Bear Viewing Guide - Tuxedni Bay Lodge; Seasonal, Remote Alaska

Position: Bear Viewing Guide - Tuxedni Bay Lodge (Seasonal, Remote Alaska)
Guide bears by day, live lodge life by night. Remote Alaska lodge hiring Bear Viewing Guides (May-Aug 2026). Includes guiding + cooking/maintenance. Room/board + bush plane transport.

About Kenai Backcountry Adventures

Kenai Backcountry Adventures (KBA) is Alaska's premier wilderness guiding company - built by explorers who live and breathe the wild. From glacier treks and bear viewing to multi-day backcountry expeditions, we lead guests through some of the most remote and breathtaking places on Earth.

We operate year-round across Alaska's national parks, wildlife refuges, and untamed frontiers, offering guided experiences that are as authentic as they are unforgettable.

At KBA, adventure is more than a trip - it's a way of life. We're passionate about sharing the raw beauty of Alaska while fostering meaningful connections between people and the wild places that shape them.

Description

Bear Viewing Guide - Tuxedni Bay Lodge (Seasonal, Remote Alaska)

Location: Tuxedni Bay Lodge - Alaska's Remote Wilderness

Season: Mid-May to Mid-August 2026

Position Type: Seasonal, Full-Time (on-site, remote)

About Tuxedni Bay Lodge

Tuxedni Bay Lodge is a remote, off-grid wilderness lodge located in one of Alaska's most breathtaking coastal ecosystems. Our lodge offers premium bear viewing and backcountry experiences for guests from around the world. We pride ourselves on delivering safe, professional, and unforgettable adventures in an intimate lodge setting.

The Role

We are hiring Bear Viewing Guides to live and work on-site for the summer season. This is a highly dynamic position that combines professional guiding with hands-on lodge operations. You'll be guiding guests in world-class bear viewing environments while also helping keep the lodge running smoothly and welcoming.

This is not just a guide job - it's a remote lodge lifestyle role requiring independence, initiative, and a willingness to pitch in wherever needed.

Key Responsibilities

Bear Viewing Guiding

• Lead daily bear viewing tours in surrounding wilderness areas
• Ensure guest safety while providing engaging interpretation of bear behavior and ecology
• Operate and maintain ATVs (4-wheelers) and UTVs (side-by-sides) for guest transport
• Maintain wildlife awareness, follow safety protocols, and enforce ethical wildlife viewing standards

Lodge Operations

• Cooking and meal prep for guests and staff (family-style, hearty lodge meals)
• Housekeeping: cleaning guest cabins, lodge common areas, and staff quarters
• Lodge and property maintenance: carpentry, repairs, systems upkeep
• Vehicle and equipment maintenance (ATVs, UTVs, generators, etc.)
• General lodge support as needed - everyone contributes

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Bear Viewing Guide in Alaska (or similar wildlife guiding background)
• Strong knowledge of bear safety and natural history interpretation
• Comfortable working and living in a remote, off-grid wilderness environment
• Demonstrated skills in cooking, cleaning, and guest hospitality
• Hands-on skills in basic carpentry, repair, and property maintenance
• ATV and UTV operation experience required
• Wilderness first aid certification (WFR required)
• Must be a self-starter, reliable, and thrive with minimal supervision

Preferred / Bonus Skills

• Power tools and chainsaw operation (maintenance, trail clearing, property work)
• Culinary training or strong cooking background
• Sea kayaking experience (guiding or personal) - major bonus, as we offer kayaking tours from the lodge
• Boat handling / small watercraft operation
• Mechanical skills (basic engine, ATV, UTV, or generator repair)
• Wilderness skills (navigation, remote logistics, backcountry survival)

The Ideal Candidate

• Resourceful & self-sufficient:
  Can solve problems and adapt quickly in remote settings
• Team-oriented:
  Willing to pitch in across all areas of lodge life
• Organized & efficient:
  Plans ahead and stays on top of multiple responsibilities
• Guest-focused:
  Professional, personable, and attentive to guest experience
• Physically capable:
  Able to handle long days, varied weather, and rugged terrain

Compensation & Details

• Competitive seasonal pay (DOE) + tips
• Room & board provided at the lodge
• Round-trip bush plane transportation to/from lodge at start and end of season
• Incredible opportunity to live and work in one of Alaska's most spectacular bear habitats

Season

• May 1 through September 1, 2026
• Must be available for the full contract term