We're hiring!

Come work with us for the 2025 season. We're looking for staff to fill a variety of roles at our Wickford location.

Job perks include a 30% discount on in-store gear/apparel from Patagonia, Carve Designs, PrAna, O’Neill, NRS, OluKai, and Outdoor Research to name a few AND free equipment rentals on kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and snowshoes.

Positions Available

Wickford Waterfront Staff

Guide (summer seasonal)

Retail Sales Associate (part-time and full-time)

Download a Job Application - Please fill out an application and either drop it off at our Wickford store or email it to us at [email protected]. Please include the position(s) you're applying for in the subject line. If you have a resume, feel free to include it. Have questions? Give us a call or stop by the shop to chat.

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Waterfront Staff Job Description - Wickford

We're hiring part-time and full-time summer waterfront staffers for our Wickford location (Our waterfront is located just down the street from our main shop at 70 Brown Street in Wickford Village). This position requires availability on weekdays, as well as weekends. If you love working outdoors and helping guests, this is a great opportunity for you!

Waterfront staff provide assistance and instruction on how to correctly and safely operate, paddle and steer kayaks and stand-up paddleboards, check-in rental customers, set up all equipment and pull boats/boards for rentals, as well as rinse and put away all equipment as needed. Knowledge of local surroundings, wildlife, some local history, and boating regulations are a plus, but not required. 

Waterfront Staff must have reliable transportation. Applicants must attend one of two mandatory staff training dates prior to the start of the season and have availability throughout the summer season from starting Memorial Day weekend. Experience kayaking and knowledge of Wickford Harbor are a plus, but not required.

Job Responsibilities:

• Assist in keeping rental equipment clean and properly maintained.
• Physically able to carry kayaks, SUPs and other equipment as needed.
• Maintain the rental location and surrounding area. Some ground maintenance may be required.
• Maintain The Kayak Centre classroom, basement, and bathroom facilities with tidiness and any amenities and other items required for service.
• Greet and welcome all guests.
• Follow all boating and The Kayak Centre’s safety rules and procedures.
• Participate in all scheduled training and orientation meetings.
• Prepared to work outdoors during the summer season.

Requirements:

• Minimum of 16 years old
• Must be able to lift a minimum of 50lbs
• Reliable transportation to and from work
• Must be outgoing, with a friendly demeanor
• Enjoy dealing with the public
• Great verbal communication skills
• Highly responsible
• Comfortable working in summer heat conditions
• Available to work a flexible schedule (weekdays, weekends and holidays between the hours of 8:30 am-5:30 PM)

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Paddling Guide Job Description

We're looking for part-time kayak guides for both our Charlestown and Wickford locations. This position requires guides to have availability on weekdays, as well as weekends. 

Applicants must attend one of two mandatory staff trainings prior to the start of the season and have availability throughout the summer season from Memorial Day through the end of September – with the potential to add additional tours during November and December.

Guides are expected to set up all equipment and pull boats for the necessary tour participants, as well as rinse and put away all equipment at the end of the tour.  Guides lead kayaking tours within Wickford Harbor. These tours may include, but are not limited to, Sunset Paddles, Full Moon Tours, Coastal Tours, Seal Watching Tours and educational groups. Trips will include educating participants on the proper use of the equipment, paddling and steering, and offering a bit of history on the area. Candidates having knowledge of local surroundings, wildlife, some local history, and boating regulations are encouraged to apply. Tours range from 2-4 hours in length. Candidates are expected to lead a minimum of two 2-hr trips per week. There are also additional opportunities to assist with our waterfront kayak & SUP rentals as well if interested.

Job Responsibilities:

• Lead and guide clients on informative tours
• Assisting customers in all aspects of the tour
• Ensuring safety and supervision while on the water
• Manage the registrations and paperwork of designated programming
• Other duties, as required

Requirements:

• Weekend and evening availability is required
• Customer service skills
• At least 1 year of teaching or guiding experience in kayaking, stand-up paddling boarding or canoeing
• The work required is moderately physically demanding and requires a medium level of physical fitness. Guides need to expect to do the following: lifting greater than 50lbs, twisting, kneeling, swimming, squatting, standing, and sitting in a kayak for at least 2 hours

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Retail Sales Associate Job Description

A Retail Sales Associate is responsible for greeting customers, answering questions, offering assistance, suggesting items, lending opinions and providing product information. Individual responsibilities as a Retail Sales Associate may include demonstrating outstanding customer service and selling skills, keeping the selling floor stocked with merchandise, assisting in display of merchandise or organizing the selling floor and stock areas.

Requirements:

• Basic understanding of sales principles and customer service practices
• Ability to multi-task, while being attentive to customers and remaining flexible to the needs of the business
• Ability to work as part of a team and take initiative independent of direct supervision
• Physical demands: This position involves lifting kayaks or standup paddleboards up to 50lbs
• Enthusiastic, friendly and energetic with a genuine desire to provide outstanding customer service
• High school diploma or equivalent; college degree preferred

 Retail Sales Associate top skills & proficiencies:

• Customer Service and sales
• Organization
• Merchandising and product knowledge
• Dependability and time management
• Attention to Detail
• Team Player
• Written and Verbal Communication
• Problem Solving

This position is available as a full-time job, averaging 35-40 hours per week or part-time job, averaging 16-24 hours per week. We expect staff to be available to work weekdays, weekends and occasionally some evenings. Generally shifts will vary from week to week. Extended vacations are usually not possible during the season, however, time-off is available with advance notice.