Our Crew
Dave
Since founding SouthEast Expeditions in 1999, Dave has been exploring the Shore and the world beyond with an eye toward opening doors for others to experience the natural wonders that blow his mind every day. Having led paddling expeditions in multiple countries across 5 continents, Dave is always looking forward to hopping in a boat at the Eastern Shore Wildlife Refuge to take a family for their first kayaking tour through our beautiful salt marshes and talk with them about the amazing creatures that live here. His philosophy on finding wonder in the world is simple: “You don’t have to go across the planet to find something incredible in nature. You just have to pause for a moment to look around you.”
Nick
The term “Outdoorsy” doesn’t even begin to describe him. A UVA educated Conservationist with a knack for finding waves where few others dare look, Nick craves the rush of the road less traveled (Just ask his mountain biking buddies in the UVA outdoors club). After paddling with the pros at Southeast Expeditions through summers in high school, Nick has returned to once again share his love of the barrier islands, The Nature Conservancy,and local blue crabs. Be sure to ask him how to effectively live in a Toyota Highlander during the heat of So-Cal summers.
Tristan
His last name, Mariner, says it all. Tristan grew up on the Eastern Shore working at his parents seafood company. With the resourcefulness and wanderlust of a mariner, Tristan has travelled extensively with highlights including a motorbike trip through Vietnam and a stint as a shepherd on a sheep farm in New Zealand. When at home, Tristan can be found paddling the local waters or praying the boat does not run out of gas on a surf expedition to the barrier islands. Often playing host to his group of high school and college friends, Tristan will frequently scurry down the steep bank to his creek to collect fresh oysters or empty out the crab trap in order to provide a bountiful midnight snack.
Thomas
We still aren’t quite sure if he prefers to be upside down or right-side up but what we do know is that Thomas is the type of guy to push himself to his absolute limit, regardless of his head-foot orientation. Taking casual day-trips to rappel 150 foot structures, Kayaking out to the Barrier Islands and beyond, and joining the ranks of Virginia Tech’s ArmyROTC, Thomas is one tough cookie. While he’s a darn good guide, Thomas prides himself more on his ability to secure a trailer piled (way too) high with boats and weave a web of straps and rope to keep the precious cargo secure on its trips down bumpy Seaside Road. Maybe he’s part spider; who’s to say?
You!
We are looking for a few great people to join our team. Current Open Positions Include:
Tour Guide - Spend your time on the water having a fantastic time with cool people. Full and Part Time Guides Needed. Flexible hours, training provided. Pay Starts at $12 per hour plus tips.
Beach Attendant - Work independently at our beach stand in Cape Charles with your toes in the sand! Pay starts at $10 per hour plus sales incentives.
Tour and Rental Manager - We are looking for a team leader to help our exceptional tour and rental programs grow and work more efficiently. You’ll be part of a dynamic work environment where you’ll get the support you need as well as the freedom to innovate. Seasonal or Year-Round Opportunity. Pay Starts at $20 per hour plus tips and incentives.
Facilities Manager - We break stuff and come up with ideas for new stuff, and generally have a lot going on that we’re trying to keep up with. If you’re handy with a hammer, a drill, and a paintbrush, and you enjoy a creative, project-oriented work environment, then we just might have the opportunity you’ve been looking for. Pay starts at $20 per hour.
Please contact Dave at Dave@DaveBurden.com to learn more about these opportunities and more.