Wildlife Cruise Deckhand / Naturalist

Is looking for wildlife on a sightseeing cruise in Alaska on your bucket list?  Join us for an unforgettable summer on one of our brand new vessels exploring Sitka Sound as a Deckhand/Naturalist for Adventure Sitka’s Coastal Wildlife tours! Deckhand/Naturalists work under direct supervision of the Captain and Lead Deckhand/Naturalist. You’ll assist the Captain with identifying points of interest and wildlife while sharing your knowledge of the area to guests in Sitka Sound, one of the most dynamic and breathtaking destinations in the world.  In collaboration with the crew, provide Naturalist interpretation and narration as you and your guests observe humpback whales, sea otters, sea lions, bald eagles, and more!  All deckhands are enrolled into our USCG maritime consortium drug testing program, with a mandatory pre employment drug test and random drug testing throughout the summer. 

Essential Qualities & Qualifications

• Requires basic seamanship skills. 
• Must be able to work as a team member and be comfortable interacting with guests.
• Experience on passenger carrying vessels is preferred.
• For larger vessels, mechanical aptitude and engine room experience is helpful. Outboard/diesel mechanics or electrical/electronics background is also helpful.
• Must be able to work as a team with other crew to provide quality experience for customers.
• Must have interest in engaging with guests and sharing information and stories.
• Background in Marine Biology, Environmental Interpretation, or experience as a Naturalist is preferred, but not required.  Narration information / content will be provided during training.
• Must be able to lift and move objects of up to 50 lbs. as required.
• Must be drug free (pre-employment and random drug testing is Coast Guard required).
• Must be able to work varied shift hours, including weekends and holidays. Days off will be scheduled but must be willing to be flexible in meeting tour demand.
• Must be clean, well groomed, courteous, honest, reliable and on time.

Deckhand Responsibilities

• Under direction of the Captain, complete all routine vessel maintenance according to schedule. This will include, but not be limited to: cleaning, sanitation pumping, restocking, painting, lubrication, fueling, and minor mechanical repairs.
• Complete routine engine checks pre trip, underway, and post trip as needed / as instructed by Captain.
• Assist Captain in monitoring vessel systems and troubleshoot problems. 
• Prepare beverages for guests prior to tour departure
• Work with the Captain to identify problems and needed repairs, and assist in performing them / communicating them to qualified / hired mechanics.
• Assist with passenger boarding, safety orientation/demonstration, emergency response and crowd control. Maintain safe conditions underway, making minor repairs and adjustments as necessary.
• Operate with constant vigilance towards safety concerns.  Provide for passenger safety while underway and maintain an impeccably clean vessel at all times.
• Participate in emergency response plans, including Coast Guard required drills.  Demonstrate emergency preparedness as situations arise while following captain’s directions and maintaining composure with crew and guests.
• Assist Captain in wheelhouse with navigating and/or wildlife sighting as directed.
• Interact with passengers and perform customer service duties.
• Assist other crew in maintaining vessel appearance, cleanliness and safety.
• Other duties under supervision of Captain.

 

Deckhand / Naturalist Responsibilities-in addition to the responsibilities above, 

• Perform narration while the vessel is underway - this can include flora, fauna, natural history, sea life, tides, industrial history, fisheries, cultural history, and other items.
• In general, provide an educational and fun experience through delivery of informative narrative, good story-telling and appropriate conversation (adjust to suit groups’ communication styles, or “read the room”). 
• Work well with the Captain, who may or may not want to interject into the narration from time to time.  Be aware of and follow the Captain's direction in circumstances where safety concerns override tour narration.  A good tour operation depends on a successful collaboration between the Captain and the narrator.

Pay

DOE.. This is a seasonal full-time position from the mid-April to the end of September. Preference will be given to candidates who are available to work through the end of the season without interruption. An end of season bonus will be paid to employees who complete their contract in good standing.