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
