Exposure Alaska and MICA Guides offer some of the most challenging and diverse professional guiding jobs in Alaska.

Our guides are not just van drivers or tour guides, but experienced outdoor leaders competent in many skills. They may be teaching ice climbing, leading a fly-in mountaineering expedition or taking a family sea kayaking in Prince William Sound.

If you've got the skills and experience, or are interested in establishing your career as an Apprentice Guide, please contact us about joining our team.

Exposure Alaska and MICA Guides share many aspects of their operations, including employees. Check out the website links for a complete picture of each company.

Exposure Home

MICA Guides Home

The Exposure/MICA Crew

Don and Tina -- Owners, Directors, Guides; Integrally involved in all aspects of the business.

Lead Guides -- Run Exposure trips and lead MICA treks and climbs at the Matanuska Glacier.

Glacier Guides -- Work primarily at the glacier instructing ice climbing and leading treks. One Glacier Guide is the "Senior Ice Guide" responsible for training and on-ice operations at the glacier.

Apprentice Guides/Interns -- "AGs" assist with trip preparation and logistics, guide glacier treks, assist in ice climbing instruction and join our longer trips as an Assistant Guide.

Logistics & Admin, Baristas -- Work closely with the owners & managers and get a unique insight into the inner workings of the business. You'll still be a part of the close-knit team, learn about the glacier, assist on treks, go ice climbing and even assist on an Exposure trip. These are generally internships but some years there may be one paid position.

Captains -- Operate the jet boats. USCG Licensed Captains (minimum of OUPV "Six Pack"). Experience operating jet boats on whitewater rivers is required. Applicants for Captain jobs should send their resume' with references via email to adventures@exposurealaska.net

All employees work for Exposure and MICA although AGs will usually spend more time at the glacier.
We like to have a crew balanced in terms of skills, experience, age and gender.
Women are encouraged to apply.

Lead Guide Requirements

• At least 3 years experience leading backcountry trips with at least 1 season relevant experience in Alaska.

• A wide range of outdoor skills and experience; kayaking, climbing, mountaineering, backpacking, rafting. Excellent cooking skills!

• A minimum first-aid certification of Wilderness First Responder.

• A spotless driving record.

Glacier Guide Requirements

• Professional experience instructing climbing on rock or ice.

• At least 3 years experience climbing ice. Rock experience also helpful.

• A minimum first-aid certification of Wilderness First Aid.

Read this:

If you have not been in the Alaska backcountry, or you have never worked as a professional guide, you will not be considered for a Lead Guide position.

Read this:

If you do not have ice climbing experience and professional experience in instructing on ice or rock, you wil not be considered for a Glacier Guide position.

Apprentice Guide Positions & Internships

Why settle for just another Summer Job in Alaska when you could have a Summer Adventure? Each season we have openings for Apprentice Guides working with both Exposure and MICA Guides. You must be able to work with us from approximately June 1 to mid-August at a minimum.

AGs assist with trip preparation and logistics, guide glacier treks, assist in ice climbing instruction and join our longer trips as an Assistant Guide. This position is an opportunity to take your existing skills in climbing, paddling and backcountry travel and learn how to use these skills to help others enjoy the outdoors.

In return for a lot of hard work, AGs get a stipend for room and board at our Base Camp, extensive training, a lot of experience in working with and leading groups, and some great trips in the Alaska backcountry. Once trained and "checked out", Apprentice Guides lead their own glacier hikes with clients.

AGs also have the opportunity to work as Assistant Guides on Exposure trips featuring sea kayaking, hiking and general backcountry travel. While all AGs will have the opportunity to assist on Exposure trips, a big part of their job is leading treks on the glacier and they should expect the Matanuska Glacier to be their primary base and focus for a large part of the Summer.

While many of our Apprentice Guides are students completing an internship for their educational program, this is not a requirement for the job with us. We do however work closely with Interns to help them meet any school requirements.

These volunteer positions are geared towards aspiring guides and outdoor educators. Positions are limited and there are usually more good applicants than jobs. Competitive applicants have Wilderness First Responder or other certifications, a clean driving record, and a good foundation of outdoor skills. (They should also be able to drive a manual shift vehicle!)

We’re committed to providing the opportunity for a fun, educational and rewarding opportunity for our Apprentice Guides. While there is a certain amount of “grunt work” for everyone in this business, we do not dump it all on our AGs.

Interns receive a monthly stipend of $450 to cover food and living expenses. Once trained to lead treks on their own, they may also get tips from their guests on the glacier. Our Guides are usually able to live off of their tips during the summer.

"There was enough to take care of food and extra gear purchases, pay for airfare, and still put a little in the bank when I got home(thanks to a very nice bonus). So, I think financially it was better than expected. I don't think I can put a monetary value on all the amazing things I was able to learn and experience while surrounded by breathtaking scenery." -- Phillip R., Georgia

Lifestyle

Summer in Alaska means working and playing hard.
Within a fifteen mile radius, you can explore a glacier, ice climb, rock climb, whitewater kayak, climb mountains, hike and bike....after a full day of work that is. Our staff average one day a week off and typically work from late May through early September.

But "work" means trekking and climbing on the glacier, kayaking in Prince William Sound, hiking in the mountains or rafting on the rivers. (As well as buying and packing food, taking care of gear, cleaning the van...the list is long!)

Most Guides live in their own tent set up at our Glacier Base Camp. Our glacier camp features wireless internet, telephone, electricity, nearby showers and communal kitchen cabin.

To apply for any position, follow these instructions

Apply online. You may apply for more than one position but please only apply for positions where you meet all the requirements listed above.

Before starting the application process, you should be prepared to upload the following:

-- Cover Letter and Resume' : Documents should be in Word (.doc) format or PDF.
-- Photos: A photo or two to help us get to know you. Please shrink photos to low resolution files between 50 - 200kb. You can do this easily online HERE

-- References: You should also have all relevant information including names and contact details of references that are contactable via email.

-- Apprentice Guide/Intern applicants: also complete the application available HERE and have it ready to upload.

We travel extensively during the hiring season, mailing your application to us will just delay the process. If you feel the need to contact us prior to applying, email is a much better option than phoning.

Go to Online Application

Please understand that we will usually reply to letters, messages and phone calls only if a current opening exists.

"The mountains, glaciers, and tree lines are seared in my memory. I really enjoyed our family events, and I really enjoyed your generosity to all of the staff." -- Lauren R., New Hampshire

Choose Exposure for your Alaska Adventure Tour

Over 20 years experience in the most remote areas of the world.

Alaskan owned and operated.

Exposure Alaska
200 W. 34th Ave. #82
Anchorage Alaska 99503

Email is the best way to get in touch with us quickly.

Sea kayaking tours in Prince William Sound. Ice climbing, glacier treks and glacier tours on the Matanuska Glacier.
Other adventures in Alaska can be found at Alaska Adventure Center.
More information on Alaska Tours. Employment opportunities in Alaska. Alaska Guiding Jobs. Alaska Outdoor Jobs.

All photos and text Copyright 2008, Exposure Alaska LTD