Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic
Kenneth  Shields

Kenneth Shields

Churchill,MB

Summary

Growing up in a small remote community in the sub arctic I have learned to be proficient in many different fields. To start, I am mechanicaly inclined from repairs on anything from a truck, snowmobile to outboard motors. I patch Zodiacs and make other repairs as needed. I am proficient in group settings and have learned how to work strong in a team along side guests. I have been operating many different types of boats my whole life growing up on the shore of the Hudsons Bay. My Tourism experience began at a young age beginning with working at Tundra Buggy Tours here in Churchill at the age of 14. It was at Tundra Buggy where we would have to work on the ground along side Polar Bears that i learned my true comfortability with Bears and other predatory animals in the sub arctic. Also driving Tundra buggys on Polar Bear tours with up to 40 guests at a time onboard. Growing up and living in an arctic climate ive also learned how to be safe on the land and how to deal with hard situations in remote areas.

Overview

9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Polar Bear Guide

North Star Tours
Churchill, Manitoba
10.2021 - Current
  • Offering the safest and most professional experience to international photographer during a ground level walking experience with Polar Bears in their natural habitats.
  • Learning to read Polar Bear behavior and characteristics ensuing guest safety.
  • Proficiency with different firearms (shotguns and rifles) and other forms of bear deterrent.
  • Offering extensive knowledge and interpretations of the wildlife encountered on tours including Polar Bears.
  • Managing excited guests in a safe and respectful manner to ensure safe distances between guests and wildlife

Zodiac Guide

Sea North Tours
Churchill, Manitoba
06.2021 - Current
  • As a Zodiac guide I am proficient in giving safety talks ensuring guest safety.
  • Assisting in kayaking operations and ensuing guest safety on the water retrieving guests using a zodiac either who are having trouble paddling or tip overs.
  • Giving interpretations on marine wildlife including whales, migratory shore and sea birds, polar bears, along with interpretations on the history of the area and my stories as a local who grew up in the area.
  • Zodiac maneuvers and opperations using outboard motors.
  • Proficiency with marine radio communications.
  • Working with a team of highly qualified individuals to ensure guest experience and safety

Wildlife Monitor (Bear Gaurd)

Adventure 58
Churchill, Manitoba
01.2017 - Current
  • Firstly I will note this is my personal business I created to cater to tourism groups here in the Churchill Area to safely access the land with the utmost safety from wildlife occurrences.
  • Extensive knowledge of leading groups of 12-24 on guided hikes in remote areas in a safe manner with emphasis on group management.
  • Guarding outdoor events such as wedding and bonfire gatherings, historical talks in nature.
  • Guarding construction crews in remote fly in locations.

Polar Bear Guide

Nature 360 Productions
Churchill, Manitoba
11.2023 - 12.2024
  • Similar to the guiding experience through North Star Tours with the difference lying in that I worked with Film production more so than photographers during ground level Polar Bear encounters.
  • Learning to anticipate Polar Bear behaviour and movement ensuring that heavy film equipment gets optimal shots.
  • Learning to be comfortable on camera and during interviews, now shown internationally.

Journeyman Electrician

XJ Electric
Churchill, Manitoba
09.2021 - Current
  • 10 + years experience in commercial, residential and industrial electrical systems.
  • Extensive knowledge in problem solving during service work, with emphasis on working alone in most situations.
  • Start to finish electrical installations on new construction projects ranging from renovations to new builds.
  • Proficiency reading blue prints and wiring schematics.

Education

Construction Electrician - Trades

Red River College
Winnipeg, MB
05-2021

Skills

  • Safety management
  • Wildlife behavior analysis
  • Team coordination
  • Emergency response
  • Firearm handling
  • Customer service

Certification

  • SVOP (2023)
  • ROC (2023)
  • STCW 6.1 Basic (2025)
  • Wilderness First Aid (2024)
  • Andy McMullen's Bear Wise (2017)
  • Canadian Fire Arms License PAL (2016)
  • IP Red Seal Electrician (2021)
  • Manitoba Hunters Education (2012)

Timeline

Polar Bear Guide

Nature 360 Productions
11.2023 - 12.2024

Polar Bear Guide

North Star Tours
10.2021 - Current

Journeyman Electrician

XJ Electric
09.2021 - Current

Zodiac Guide

Sea North Tours
06.2021 - Current

Wildlife Monitor (Bear Gaurd)

Adventure 58
01.2017 - Current

Construction Electrician - Trades

Red River College
Kenneth Shields