Sierra South Employment Information

Who We Are

Sierra South is a whitewater outdoor center that has been providing quality boating trips and classes since 1985 on the Wild and Scenic Kern River in  Kernville, California. From Class II-V whitewater, we offer kayaking and rafting on the Forks of the Kern and Upper Kern River.  Our guest has a variety of options to choose from.
Sierra South operates a Paddle Sports retail operation in Kernville along with an on-line mail-order store that sells kayaking and rafting equipment and gear year-round to the boating public world-wide. We are the largest whitewater boating shop and kayaking school in Southern California.

Employment opportunities are numerous at Sierra South.  Most positions are seasonal which include river guides, kayak instructors, seasonal office staff, reservationists, food service manager, retail sales associates, bus drivers and photographers.

We are looking for staff members who are energetic, self-motivated, enjoy the out-of-doors, team players and above all else, willing to provide exceptional guest services.   Our standards are high when it comes to people skills.

In a typical year, hiring occurs at the end of February through May. If you are interested in any of these seasonal positions, download our application and inquire today.  For experienced river guides or kayak instructors please mail us a resume and include photo copy of certifications (WFR,WFS, Swiftwater Rescue, ACA etc.), and a photo copy of driver’s license.  Bus drivers must have a CDL class B.

Reservation & Office Staff

This position is a seasonal full-time job starting mid-March and ending after the season.  Each year this will vary depending on snow pack but it could last as long as the first of September.  The reservation department is fast-paced and requires good multi-tasking skills.  Our reservations system is computerized so it is important you have some computer skills.  We are in the business to sell fun.  Answering guests questions and taking reservations is a given, but more important is the promotion and sales of trips and classes.

Photographer/Photo Lab & Processing

Join our team of skilled photographers in taking digital photos of our guests and providing them pictures to hang up on walls for years to come.  Photographers will be stationed at specific points along the river capturing guests as they come through rapids.

Retail Store and Mail-Order Sales Staff

We are looking for staff that enjoys sales and working with people.  Primary duties include helping customers make decisions on which boating gear to buy, assisting guest before and after trips and sharing your overall knowledge of the river and the Southern Sierra with others.    

Raft Guides

Become a Sierra South whitewater raft guide and have the opportunity to guide guests on the Forks of the Kern and Upper Kern River.  From beginning whitewater to heart-thumping class V, we offer a variety of trips. The season could begin as early as April and run through August.

Selection of our guiding staff is as much on people skills as it is on river skills.  If you have not guided before or would like to brush up on your skills, check out our guide school program and sign up.  Guide school will be approximately the 1st week in April. The season could begin as early as April and run through August.  For experienced guides, please see above in the employment section for other requirements.

Kayak Instructors

Depending on the preceding winter’s snow-pack, the instructional season can range from March to September.  High season is typically from May to August.

Applicant’s must and have the ability to impart relevant knowledge and facilitate learning to students. Additionally, you also must be a solid class III boater with a bomb-proof  roll in all conditions, be certified in first-aid, CPR and have a valid driver’s license. You will need to have your own gear. We like our instructors to be open to further development and willing to learn from other teachers.

Duties include, kayaking instructional skills, selection of appropriate gear for students, selection of appropriate locations and progressions for students, coordination of shuttle logistics and operating vehicles with trailers.
Kayak instructors are encouraged to know the product selection available to buy in our retail store so they can help students make better purchasing decisions.       

Bus/Van Drivers

An important role here at Sierra South is driving our guests and guides to and from their river trips and daily inspection of our vehicles.  Drivers must have a class B CDL.  Additional non-driving duties are, helping guides and guests load and unload, putting equipment away, keeping a watchful eye on company equipment and any of the guest’s belongings and attending guide debriefings when necessary.  

Food Service Manager

This position is part-time and includes duties such as ordering, stocking, prepping and packing of food for our trips. Season depends on snow-pack.

Download Employment Application (PDF)

FAX: (760) -376-1706