Work on the edge of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in Ely, Minnesota. Be part of a modern outfitting operation and our close-knit, inclusive community dedicated to creating life-changing wilderness experiences for guests while protecting the Wilderness for future generations.
WILDERNESS OUTFITTING ASSISTANT
This position is a great introduction to the Boundary Waters and the logistics of backcountry canoe tripping. Wilderness Outfitting Assistants report to the Gear Manager and Assistant Gear Manager.
Responsibilities
- Accurately and efficiently clean, organize, and store canoes and outfitting equipment.
- Provide client orientations and skills training.
- Assist clients with securing canoe rentals to their vehicles.
- Secure canoes to shop trailers, vehicles and storage racks.
- Clean and turnover bunkhouses.
- Provide general shop and grounds maintenance and upkeep.
- Safely drive shuttles to wilderness entry points.
- Accurately process client payments.
- Maintain the highest level of friendly and professional guest services.
Qualifications
- Ability to commit to at least 10 weeks of employment between May 1 and Oct. 1.
- Strong initiative and ability to work independently and collaboratively.
- Completion of one year of college credit or equivalent experience preferred.
- Ability to work weekends.
- Ability to lift and move 42 to 55 pound canoes and equipment regularly, and boats weighing up to 85 pounds occasionally.
- Desire to learn more about wilderness tripping.
- Genuine interest in wilderness adventure, and helping others have successful wilderness experiences.
Compensation and Benefits
- Competitive hourly compensation.
- Potential subsidized housing in Ely, Minnesota, just outside of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, the most visited Wilderness area in the country.
- Access to free canoe and gear usage on days off.
- Abundant recreational opportunities in the Boundary Waters and Superior National Forest including day and overnight canoe trips, fishing, hiking, backpacking and stand up paddle boarding.
- Opportunity to work in a close-knit community dedicated to creating life-changing wilderness experiences for guests while protecting the wilderness for future generations.
Application
Click here for our convenient online job application.
Team fish fry with fresh walleye!
WILDERNESS OUTFITTING SHOP MANAGER
This is an excellent position for someone with significant Boundary Waters knowledge and experience. The Wilderness Outfitting Shop Manager reports to the General Manager.
Responsibilities
- Manage outfitting shop day-to-day operations and the daily shop schedule, including assigning responsibilities for shuttles and client orientations.
- Provide outstanding customer service in person, as well as by phone and email.
- Expertly advise clients and potential clients regarding Wilderness canoe route options and trip planning information.
- Accurately reserve and issue BWCA Wilderness entry permits.
- Provide orientations to guests that include pertinent information regarding their equipment, wilderness risk management, route considerations, paddling and portaging instruction, and fishing recommendations.
- Accurately handle customer invoicing and payments.
- Assist guests with securing canoes to their vehicles.
- Safely drive shuttles to Wilderness entry points.
- Lift and move 42 to 55 pound canoes and equipment regularly, and boats weighing up to 85 pounds occasionally.
- In coordination with the General Manager, oversee emergency response situations.
- Advise those interested in purchasing used canoes, and accurately process canoe sale transactions.
- Assist with other shop duties as needed.
- Maintain the highest level of friendly and professional guest services.
Qualifications
- Ability to commit to at least 16 weeks of full-time employment between May 1 and Oct. 1 (for summer seasonal positions).
- Strong initiative and ability to lead a team as well as work independently.
- Thorough knowledge of the Boundary Waters region, and extensive Boundary Waters tripping experience.
- Completion of 3 years of college credit or equivalent experience, with a college degree preferred.
- Ability to work weekends.
- Ability to lift and move 42 to 55 pound canoes and equipment regularly, and boats weighing up to 85 pounds occasionally.
- Exceptional communication and customer service skills.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment that requires close attention to detail and multitasking.
- Knowledge of and desire to share wilderness tripping skills and information.
- Genuine interest in wilderness adventure, and helping guests have successful wilderness experiences.
Compensation and Benefits
- Competitive hourly pay.
- Potential subsidized housing in Ely, Minnesota, just outside of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, the most visited Wilderness area in the country.
- Access to canoes and gear on days off.
- Abundant recreational opportunities in the Boundary Waters and Superior National Forest including day and overnight canoe trips, fishing, hiking, backpacking and stand up paddle boarding.
- Opportunity to work in a close-knit community dedicated to creating life-changing wilderness experiences for guests while protecting the wilderness for future generations.
Application
Click here for our convenient online job application.
WILDERNESS OUTFITTER
This is an excellent position for someone with significant Boundary Waters experience and knowledge. The Wilderness Outfitter reports to the Wilderness Outfitting Shop Manager.
Responsibilities
- Provide outstanding customer service in person, as well as by phone and email.
- Expertly advise clients and potential clients regarding Wilderness canoe route options and trip planning information.
- Accurately reserve and issue BWCA Wilderness entry permits.
- Provide orientations to guests that include pertinent information regarding their equipment, wilderness risk management, route considerations, paddling and portaging instruction, and fishing recommendations.
- Accurately handle customer invoicing and payments.
- Assist guests with securing canoes to their vehicles.
- Safely drive shuttles to Wilderness entry points.
- Lift and move 42 to 55 pound canoes and equipment regularly, and boats weighing up to 85 pounds occasionally.
- Advise those interested in purchasing used canoes, and accurately process canoe sale transactions.
- Assist with other shop duties as needed.
- Maintain the highest level of friendly and professional guest services.
Qualifications
- Thorough knowledge of the Boundary Waters region, and extensive Boundary Waters tripping experience.
- Ability to commit to at least 12 weeks of full-time employment between May 1 and Oct. 1.
- Strong initiative and ability to work as team as well as work independently.
- Completion of 3 years of college credit or equivalent experience, with a bachelor’s degree preferred.
- Ability to work weekends.
- Ability to lift and move 42 to 55 pound canoes and equipment regularly, and boats weighing up to 85 pounds occasionally.
- Exceptional communication and customer service skills.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment that requires close attention to detail and multitasking.
- Knowledge of and desire to share wilderness tripping skills and information.
- Genuine interest in wilderness adventure, and helping guests have successful wilderness experiences.
Compensation and Benefits
- Competitive hourly pay.
- Potential subsidized housing in Ely, Minnesota, just outside of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, the most visited Wilderness area in the country.
- Access to canoes and gear on days off.
- Abundant recreational opportunities in the Boundary Waters and Superior National Forest including day and overnight canoe trips, fishing, hiking, backpacking and stand up paddle boarding.
- Opportunity to work in a close-knit community dedicated to creating life-changing wilderness experiences for guests while protecting the wilderness for future generations.
Application
Click here for our convenient online job application.
RETAIL STORE MANAGER
** 2025 Retail Manager Position has Filled **
This is an excellent position for someone with retail experience and/or the desire to learn. The Retail Store Manager reports to the General Manager.
Responsibilities
- Manage retail store inventory, including purchasing, receiving, and merchandising retail items.
- Ensure a clean and well maintained retail building.
- Provide outstanding customer service.
- Accurately handle customer payments.
- Assist with other shop duties as needed.
- Maintain the highest level of friendly and professional guest services.
Qualifications
- Ability to commit to employment between May 1 and Oct. 1. There is the possibility for a portion of the season to be full time and a portion of the season to be part time.
- Strong initiative and ability to work independently.
- Ability to work weekends.
- Ability to lift and move up to 45 pounds.
- Exceptional communication and customer service skills.
- Ability to work in an environment that requires close attention to detail and multitasking.
- Knowledge of the Boundary Waters and interest in sharing enthusiasm for the Wilderness experience.
Compensation and Benefits
- Competitive hourly pay.
- Potential subsidized housing in Ely, Minnesota, just outside of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, the most visited Wilderness area in the country.
- Access to canoes and gear on days off.
- Abundant recreational opportunities in the Boundary Waters and Superior National Forest including day and overnight canoe trips, fishing, hiking, backpacking and stand up paddle boarding.
- Opportunity to work in a close-knit community dedicated to creating life-changing wilderness experiences for guests while protecting the wilderness for future generations.
Application
Click here for our convenient online job application. ** 2025 Retail Manager Position has Filled **
Gear Manager
** 2025 Gear Manager Position has Filled **
The Gear Manager reports to the General Manager and is responsible for overseeing all rental equipment, company vehicles, bunkhouses and the buildings in which gear is stored, packed, repaired and returned. This person is expected to create a friendly, professional, and clean environment for guests and staff.
Responsibilities Include:
- Train and supervisor Assistant Gear Manager.
- Train and supervise Wilderness Outfitting Assistants.
- Ensure all necessary equipment is appropriately packed out for wilderness trips.
- Repair or retire equipment as necessary and order additional equipment when necessary.
- Primary responsibility for managing Gear Barn and Workshop.
- Ensure all rental equipment is properly inspected, maintained, cleaned, dried, and stored.
- Ensure all company vehicles and trailers are properly inspected, maintained and cleaned, and maintain vehicle maintenance records.
- Assist clients with securing canoes to their vehicles.
- Secure canoes to shop trailers, vehicles and storage racks.
- Provide orientations to clients that include pertinent information regarding their equipment, wilderness risk management, route considerations, paddling and portaging instruction, and fishing recommendations.
- Accurately reserve and issue BWCA Wilderness entry permits.
- Oversee cleaning and maintenance of bunkhouses, and assist with bunkhouse cleaning as necessary.
- Assist with general building, grounds, and vehicle maintenance as necessary.
- Assist with general shop management as necessary.
Qualifications:
- Ability to commit to employment between approximately May and Oct. 1.
- Wilderness travel experience. Significant BWCAW and/or Quetico experience preferred.
- Strong initiative and ability to work independently.
- Completion of two years of college credit or equivalent experience preferred.
- Ability to work weekends.
- Exceptional communication skills and ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
- Ability to lift and move 42 to 55 pound canoes and equipment regularly, and boats weighing up to 85 pounds occasionally.
- Genuine interest in wilderness adventure, and helping guests have successful wilderness experiences.
Compensation and Benefits
- Competitive hourly pay.
- Potential subsidized housing in Ely, Minnesota, just outside of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, the most visited Wilderness area in the country.
- Access to canoes and gear on days off.
- Abundant recreational opportunities in the Boundary Waters and Superior National Forest including day and overnight canoe trips, fishing, hiking, backpacking and stand up paddle boarding.
- Opportunity to work in a close-knit community dedicated to creating life-changing wilderness experiences for guests while protecting the wilderness for future generations.
Application
Click here for our convenient online job application. ** 2025 Gear Manager Position has Filled **
Assistant Gear Manager
The Assistant Gear Manager reports to the Gear Manager and is responsible for overseeing all rental equipment, company vehicles, bunkhouses and the buildings in which gear is stored, packed, repaired and returned. This person is expected to create a friendly, professional, and clean environment for guests and staff.
Responsibilities Include:
- Train and supervise Wilderness Outfitting Assistants.
- Ensure all necessary equipment is appropriately packed out for wilderness trips.
- Ensure all rental equipment is properly inspected, maintained, cleaned, dried, and stored.
- Repair or retire equipment as necessary and order additional equipment when necessary.
- Primary responsibility to manage Gear Return facility, bunkhouses, and groundskeeping.
- Ensure all company vehicles and trailers are properly inspected, maintained and cleaned, and maintain vehicle maintenance records.
- Assist guests with securing canoes to their vehicles.
- Provide orientations to guests that include pertinent information regarding their equipment, wilderness risk management, route considerations, paddling and portaging instruction, and fishing recommendations.
- Accurately reserve and issue BWCA Wilderness entry permits.
- Oversee cleaning and maintenance of bunkhouses, and assist with bunkhouse cleaning as necessary.
- Assist with general building and grounds maintenance as necessary.
- Assist with shop management as necessary.
Qualifications:
- Ability to commit to employment between approximately May and Oct. 1.
- Wilderness travel experience. Significant BWCAW and/or Quetico experience preferred.
- Strong initiative and ability to work independently.
- Completion of two years of college credit or equivalent experience preferred.
- Ability to work weekends.
- Exceptional communication skills and ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
- Ability to lift and move 42 to 55 pound canoes and equipment regularly, and boats weighing up to 85 pounds occasionally.
- Genuine interest in wilderness adventure, and helping guests have successful wilderness experiences.
Compensation and Benefits
- Competitive hourly pay.
- Potential subsidized housing in Ely, Minnesota, just outside of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, the most visited Wilderness area in the country.
- Access to canoes and gear on days off.
- Abundant recreational opportunities in the Boundary Waters and Superior National Forest including day and overnight canoe trips, fishing, hiking, backpacking and stand up paddle boarding.
- Opportunity to work in a close-knit community dedicated to creating life-changing wilderness experiences for guests while protecting the wilderness for future generations.
Application
Click here for our convenient online job application.
Food Manager
The Food Manager reports to the General Manager and is responsible for ensuring all trail menus are accurately prepared and packed out before guests’ arrival. This person should be detail-oriented, well-organized, and comfortable communicating with guests and vendors via phone and email.
Responsibilities Include:
- Monitoring food inventory, ordering food from various vendors, and ensuring sufficient stock throughout the season.
- Communicating with guests about dietary restrictions and reasonable accommodations.
- Organizing and accurately packing food for BWCAW trips based on guest submitted menus.
- Keeping food packout and storage areas clean and in accordance with all applicable state and federal food safety standards.
Qualifications
- Ability to commit to employment between May and Oct. 1.
- Strong initiative and ability to work independently.
- Ability to work weekends, as necessary.
- Ability to lift and move 20 to 40 pounds regularly, and sometimes more than 50 pounds.
- Knowledge of and desire to share wilderness tripping skills and information.
- Genuine interest in wilderness adventure, and helping our guests have successful wilderness experiences.
Compensation and Benefits
- Competitive hourly pay.
- Extremely flexible schedule.
- Potential subsidized housing in Ely, Minnesota, just outside of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, the most visited Wilderness area in the country.
- Access to canoes and gear on days off.
- Abundant recreational opportunities in the Boundary Waters and Superior National Forest including day and overnight canoe trips, fishing, hiking, backpacking and stand up paddle boarding.
- Opportunity to work in a close-knit community dedicated to creating life-changing wilderness experiences for its guests while protecting the wilderness for future generations.
Application
Click here for our convenient online job application.