident

• Proficiency in English (other languages an asset)

• Appropriate personal paddling equipment (PFD, immersion wear, etc.)

How to Apply

Please send the following to Adam Zita, Operations Manager:

• Resume

• Short cover letter outlining your guiding experience and certifications

• Two work references (faculty reference if currently in school)

• Availability dates

• Relevant certification expiry dates

📧 adam@eastcoastoutfitters.com

Applications accepted until April 15

Anticipated start date: May 15 (or earlier)

About ECO:

Our Mission

East Coast Outfitters provides customers with world-class outdoor experiences in a safe and fun fashion that is socially, environmentally, and economically sustainable.

East Coast Outfitters strives to provide employees with a great place to work by offering an environment that is fun, challenging, promotes teamwork and mutual respect.

Our Vision

East Coast Outfitters strives to be a leader in the paddling industry, and to do it in a way that promotes safe, healthy, and sustainable outdoor endeavours and is a positive influence on the lives of our clients, our employees and the members of our community.

Our Values

Safety, Integrity, Respect, Skilled staff, Fun, Teamwork, Friendliness and Service.

ECO is the premier sea kayaking outfitter in Nova Scotia. We have the largest fleet in the Atlantic provinces and we employ the most skilled guides who are passionate and enthusiastic about sharing paddling experiences with our clients.