Here at Drifters, we all share a love of the outdoors and respect for the incredible wilderness at our fingertips. We look for candidates who are self-motivated, reliable, efficient in their duties, and who genuinely enjoy people. Our simple shared goal is to provide guests with an Alaskan Fishing Trip of a Lifetime. This is a tourism-based industry, and we expect everyone to happily go the extra mile for our guests to maintain our high standards of service. A willingness to be flexible with your schedule and hours is important as well. Most importantly, we look for people who are excited about Alaska!
We ask a lot of the crew during the busy summer, and in return, we strive to provide as many opportunities as we can for you to enjoy Alaska. You can fish as much as you like! There are tons of great hikes nearby. Many tour companies offer deals to local employees. We provide all employees with comfortable housing and access to a vehicle on your day off. Above all, you’ll gain a new community, bonded by the highs, lows, twists, and turns of a crazy Alaskan summer season. It’s more than a job; it’s an adventure!
The front office position puts you at the center of activity at the lodge. Office staff are responsible for answering the phone and making reservations on the computer, checking in guests, assisting with daily shuttles and raft pickups, and providing exceptional customer service to guests on property. Must be willing to learn as much as possible about our local sport fisheries.
Bring your exceptional work ethic and people skills to the Kenai River, where you can nurture a love of the sport of fishing in guests of all walks of life. On a fishing trip, the guide is responsible for clients’ safety and enjoyment in addition to teaching fishing techniques and catching fish. It’s one of the hardest but most rewarding jobs out there!
We hold our guides to a high standard, and we offer the training and support needed to get you started. All Kenai River fishing guides must complete the Kenai River Guide Academy course prior to their first season. As a fishing guide, you will meet awesome people throughout the season and play a key role in making guests’ most cherished Alaskan memories. We generally look for fishing guides who are interested in guiding for a minimum of 2-3 years. The job requires a high level of training, and there are some startup costs for the guide that make the job less attractive as a one-season pursuit.
The Rafting Guide position is a dream job for someone who loves the outdoors, people, and physically challenging work. Our rafting guides spend many hours on the river each day, providing a safe, entertaining experience for families and tourists to see the incredible sights of Cooper Landing, the Chugach National Forest, and the Kenai Wildlife Refuge.
Physical strength and endurance are important for this role, since you will be rowing inflatable rafts seating 8-10 people in fast current. Prior experience on rivers is encouraged, but the Upper Kenai is an entry level rafting river.
Summer positions run from May 15 – Aug 31 (some continue through the end of September). We can be somewhat flexible on work dates especially for college schedules. The work schedule is 6 days/week with one day off per week.
The best time to apply for fishing guide jobs is September – November so that you have time to enroll in the Kenai River Guide Academy course the following Spring.
We are actively hiring for lodge positions from about December – February, so this is the best time to apply.
However, we welcome applications any time! Please send us an email if you have any questions. Thank you for your interest in working with Drifters Lodge!
Drifters Lodge is a small, locally owned and operated fishing lodge with a long history of repeat guests and satisfied anglers. We have been in operation since 1998.
Drifters Lodge is permitted to operate on public lands under special use permits from the Chugach National Forest, Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, and Alaska State Parks. Drifters Lodge is an equal opportunity provider.
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