Adventure Beyond the Job

At Kawanti Adventures, adventure isn’t just what we offer to our customers—it’s also the driving force behind our workplace culture. From the thrill of outdoor exploration to the teamwork that powers our operations, working at Kawanti is more than just a job; it’s an experience that combines passion, purpose, and a sense of adventure.

Every day at Kawanti Adventures is a little different, and that’s what keeps it exciting. Whether you’re part of our customer service team, a guide leading groups of guests on tours, or working in our operations team behind the scenes, there’s a job for you!

According to our 4th-season returning Zipline Guide Javier, no two days are alike when it comes to tourism in Alaska. “Something unique about working in Alaska is that no day is the same, yet everyday can feel rewarding. It’s impossible to feel bored with your job when your office is one of the most beautiful places in the world,” Javier said.

What’s the Best Part of the Job?

While adventure is at the heart of what we do, it’s the people and the moments that make working here truly memorable. When we asked some of our staff members about their favorite part of the job, their responses reflected the passion and camaraderie that define Kawanti Adventures.

Willow, Dock Representative and Adventure Kart Guide:

“The community of Kawanti, everyone was so friendly and welcoming. Everyone was eager to make friends and include you in whatever plans were going on. Everyone is so passionate about their jobs as well, you could really tell that they love what they do.”

Javier, Senior Zipline Guide:

“The scenery! Whether it was walking on the boardwalk, watching bears, or ziplining in the canopy, the views at work were some of the best on the island.”

Shannon, Walking Guide:

“My favorite part about working for Kawanti was the office views! Getting to wake up and walk through the forest every day never got old!”

Company-Provided Housing

At Kawanti Adventures, we know that living in close proximity to nature and the action is a huge perk of the job. For many of our team members, the adventure doesn’t stop when the workday ends. That’s why we offer employee housing on and near our sites, ensuring that our staff have a comfortable and convenient place to live during the tour season.

Javier shared his experience living in the company-provided housing at Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary during his past 4 seasons working at Kawanti. “Being housed right outside of Herring Cove was always the biggest perk. I’ve seen humpback whales, eagles, orcas, and bears all from my front door.” He went on to mention the communal living space as well and some of the team bonding that occured with coworkers. “The communal living adds a great dynamic. Bonfires, art nights, and game nights were a regular occurrence. I’ve made some lifelong friendships at the company bunkhouses.” said Javier.

Work-Life Balance

At Kawanti, while our focus is on tourism and the excitement of welcoming new visitors daily, we recognize that balance is essential for long-term sustainability—both for our employees and our guests. That’s why we prioritize well-being, flexibility, and time off to explore.

Our positions align with the Alaska tourism season, running from April through October. While we prioritize applicants with broader availability during these months, we are flexible and are experienced in accommodating student schedules, seasonal commitments, and other availability needs!

With flexibility, amazing perks, and plenty of opportunities to explore around Ketchikan, it’s easy to see why our employees love what they do—and why they continue to come back for more. With Alaska’s extended daylight hours during the summer, there’s plenty of time to enjoy adventures and take in the beauty of Ketchikan even after your workday ends.

One of our Kart Guides, Willow, shared some of her after-work experiences with us. “We’d often go out in groups to walk around town, see a movie, go for a hike, get lunch or dinner, and we’d always have a great time!”

In Ketchikan, visitors have access to a diverse range of shore excursions. As a member of the Kawanti team, you’ll enjoy heavily discounted rates (sometimes free!) on numerous other local tours, giving you the perfect opportunity to explore our region of Alaska and enjoy your free time! From a group guided kayaking tour, to a seaplane tour of the Misty Fjords, to a wildlife viewing boat cruise, the excursion opportunities are endless!

Building Skills and Gaining Experience

Working in Alaska’s tourism industry offers Kawanti staff a unique opportunity to develop a wide range of skills and experience that is highly transferable. Staff gain hands-on knowledge in hospitality, outdoor leadership, and customer service, while also honing critical soft skills such as communication, adaptability, and problem-solving in a fast-paced environment.

Shannon, one of our 2024 Trail Guides, spoke about the new skills she has gained while working at Kawanti. “One of the skills I took away from this summer is adaptability. Every single day I was interacting with varying sized groups of guests from all over the world. Every person was different and I wanted to shape my tour around what my guests wanted to hear more about, which kept my tour constantly changing and evolving.”

Zipline Guide Javier discussed how his role has made him an overall better educator. “Working at Kawanti, I’ve become a better educator and communicator. I am passionate about wildlife education and Kawanti has taught me how to balance teaching with entertainment. This has allowed me to help people foster a deeper connection and appreciation for the nature around us.”

No experience? No Problem!

Kawanti offers a training program that is designed to equip employees with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the dynamic world of Alaska tourism. From hands-on experience to classroom learning, our comprehensive training covers everything from safety protocols and customer service to local history and wildlife education. Employees are supported throughout the process, with ongoing mentorship and development to ensure they are prepared for every adventure, both for our guests and for themselves.

Ketchikan local and Kawanti employee, Shelby, highlighted how the training process was a huge part of the job for her. “The training is the most important part of the job. They can take someone who has no experience, scared of heights, and lacking communication skills and in a couple weeks, they’ll be comfortable at 150ft in the air doing tours with big groups of guests. We also get trained in rescues and safety precautions in case something were to ever go wrong. There are multiple rescue procedures for many different potential scenarios that could occur.”

Why Choose Kawanti?

Kawanti Adventures offers an opportunity to immerse yourself in the beauty and excitement of Alaska while developing valuable skills that will last a lifetime. Whether you’re looking for a job that offers adventure, a chance to work in the breathtaking beauty of Alaska, or the opportunity to learn and grow in a dynamic environment, Kawanti provides all that and more. With stunning surroundings, diverse experiences, and a culture that prioritizes adventure and teamwork. Come join us, and make this summer one to remember!