Stepping Into Alaska
Working a summer in Alaska is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It is a season that is defined by new challenges and opportunities. Choosing the right job can make all the difference in how you experience that season. At Kawanti Adventures a job is more than just a job, it is an experience that sticks with you forever. From your first morning to your last afternoon, a season at Kawanti has a way of shaping your confidence, your friendships and how you experience the outdoors!
We strive to give our guests the “Kawanti Experience,” something that they could not find anywhere else. But, adventure is not limited to the experience we offer our guests. It is something we get to experience in our everyday work, our time off, and the community we build throughout the season. Each year, employees arrive from all over with different backgrounds and experiences, but they leave with one thing in common: an unforgettable summer.
Working in Alaska’s dynamic tourism environment encourages adaptability, confidence, and strong communication skills. Whether you’re on the dock or zipping in the air, no two days are the same, and that constant variety helps employees grow quickly, often surprising themselves with what they’re capable of by mid-season.
The People Who Make the Season
One of the most impactful parts of working at Kawanti Adventures is the community. The friendships formed over the course of the season are built through teamwork, experiences together, and a mutual love for adventure. One of our previous Zipline Guides Eden states in an interview with KPU that spending time with her coworkers is “hugely rewarding” and she found that they all had similar interests such as spending time outdoors, their love for bears, crafting, etc. Eden goes on to say that she has never been in a place with so many nature enthusiasts and people alike yet the “Alaska experience is all about finding yourself and being celebrated for your individuality.” The combination of connection but also self-discovery is what makes the Kawanti community so unique.
Coworkers quickly become hiking buddies, travel partners, and lifelong friends. Whether it’s collaborating during busy work days or unwinding together afterward, the connection and support among staff is a part of the special experience here.
Your Office Isn’t an Office
At Kawanti, the workplace looks a little different. Instead of cubicles and walls, employees spend their days surrounded by trees, wildlife, and some of the most beautiful scenery in Southeast Alaska.
For many, being in nature everyday becomes one of the most rewarding parts of the job. From forest trails to coastal views, the environment plays a huge role in shaping the experience of the season
When the workday ends the adventure continues with Alaska’s extended daylight during the summer. After the last guests head back to town, there’s many hours to keep exploring. Employees often spend their afternoons and evenings hiking local trails, exploring downtown, grabbing meals, having barbecues or doing other spontaneous outings! These are the moments that make being in Alaska for the summer so special.
This job creates space to enjoy your time outside of work and take advantage of everything summer in Ketchikan has to offer.
Exploring Ketchikan
One of the standout perks of working at Kawanti Adventures is the opportunity to experience Ketchikan beyond your job. A previous Adventure Kart guide, Sadott, stated that Ketchikan is “A place for anything you want to do outdoors. From hiking, fishing, hunting, off-roading, you are not going to find anywhere that is quite like this place” in an interview with KPU.
Employees also receive heavily discounted and sometimes even free access to many local excursions. From guided kayaking trips to scenic flightseeing tours, staff are encouraged to explore the same experiences that draw visitors from around the world. It’s a chance to try something new and see Ketchikan from different perspectives to make the most out of your time here.
Ready for a Season that Changes You?
By the end of your season at Kawanti Adventures, employees leave with far more than a position to put on their resume. They gain knowledge in skills such as hospitality, customer service, teamwork and leadership, increased confidence, and problem solving while also building friendships, and gaining a deeper appreciation for the outdoors.
If you are looking for more than just a seasonal job Kawanti might be the perfect fit. Come join us and experience a season that stays with you long after it ends!
