Employment | Watertreks

Russian River Estuary

Sharing the best ways to view since 1987

Protected Wildlife Habitat

Marine Protected Area: Ocean and River Nursery

Bald Eagle, Seal Pups, Otter, Whale, Many Birds

Deadly River Mouth and Ocean Waves: Stay Back!

"Stay back at least 150 feet" from resting or feeding wildlife. Red Flag Limit

"Feeding and Disturbing Wildlife Prohibited"

See Map of restricted areas

Winter into Spring: Currents upstream often swift when tidal estuary returns to calm with incoming tide. Inland tule fog. Coastal mornings start sunnier and warmer.

Estuary Forecast: 01/24/25

"Free Dry Bag and Thin Outerwear use"

Reservations Required: Call at least a day prior

Beginner friendly rental start times

The estuary has returned to calm conditions especially with an incoming tide. Currents upstream remain hazardously swift. Next rain expected Feb 2nd, 4th and 5th.

Jan 24: High temps in high 50s: Rentals Open

Jan 25: Temps drop Sat with sprinkles overnight and a chance of rain Thur. Cold Temp Closure through Feb 6.

Feb 7-9: Open if no rain and temp highs above 55.

Feb 13-17: Open if no rain and temp highs above 55.

Feb 20-24: Open if no rain and temps highs above 55.

Check back for updates.

Ocean Tides: Goat Rock Beach

Ocean Temps: Bodega Bay 56.6F

See our safety page for conditions apps.

We use 4 apps. No Forecast correctly covers all aspects.

Forecasts can and do change. Therefore, nobody can be held responsible for full forecast accuracy.

A full list of our seasonal weather and river flow limitations, and when we close for all activities, can be found here.

We Want: Motivated Team Players

Water Safety: This is an outdoor emergency service

and high volume community education team.

Communication and team skills are vital.

We also have one team support position each year

Reservations, safety communication support, and client services.

Ideally training for interpretation and to assist guide as needed.

Winter through Spring: "The best time to upgrade skills and rescue certifications for paid Summer into Fall positions".

Avid Outdoors

Science and Ecology Geeks

(College Credit and Work Experience available)

Safety and Survival Enthusiasts

(Prepare for Professional Rescue Certification)

Become an "On the Water" Professional

(Paddlesports Guides and Kayaking Lifeguards)

Wildlife Interpretation

Our Best Paying Positions Require

"Professional" Water Rescue and

CPR / First Aide Certifications

Certification fees reimbursed on completion of seasonal contract.

We pay these fees upfront for returning team members dedicated to our team.

Step 1 for all: A brief introduction to Paddlesports Safety

Additional "Hands On" Certification Required For All Water Safety Positions.

Step 2: Water Safety Positions

Option A:

Become a Lifeguard (Certifications March through May)

Certified Lifeguard : Seasonal: Kayak Launch: Rental water safety, train to rescue by kayak, assist guide. Our best progress to leading small tours.

Pass your class from March to May to be ready for the Summer Season.

Or, Join a waiting list to create another class. Sign up now.

Try Here First: Pulse Safety: Fast Professional Lifeguard Certification

Santa Rosa Recreation & Parks Aquatics

These are some of the fastest for seasonal water safety positions.

We supplement with training at our site for rescue by kayak.

Option B:

If you want more, than to just work through school breaks.

The path for Paddle Sports Guide and Instructor Careers

Training and Certifications ongoing.

Certified Kayak Guide: More intensive water and rescues for year round careers.

Experienced and credentialed to manage safety protocols and rescue responses for a "team of guides" for large tour groups up to 35 clients*.

ACA Paddlesports , Trip Leader, and Instructor Certifications

We also accept ACA, BCU, NOLS and equivalent Paddlesports certifications.

Professional Guides can work around the Country and the World!

Professional Certifications get you into our highest paying positions.

We recommend and help train you to pass these courses.

Professional Certifications: Practice required to learn the terminology and solid skills needed to pass the courses. We provide the workshops needed.

Flatwater Kayak Safety & Rescue or Level 2: Essentials of River Safety & Rescue

Level 2: Essentials of Kayak Touring or Level 2: Essentials of River Kayaking

Level 2: Essentials of Kayak Touring Trip Leader or Level 2: River Kayak Trip Leader

Living Classrooms: 7th grade through university field research groups.

Gain experience as an outdoor educator.

Not having qualified water rescue applicants, is the only reason a low paying support and beginning training position becomes available.

No experience: Up to $18 an hour while practicing to pass "minimum" certifications.

We normally charge for training, that our interns enjoy for free.

We reimbursed the certification test fee after you complete a seasonal contract.

Minimum Requirements:

18 years of age or older: Most are in their 20s and 30s. We have had fit team members in their 40s, 50s and 60s.

Most applicants have experience or are training in recreational safety, emergency or rescue services, military service, parks and recreation, or are science geeks that are avid in the outdoors. You will also learn to share information about basic kayak safety, enjoying how to safely view wildlife, State and Federal wildlife regulations, and the importance of Marine Protected Areas. We also take marine influenced water samples for the State of California and collect other information about the wildlife and nature at our location.

Reliable Team Member: Shows up on time when scheduled, follows safety protocals to support their team, focuses on and completes own goals, supports rather than competes against team members, and respects chain of command.

Must have your own reliable transportation as bus service is limited or does not exist to most locations.

Ability to pass a background check for working with children.

We are a solid safety team. We want applicants motivated to excel.

We value and reward your efforts and want you to have fun earning a decent income.

Our Schools, Scouts, Inner City Youth Groups and others, need you as guides!

We want you to soar!

Most of our team are not going full on extreme.

And you don't have to, to be successful. However,

Please be Motivated to Practice and Obtain Certifications

College Students, Military Veterans, and those who are fit, enthused about getting their water rescue certs, and working with the public in nature are encouraged.

Join us for another great Fall into Spring!

We pay well. We pay overtime. We get tips.

We also pay bonuses for super busy days.

Our busiest days are during holiday, education breaks, and heat waves.

We are Where the Fun is.

Apply, Train and Work Now!

All training with clients is paid.

Shadowing what we do, as part of your interview, and safety training without clients, are not paid. They are free of charge for those in our employee and intern training program.

Expect to complete your main training in the Spring, part-time, prior to your main Summer Employment. Qualified late applicants might be able to fast track.

We have part-time work during school breaks throughout the year for trained interns and staff. Full-time schedules are available May through September of each year.

Most of our activities are at our beginner friendly location.

We've had moving water and whitewater tours and classes

in other locations, and competition team members.

This can happen with highly motivated and qualified applicants.

The best time to complete your certification training is in the Spring.

College Credit and Work Programs accepted.

We work with your college schedule.

Parks and Recreation

Recreational Safety

Outdoor Rescue

Outdoor Education

Field Research and Biology