Lead Kayak Guide & Operations Coordinator Overview

IMPORTANT

This is not an entry-level guiding position and is not intended for individuals who are interested in learning how to become a guide. Applicants must have previous professional outdoor guiding experience and be capable of independently leading guided trips from day one. Candidates without professional guiding experience will not be considered.

Overview

Adventure Paddle Tours is seeking an experienced outdoor professional to join our team as a Lead Kayak Guide & Operations Coordinator in Naples, Florida.

This is a leadership-focused position that combines professional kayak guiding, customer service, scheduling, office administration, and daily operations management. We are looking for a dependable, physically capable individual who is interested in building a long-term career within the outdoor tourism industry.

The ideal candidate is equally comfortable leading tours on the water, communicating with guests, answering phones, coordinating schedules, and helping improve daily operations.

This position offers a unique opportunity to grow into a larger leadership role within a well-established outdoor recreation company. We are seeking someone interested in building a long-term future with Adventure Paddle Tours, not simply filling a seasonal position.

Duties & Responsibilities

Guiding & Tour Operations

Lead guided kayak eco tours through mangrove tunnels, coastal ecosystems, and Everglades environments
Conduct safety briefings and paddle instruction
Deliver exceptional customer service and environmental interpretation
Monitor weather, water conditions, and daily operational safety
Assist with equipment setup, maintenance, cleaning, and inventory management
Help train and mentor additional guides
Safely operate company vehicles and trailers when necessary

Office & Operations Coordination

Answer phones, emails, and customer inquiries
Manage reservations and booking systems
Coordinate guide schedules and daily logistics
Assist with customer communication and problem resolution
Support daily business operations and administrative tasks
Work closely with ownership to improve efficiency, guest experience, and operational systems

Required Qualifications

Professional outdoor guiding experience REQUIRED (no exceptions)
Strong leadership and customer service skills
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Clean driving record required
Ability to pass a background check
Strong organizational and time-management skills
Comfortable working independently and making decisions in the field
CPR and First Aid certification preferred
Experience towing trailers or operating commercial vehicles is a plus
Experience with reservation systems, scheduling, or office administration is a plus

Physical Requirements

This is a physically demanding outdoor position.

Applicants must:

Be physically fit and capable of working long hours outdoors
Independently lift, carry, and load heavy kayaks and equipment
Be comfortable working in heat, humidity, rain, insects, and changing weather conditions
Assist guests entering and exiting kayaks
Load trailers and transport equipment safely
Maintain a positive and professional attitude in challenging environmental conditions

This position is not suited for applicants seeking a casual outdoor job or low-activity work environment.

Schedule Requirements

Full-time, year-round position
Weekend availability REQUIRED
Holiday availability REQUIRED
Ability to work extended hours during peak tourism periods
Reliable transportation required

Compensation & Benefits

$26–$30 per hour based on experience
Tips
Performance-based bonuses
Operations and leadership-based pay increases
Paid time off available after one year of employment
Year-round employment
Leadership and advancement opportunities
Potential long-term incentive, revenue-sharing, or partnership opportunities for exceptional candidates

Housing

Limited employee housing may be available for qualified candidates. Housing is not included as compensation and requires a separate rental agreement.

About Adventure Paddle Tours

Adventure Paddle Tours has operated guided kayak and eco tours in Southwest Florida for over 10 years. We have operated in Colorado for 15 years. We specialize in small-group tours through mangroves, Everglades ecosystems, and coastal waterways surrounding Naples and Rookery Bay.

Our mission is simple:

Treat employees, guests, and the environment the way we would like to be treated.

We pride ourselves on professionalism, safety, environmental stewardship, and delivering exceptional guest experiences.

Application Requirements

To be considered, please include a brief introduction describing:

Your professional outdoor guiding experience
Any leadership or supervisory experience
Your customer service background
Why you are interested in a long-term role with Adventure Paddle Tours

Applicants who do not meet the required guiding experience qualifications will not be considered.

Please do not apply if you are looking for an entry-level guiding opportunity. This position requires prior professional guiding experience, leadership ability, and the capability to independently lead guests in outdoor environments.

This position requires a clean driving record, the ability to pass a background check, and the ability to safely perform physically demanding outdoor work in South Florida conditions.

Pay: $26.00 - $30.76 per hour

Benefits:

Flexible schedule
Paid time off
Professional development assistance
Relocation assistance
Tuition reimbursement

Work Location: In person

Adventure Paddle Tours Inc

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Lead Kayak Guide & Operations Coordinator