Employment / Job Openings


We are hiring for summer 2023!  Open Positions:

  • Beach Shop Sales Associate: Part time or full time.
  • Kayak Guide: Part time entry level to senior guide positions available.
  • Combo Position of Shop Staff and Kayak Guide – best way to get full time hours with a variety!

About Us: 

We are a small tour operator and beach shop located on Madeline Island, Lake Superior. We started in 2008 with a passion for being on the water and sharing amazing experiences with others. We believe you should enjoy what you do, always keep learning and strive for the best.  We are looking for people that share our passion for nature, enjoy working with customers and want to be a part of our team. 


Beach Shop Sales Associate

Seasonal Full and Part-Time Positions Available

Position Description: These are our front line professionals! The beach shop is the center of activity for customers, captains and guides.  We want it to be a fun festive place so we need people to be friendly, up-beat and but also professional and confident enough to sell tours.  The position is responsible for all day to day tasks in and around the shop, from being helpful to clients in the shop or on the phone, selling tours, answering emails, taking reservation payments, merchandise sales, and retail tasks.

Qualifications:

  • Outgoing friendly attitude
  • Reliable, punctual and professional team player
  • Willingness to work various shifts and possibly long hours at times
  • Excellent communication skills on the phone and in person
  • Basic computer skills with the ability to learn our tour calendar and reservation system
  • Good physical shape, ability to lift 40 pounds (paddle board)
  • Sense of humor and friendly people-centered attitude
  • Willing to spend the time with clients to figure out which tour meets their expectation for the best experience possible
  • Confident problem-solving attitude, strong observation skills
  • Other desired skills: Ability/knowledge to do minor repairs, grace under pressure, paddling skills, leadership and teaching experience.

 


 Kayak Guide 

Seasonal Part-Time, Entry Level to Senior Guide Positions Available

Position Description: 

Kayak Guides lead tours at Big Bay State Park, approximately 3 hours in length, ~4 miles round trip of paddling and 4 to 16 clients per tour. Entry level guides are matched with senior guides to lead tours, 1 to 3 tours per day. Guides may also repair kayaks, gear, and have other work opportunities around the shop.

The kayak guide position is responsible for all aspects of the tour, taking care of/cleaning equipment, communicating with other staff and clients, and setting up/putting away all gear for your tour. The position spends multiple hours a day in the sun and on the water, out in all types of environmental conditions. Guides need to plan ahead, work hard, and be detail oriented in taking care of clients and equipment. This includes observing weather and wind to ensure clients are staying safe and helping them with paddle technique and maneuvers.

At the beginning of the season all guides go through ACA training as well as training in safety, repairs and more. Staff development opportunities are also offered during the summer season. No previous kayak guiding experience is required for this position, however some paddling skills are required.

Qualifications:

  • Reliable and punctual team player
  • Willingness to work long hours, in all types of weather
  • Good physical shape, ability to lift 65 pounds
  • Current First Aid and CPR
  • Possess knowledge of sea kayaks and ability to lead a group on a 3 hour tour
  • Good communication skills and ability to raise voice in order to call attention
  • Sense of humor and friendly people-centered attitude
  • Willing to spend the time with clients to make it the best experience possible
  • Confident problem-solving attitude, strong observation skills
  • Love of the outdoors!
  • Other desired skills: Ability/knowledge to do minor repairs, grace under pressure, paddling skills, leadership and teaching experience.

 

If you’re interested in more information or to apply, please email Karen Nicholas, owner, at karen@adv-vac.com.