Recreation Instructor (Kayak)
Competition No: 2026-RIK
Duration: Contract Instructor
Salary: See Below
Last Updated: 4/20/26
The Parks, Recreation and Culture Department is seeking an experienced outdoor Recreation Kayak Instructor to support community‑based programs. In this contract role instructors are responsible for delivering safe, high‑quality kayak instruction in alignment with City policies and safety standards, ensuring participants of all ages learn kayaking skills in an enjoyable and supportive environment. This includes planning creative lessons, managing participants, addressing site safety concerns, preparing program materials, and completing required incident and attendance reporting. Performs related work as required.
The kayak program operates out of Deer Lake and Barnet Beach and includes group and semi‑private lessons, guided tours for youth and adult participants. Hours vary based on program schedules and registration levels. This casual contract position offers flexible work between April and October with majority of shifts running in the evenings and weekends.
Our ideal candidate will have post secondary education and/or experience in outdoor recreation programs and instruction. We are seeking individuals who can demonstrate their knowledge of sea kayaking and program delivery, including experience planning, leading, and programing kayaking trips and courses. A background in outdoor recreation programs and providing instruction to participants across a wide range or ages and skill levels is highly valued, along with the ability to lead effectively and uphold safety standards in alignment with organizational policies. Exceptional customer service skills are essential to this role. A SKGABC Flatwater Instructor Certification (or equivalent) and Restricted Operator Certificate (Maritime Radio) are requirements for this position. A valid driver’s license to travel between program sites is preferred. Emergency First Aid with CPR Level C is required and a valid Wilderness First Aid (or equivalent 20+ hour first aid certification with CPR Level C) is preferred.
Pay Rate:
$30.60 per hour + 12% in lieu of benefits (2024 Rates)
$31.52 per hour + 12% in lieu of benefits (2026 Rates)
Location: Deer Lake and Barnet Beach
Hours of work: This is a contract instructor position. Hours and shifts are based on programmed courses and may vary due to registration levels.
Please apply online at www.burnaby.ca/careers by May 7, 2026.
Copies of relevant professional certificates, degrees, or tickets will be required at the time of the interview. Please contact People and Culture at 604-294-7303 if you do not receive a confirmation email within one hour of submitting your application online at www.burnaby.ca/careers. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those considered for an interview will be contacted
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We respectfully acknowledge that the City of Burnaby is located on the unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), and kʷikʷəƛ̓əm Peoples (Kwikwetlem). Each Nation has distinct histories and distinct traditional territories that fully or partially encompass the city. We encourage you to learn more about the Host Nations whose ancestors have occupied and used these lands, including parts of present-day Burnaby, for thousands of years. We are grateful to be on this territory as we dedicate ourselves to creating an inclusive and diverse workforce that reflects our vibrant community and welcomes applicants of all backgrounds, genders, ages, ethnicities, abilities, sexual orientations, and life experiences.
