Summary for Expedition Guide
Requires public speaking ability and preparedness to work outdoors in Southeast Alaskan weather conditions. Develop tour narrative and conduct natural history presentations for groups of up to 16 passengers on board Demaree Inflatable Boats (DIBs). Assist passengers in donning rain gear and life jackets, as well as boarding & disembarking; work with the captain to spot wildlife and create a personalized tour experience. Biology and natural history background helpful.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities for Expedition Guide
- Develop tour narrative plan with duty captain for each voyage, factoring time constraints, weather, recent sightings, tide, season, etc.
- Fit passengers into rain gear and life jackets.
- Direct passengers boarding and disembarking, and during an emergency.
- Vessel duties include line handing to dock / undock vessel and performing vessel maintenance as necessary.
- Assist the captain in maintaining vessel appearance, cleanliness, and safety.
- Perform other duties under supervision of Captain.
Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities) for Expedition Guide
- Certifications required prior to first day of employment include CPR / First Aid certification.
- Must be able to effectively communicate with up to 16 passengers.
- Must be able to learn and retain pertinent background material provided on board, for presentation to passengers.
- Must be able to work as a team with other crew to present coordinated narration and a high quality guest experience.
- Must be drug free (pre-employment screening and enrollment in random drug testing program is Coast Guard required).
Preferred Qualifications for Expedition Guide
- Prior experience working on passenger carrying vessels, including line handling.
- Extensive public speaking experience.
- Biology and/or natural resource background.
- College degree in natural resources or biology.
- Experience working as a naturalist, guide or related position.
Traits and Characteristics for Expedition Guide
- Must be clean, well groomed, courteous, honest, and most important, reliable.
- Must enjoy meeting new people from all over the world on a daily basis.
- Must be upbeat, and flexible – able to “roll with the punches” including work outside in a wide variety of Southeast Alaska weather conditions such as rain and wind.
- Must be a team player.
- Must be creative and able to develop a tour narrative that speaks to glaciology, wildlife, natural and human history and other aspects of Southeast Alaska climate and environment.
Physical Demands for Expedition Guide
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Must be physically able to work a typical workday of about 10-14 hours per day, 5-7 days a week.
- Must be able to readily step in and out of DIB vessels. Environmental conditions generally include moderate to loud noise levels, all weather conditions, frequent use of required protective clothing including raingear and life preserver.
- Ability to walk on uneven deck surfaces crossing from vessel to vessel. Occasionally required to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
- Ability to walk on uneven deck surfaces crossing from vessel to vessel.
Work Environment for Expedition Guide
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those encountered by an employee while performing the essential functions of this job.
This is a fast-paced and dynamic work environment with a diverse workforce.
- Ability to work a flexible schedule to include weekends and holidays during the tour season. Days off will be scheduled but must be willing to be flexible in meeting tour demand.
- Must adhere to Allen Marine, Inc., & Affiliated Companies, and the United States Coast Guard Consortium Drug & Alcohol Policies & Procedures
Follow & Deliver Core Values:
- Safety First: We prioritize our guests and team members' safety and well-being, ensuring secure and enjoyable experiences.
- World-Class Employment: We strive to be a world-class place of employment, valuing hard work, mentorship, a sense of ownership, and opportunities for career growth.
- World Class Guest Services: We are committed to exceeding guest expectations, delivering world-class experiences that showcase our hospitality and the beauty of Alaska.
- Collaborative Professionalism: Embracing collaboration within our organization with a professional spirit, understanding that amidst laughter and play, our dedication to excellence and integrity remains unwavering.
- Community Collaboration: Actively choosing to partner with neighbors and the community across Alaska, making a conscious effort to support local businesses and create social and economic opportunities through meaningful cooperation beyond our organization.
- Sustainability at our core: We are dedicated to sustainable operations for future generations.
- Curiosity & Innovation: We encourage a culture of curiosity and innovation, striving to be early adopters in technology and staying ahead in our commitment to continuous improvement.
- Integrity- Driven Decisions: Integrity guides every decision we make, ensuring transparency, honesty, and ethical conduct in all aspects of our operations.
- Cultural Respect & Sharing: We deeply celebrate and honor our Alaska Native heritage, fostering intergenerational connections, embracing family values, and contributing to the cultural richness of our communities.
Skills Required
- CPR / First Aid certification
- Effective communication with passengers
- Ability to learn and present background material
- Teamwork with crew for guest experience
- Drug-free, with mandatory screening
What We Do
Allen Marine Tours is a family-owned company based in Sitka that has been conducting day-cruises for Alaska’s visitors since 1970. Three generations of the Allen family are active in the company. With a fleet of over 25 vessels – and operations based in Juneau, Ketchikan and Sitka – we are the largest and most experienced day-cruise company in Alaska.
