Sea Kayak Oban are looking to recruit a seasonal guide and retail assistant for the 2026 season, to work in Scotland’s most dynamic sea kayaking centre.
The successful candidate will combine experience guiding on the water with the ability to support customers in making the right purchase for them in our specialist shop. They will be capable of working independently, and have the maturity to make decisions in challenging environments.
Sea Kayak Oban offers a broad range of training and qualifications to our customers, run by some of Scotland’s most experienced guides and coaches, and the successful candidate can expect to be supported in developing their own abilities through staff training and the option to join scheduled courses (including BCAB qualifications).
About the role
It is anticipated the balance between guiding and retail work would be around 2-3 days / week on the water and 1-2 days / week in the shop, depending on the season, bookings, and weather conditions. The candidate would be an employee of Sea Kayak Oban and receive the benefits associated with that position such as holiday pay and pension entitlements.
The position would run from late March / early April until late September, depending on individual availability. Weekend working is essential. Salary will depend on experience and qualifications but will be above the National Living Wage for 2026 (well above for the right candidate).
Job description
Duties would include but not be limited to:
Paddling:
Leading groups on the water for day trips, primarily as the sole guide with the group (max ratio 1:6)
Preparing, issuing and cleaning all equipment associated with those trips
Assisting other staff with the above
Retail and administration:
Working in Sea Kayak Oban’s retail space, including advising customers on purchases, preparing online and telephone orders
Running kayak demos
Answering the telephone and taking bookings for trips and courses
Putting marketing posts on SKO’s social media
Candidate qualifications and experience
Essential:
BCAB Sea Kayak Leader or equivalent
Experience of working as a sea kayak leader in a commercial context, in UK waters, ideally over more than one season
Personable and engaging with customers
Able to work without direct supervision
Desirable:
Retail experience
Experience of social media marketing
Full UK driving licence (ideally with experience of driving trailers)
BCAB Advanced Sea Kayak Leader or equivalent
BCAB Sea Kayak Coach or equivalent
Applications
Please send a covering letter and CV detailing all relevant experience, along with 2 references, to info@seakayakoban.com by Thursday 4th December. Interviews will take place online or in person as appropriate during the week of 8th December and all candidates will be notified once a decision has been made.