Jobs - Become part of our team

☀️ Summer Kennel Experience 2026
We are still looking for 1–2 people to join our team from May to September, with the possibility of extending the stay.
Interested in spending the summer working with sled dogs in Finland? Send us a message for further details.

Eräkeskus is beautifully located in North Karelia, right by Lake Nurmijärvi, only 15 km from the Russian border and 30 km from Lieksa. We offer unique experiences in small groups – a combination of lodge, restaurant, sauna and the home of nearly 80 sled dogs.

As a small team of 4 to 8 people, depending on the season, we are looking for motivated all-rounders who enjoy working in a warm, close-knit community surrounded by nature.

Interested in experiencing life at Eräkeskus?
From time to time, we may have possibilities for longer voluntary stays at our family-run sled dog center in North Karelia.
If you would like to learn more about daily life with sled dogs, nature tourism and outdoor activities, feel free to contact us and tell us a little about yourself, your experience and your availability.

Your tasks - versatile and varied

All new team members are trained by experienced staff and carefully prepared for their tasks – whether in dog care, on tours or in guest services. Step by step, you will be introduced to your responsibilities and learn how to work safely and independently.

You’ll support us across a wide range of tasks, both indoors and outdoors, working with people and animals.

  • Dog care: daily feeding, providing fresh water, brushing, cleaning the kennel areas and training the dogs

  • Tour preparation and guest services: helping to prepare equipment, welcoming guests, and sharing information about our dogs and our concept

  • Maintenance of the grounds and buildings: small repairs, building projects, painting and lawn care

  • Work in the lodge and guesthouse: room cleaning, laundry, ironing, and helping in the kitchen and service

  • Logistics and transfers: trail maintenance, occasional transfer drives, and support with weekly shopping

  • General tasks: helping wherever needed in daily life at Eräkeskus – flexibility is important!

Seasonal sequence

October to mid-December:
Focus on dog training, kennel care, season preparations and small building projects.

Mid-December to mid-April:
In addition: guest support during tours, trail maintenance, food supply depots, housekeeping, kitchen assistance, transfer drives, and possibly assisting with or co-guiding snowshoe or dog sledding tours.

Mid-April to September:
Summer season with dog care, assisting with activity guiding (canoeing and hiking), and maintenance of buildings and grounds.

What we expect:

  • Team spirit and initiative: You notice where help is needed, lend a hand and think ahead.

  • All-rounder mindset: Working with the dogs is only one part of daily life here – cleaning, cooking and repairs are also part of the job.

  • Resilience and physical fitness: You are comfortable with wind, snow, mosquitoes and mud, and enjoy working outdoors. The work is physically demanding, so a good basic level of fitness is important.

  • Openness: You enjoy connecting with different people and being part of a small, family-like community.

  • Love for animals: Our dogs are at the heart of everything we do – a genuine love for animals is essential here.

  • Language skills: Basic English skills are required, as many of our guests are international and English is also spoken within the team. German language skills are an advantage.

What we offer:

  • Accommodation and meals
    Private room in one of our staff houses or in the guesthouse, with a shared kitchen and living area.
    Full board in our restaurant, including coffee and tea. Other drinks are not included.

  • Training and development
    A thorough introduction to all areas of work.

  • Everyday work
    A 5-day working week with flexible working hours – our work depends on the season and the weather.

  • Free time and nature
    Free use of our equipment, such as skis, snowshoes, bicycles and canoes.

  • Conditions
    Salary including social benefits – details will be discussed individually.

  • Starting with us
    At the beginning, you will have the opportunity to get to know us and everyday life at Eräkeskus during an orientation phase.

  • And most importantly:
    An intense and exciting time in the Finnish wilderness – with wonderful dogs, real experiences and a team that sticks together.

Ready for the adventure?

Please send your complete application documents, including a motivation letter, CV and any references, by email to office@eraekeskus.com.
Please also let us know when you would be available and whether you are interested in a regular position or a longer voluntary stay.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Impressions from everyday work