Volunteer Sea Kayak Guide

Description of Organization

ETC is a non-profit, volunteer-based organization that provides outdoor adventure and environmental education experiences to participants of all backgrounds and abilities.

ETC conducts sea kayaking, whitewater rafting, and cross-country skiing programs for youth from under-resourced backgrounds and people of all ages with disabilities or life-threatening illnesses, as well as extended Youth Leadership Programs for under-resourced youth.

Position Description

ETC’s volunteer Sea Kayak Guides are dedicated and caring professionals who provide skilled leadership on one- to five-day sea kayak trips on San Francisco Bay and Tomales Bay.

Sea Kayak guides are trained in the use of adaptive kayaking equipment and techniques for working with participants from diverse backgrounds. Guides use their training to create a welcoming environment for people who might not otherwise have the chance to experience the beauty and challenge of outdoor adventure.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Seek to provide meaningful outdoor experiences for ETC participants
• Work within a team of guides to ensure trips are operated in a safe manner
• Paddle in a double or triple kayak with ETC participants. After successful completion of check out process, Guides can paddle in a single kayak
• Assist with all aspects of trip logistics including equipment set-up, meal preparation, and trip closing/evaluation
• Facilitate activities focused on teamwork and group development, kayak skills instruction and navigation, and environmental education including human and natural history of San Francisco and Tomales Bays

Qualifications

• No sea kayaking experience is necessary–only the motivation and willingness to challenge yourself and have fun
• Enthusiasm for sharing the outdoors with people of all abilities and backgrounds
• Camping and outdoor skills preferred
• Experience with environmental education or leading outdoor trips preferred but not required
• Experience working with youth or participants with disabilities preferred but not required
• Current CPR and First Aid Certifications are required (WFA or WFR are preferred). ETC occasionally offers discounted trainings or can help you find an appropriate course.

Sea Kayak Guide School – All Training Sessions are required unless otherwise noted

• Evening Sessions (location TBA, virtual option available):
  • Orientation Meeting: Wednesday, March 29, 2023 (7 – 9 PM)
  • Environmental and Educational Resources: Wednesday, April 12, 2023 (7 – 9 PM)
  • Policies and Procedures: Wednesday, April 26, 2023 (7 – 9 PM)
• Weekend Sessions (in-person, on-water training):
  • Tomales Bay: Saturday & Sunday, April 1-2, 2022 (full days and overnight)
  • Sausalito & Angel Island: Friday – Monday, April 14-17, 2022 (full days and three nights)
  • Inclusion Training at ETC’s River Camp, Coloma CA: Saturday & Sunday, May 20-21, 2022
• Ongoing kayak, group management, and educational skills development is available to active guides

Term & Commitment

• New guide training and Inclusion Training
• 8 volunteer days during first year
• 8 volunteer days during second year
• Sea kayak season generally runs April through November 
• Training Cost:
  • $500 covers all instruction, equipment, overnight reservations, and food for all of training (some sliding-scale scholarships available)

To Apply

Submit application available at https://etctrips.org/about/volunteer with resume (optional) to Andrew Miller, Sea Kayak Program Manager, by Feb 28, 2023.

We ask new volunteers to participate in a short group interview. This allows us to ensure ETC is a good fit and to share more about our programs. With your application, please indicate your availability for one of the following interview dates:

• Tuesday, January 31 (evening, via zoom)
• Thursday, February 16 (evening, via zoom)
• Sunday, March 12 (midday, in person or zoom TBD)

Email: kayak@etctrips.org

Phone: 415-474-7662 ext. 13

Web: www.etctrips.org