Overview
We are seeking an enthusiastic and knowledgeable Kenai and/or Russian River Fishing Guide to join our team. This role is perfect for individuals who are passionate about fishing and enjoy sharing their expertise with others. As a guide, you will lead fishing trips, educate clients on techniques, and ensure a memorable experience on the water. Your ability to communicate effectively and provide exceptional customer service will be key to fostering a positive environment for our guests.

Job Objective: To provide a safe and enjoyable sportfishing experience for all AAA guests

Compensation: Salary starting at $180 per day for guided trips. Hourly rate for pre-season set up and non-guiding work.

Location: Cooper Landing, Alaska. Staff members will fly (if not driving) into Ted Stevens Airport in Anchorage, Alaska.  Transportation for staff members without a vehicle will be provided by Alaskan Angling Adventures (AAA) to Cooper. We also provide transportation back to the airport at the end of the season.

Our Season: June 4 - September 10. New employees may be required to arrive in late April or Early May to attend mandatory training. Guides may be released early or asked to stay later than September 10 based on bookings.

Benefits:

• Housing: Local accommodation is limited.  AAA will assist with securing seasonal accommodation for staff.  A tent cabin may be available.  Tent cabins are rustic and do not have running water or constant electricity.  Guides are encouraged to take advantage of our offer to help secure local accommodation options if they would prefer these amenities.
• Provided Equipment: Drift boats (for qualified guides), company vehicle, rods & reels, all standard tackle provided free to guide staff for guided trips
• Discounts: Friend and family discounts for AAA trips

Requirements:

• Proven experience in fishing, preferably in the Kenai or Russian River regions.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to educate clients effectively.
• Excellent time management skills to ensure timely departures and efficient use of trip duration.
• A passion for customer service and creating memorable experiences for guests.
• Leadership qualities that foster teamwork and enhance group dynamics during trips.

Licenses Needed:

• Valid drivers license with a clean driving record
• Minimum Wilderness First  (WFA) or Wilderness First Responder (WFR)
• Minimum Restricted Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels (ROUPV) on Kenai River, or greater USCG licensure (for Kenai River guides)
• Successful completion of the five day Kenai River Guide Academy
• Successful completion of AAA drift boat and fishing guide trainings
• Alaska Fishing License
• AAA will help arrange the following: Alaska Fishing License, Kenai River Guide Academy, Kenai River Special Management Area Fishing Guide Permit, Alaska Department of Fish and Game Sport Fishing Guide License, pre-employment drug test, UCSG Limited Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels (OUPV) License (aka, “six-pack”).

Responsibilities:

• Lead guided fishing trips on the Kenai and/or Russian River, ensuring safety and enjoyment for all participants.
• Educate clients on fishing techniques, local regulations, and environmental conservation practices.
• Provide excellent customer service by addressing client needs and inquiries throughout the trip.
• Communicate effectively with clients of varying skill levels, adapting your approach to suit their needs.
• Demonstrate strong leadership skills by managing group dynamics and ensuring a cohesive experience for all participants.
• Maintain equipment and ensure all gear is in good working condition before each trip.
• Promote a positive atmosphere through public speaking and engaging interactions with clients.
• Work requiring knowledge gained in advanced training and specialized experiences in sportfishing, guiding, teaching of angling techniques, interpretation of fisheries and natural studies, principles of group leadership and interpersonal communications, as well as safety skills and precautions.
• Performing work that is original, dynamic, and creative in character. Each and every situation during your work may require unique approaches and varying techniques in order to result in a consistent overall high quality experience for trip participants. High quality results depend upon the invention, imagination, and talent employee possess’ for this profession.
• Imparting knowledge and instruction in sportfishing as necessary for trip participants.
• Employee is recognized by AAA as an outdoor and environmental educator, and the learning, formal and informal, that takes place by trip participants while on the trips is substantial. We highly respect the professional nature of this position.
• Consistent exercise of discretion and judgment in the performance of the work. Within a wide range of standards and guidelines, employee will be granted independence in carrying out work within generally acceptable standards of this profession.
• Dynamic time scheduling. Guiding and leading trips involves work of such character that the output produced and the result accomplished is difficult to standardize on a time basis. Accordingly, employee will be compensated on a salary basis.
• Work requires supervisory capacity over all trip participants for duration of trip.
• Flexibility and diversity. Employee duties and assignments may be modified and altered incidentally to Employee principal duties to allow for smooth operation of the business and maximum employment opportunities for the Employee. Please recognize that this may from time to time involve duties that help to facilitate the overall operations of AAA.  Employee will be expected to do “dirty work” and manual labor from time to time

Join us in providing unforgettable fishing adventures while sharing your love for the sport!