Jobs
CANOE TRIP OUTFITTER
40 hrs/week
$20/hr, includes room & board* (equivalent to $28/hr)
Start: June 17, 2024 (flexible)
End: September 6, 2024 (flexible)
Spend the summer soaking up fresh air and sunshine while helping visitors experience backcountry adventures.
THE OUTFITTER ROLE
Our outfitter is responsible for making sure clients have the information and equipment they need for a successful canoe trip.
Outfitting is a details game, from the macro (our ever-evolving reservation schedule) to the micro (number of tent pegs in a bag). A great outfitter always knows what’s coming down the pike and stays several steps ahead. They are aware of upcoming reservations, reservation changes, inventory levels, maintenance needs, and can organize their time effectively. They use procedures and systems to ensure a composed work environment and consistent client experiences. To round it out, they are clear and friendly communicators.
Tasks include
Communicating with clients
Creating and modifying bookings
Client check-ins & check-outs
Packing canoe trip gear and supplies (canoes, camping gear, life jackets, paddles, food, etc.)
Orienting clients to gear, supplies, and safety procedures
Securing canoes to client vehicles for transport
Maintenance and organization of returning equipment
Shuttling canoes and/or clients to backcountry access points (using pick-up truck)
Best parts
Beautiful lakeside setting
Relaxed, flexible work environment
Super positive clientele
Lots of variety; every day is a bit different
Balanced workload (high-level thinking balanced by low-demand tasks; busier times balanced by slower times)
Our ideal candidate will have
A valid driver’s license
Excellent organizational & time management skills
Excellent written communication skills
Strong interpersonal skills
Strong computer skills
Attention to detail
Adaptability
The ability to lift and carry canoes up to 65 lbs
Familiarity with dogs (two collies on-site)
Their own vehicle (rural location with no public transit available)
(Canoe tripping experience is an asset)
REQUIREMENTS
In our experience, the most effective outfitters are natural list-makers/schedulers who enjoy working independently within a supportive framework. They are outdoorsy and physically fit—able to carry canoes and be on their feet much of the day. Of course, canoe tripping experience is an asset.
PERKS OF THE JOB
As part of the Smoothwater team, you’ll be working in a relaxed environment with supportive co-workers, cute dogs, and restaurant-quality food provided. To top it off, our clients are truly a pleasure to work with; they’re friendly, relaxed, and down-to-earth. (Literally! Most are about to go sleep on the ground for a week :-)
Let’s get specific
Room & Board
Three meals per day (you’ll eat as well as our guests!)
Private room in staff house
Access to canoes and kayaks for personal use
Tons of backcountry hikes and canoe routes on your doorstep
Sauna, swimming docks, campfire pit
ABOUT US
We facilitate canoeing and hiking adventures in Temagami, from casual day trips to multi-week backcountry expeditions. Services include canoe rentals, gear rentals, complete outfitting packages, route consultations, and shuttles. We provide accommodations and meals on-site at our lodge, where we share environmental and historical context that deepens guests’ experiences on the land.
Location
We are located 10 minutes north of Temagami; 1 hour north of North Bay; 5 hours north of Toronto, Peterborough, and Ottawa. Limited public transit, unlimited natural beauty! A personal vehicle is recommended, but we can pick up at the nearest bus station (Ontario Northland, 14 km away).