Do you take pride in a job that’s done right the first time, every time? Ottawa Valley Air Paddle runs Light at Night Kayaking and Kaleidoscope Kayaking, Ottawa’s Best Tour (Faces Ottawa 2025). Every kayak, paddle, and PFD that goes out on the water needs to be clean, inspected, and ready before our guests arrive. That’s your job.
This is a hands-on, physically active role for someone who finds real satisfaction in a well-prepped gear room and takes equipment readiness personally.
Why You’ll Love Working With Us:
- Work outdoors all summer as part of an award-winning tour operation
- Staff discounts on Oru kayaks, paddleboards, and outdoor gear through OVAP’s retail store
- Be part of a close-knit team that takes the work seriously and has fun doing it
- Play a direct supporting role in Ottawa’s best-rated kayaking tours, Light at Night and Kaleidoscope Kayaking
- $17–$22/hr based on experience
Your Role:
As the Equipment Technician, you are the reason our gear is ready before the first guest sits in a kayak. While guides focus on the water, you ensure every piece of equipment is clean, functional, and staged before each tour.
You will inspect, clean, and prepare kayaks, paddles, PFDs, and all tour-specific equipment after each use. You will conduct pre-tour equipment checks to confirm everything meets our safety and quality standards, flag anything that needs repair or replacement, and maintain a clean and organized gear storage area. You will also complete daily equipment logs accurately.
Who We’re Looking For:
- Physically fit and comfortable with repetitive lifting, carrying, and cleaning of heavy equipment (at least 50 lbs)
- Genuinely detail-oriented; if something is off, you catch it and fix it without being asked
- Reliable and punctual - tour schedules don’t flex, and neither can equipment prep
- Self-directed and able to manage a prep checklist independently
- Comfortable working outdoors in variable weather conditions
Qualifications:
- Ability to lift and carry heavy equipment repeatedly throughout a shift
- Comfort working Wednesday through Sunday during the summer season
- Strong attention to detail and a consistent follow-through on checklists and logs
- Previous experience with paddle sports, outdoor gear, or recreational equipment is an asset but not required
- Valid driver’s licence and access to a reliable vehicle is an asset
How to Apply:
Send your resume to [email protected] with a short note (a few sentences is fine) telling us why this role is a fit for you and your availability from June through September. No formal cover letter required.
We pay $17–$19/hr, depending on experience and offer staff discounts on outdoor gear. If you’re someone who takes quiet pride in a job done right, we’d love to hear from you. Please send your resume to [email protected].
About Ottawa Valley Air Paddle (OVAP)
Ottawa Valley Air Paddle is a specialty outdoor retailer and experiential tourism operator. We run Light at Night Kayaking and Kaleidoscope Kayaking, which won Ottawa’s Best Tour at the 2025 Faces Ottawa Awards. We operate five nights a week, all summer on the Rideau Canal. The people we hire this season will shape what this program becomes.
Join the Ottawa Valley Air Paddle team and immerse yourself in a dynamic, growth-oriented environment that thrives on passion for the outdoors and paddle sports. Enjoy generous staff discounts on top-quality products and contribute to our mission of promoting sustainability and love for the Ottawa Valley’s waterways.
Pay: $17.60-$22.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
