Adventure Sitka

Profile Jobs

Essential Qualities and Qualifications:

• Must have water-oriented background and skills and/or previous adventure-guiding experience.

• Must have a background or strong interest in natural and human history. 

• Must be reliable, self-motivated, honest, enthusiastic, gregarious, and love the outdoors.

• Must be willing to operate outside in variable weather conditions including rain, cold, and moderate wind.

• Must be team-oriented and have well-developed interpersonal and leadership skills.

• Must be committed to contribute to a healthy, positive, and safe working environment.

• Must have strong communication skills and enjoy story-telling and conversation.

• Must be physically fit, comfortable on the water for extended periods, able to swim, and able to lift & carry up to 100 pounds.

• Must have group organization and leadership skills.

• Must possess First Aid & CPR certification (prior to guiding with paying guests).

• Must be willing to work variable work hours, including long-days, evenings and weekends.

• Must be able to receive constructive feedback.

• Must be able to take direction and execute tasks as directed.

• Must be committed to taking initiative during unsupervised and high volume periods.

• Must recognize and fill their specific role as part of a contributor to team efficiency and morale.

Sea Kayak Guide Responsibilities

1. Set up for daily tour operations: kayak staging & gear preparation, and coordinate with the Tour Manager to confirm the day’s tour logistics.

2. Monitor weather and ocean conditions before, during, and after trips (if there are multiple trips in one day).  Work with management to make decisions based on conditions that ensure tour safety and quality.

3. Provide safety orientation for guests on our guided kayak tours.  Orientations include teaching proper fit & adjustment of equipment, good paddle technique and emergency rescue skills.  

4. With team members, coordinate efficient outfitting operations at the outfitting station.

5. Lead guide duties while on tour: ensure the safety of our guests through constant awareness of hazards and close observation of each guest’s abilities and needs.

6. Provide an educational and fun experience through delivery of informative narrative, good story-telling and appropriate conversation (adjust to suit each guest’s individual communication style). 

7. As needed, fill in as a pier representative.  This includes: greeting guests on the pier with tour signs, checking tickets, confirming guest counts, coordinating with tour manager, other guides, Captain and ship staff for tour departure, communicating with crew over radio, and escorting guests from the pier to the outfitting station.

8. During “down time”, between tours and on days that are less busy, assist with kayak & gear maintenance, site improvements, or other duties as needed. 

9. Be familiar and proficient with the logistics of both kayak tour products (Siginaka Islands Cruise & Kayak Adventure, Sitka Sound Kayak Adventure), and perform duties of guide on both throughout the course of a work week.

10. Assist other guides, shore staff and potential customers however the situation warrants.

11. In between tour departures guides must be prepared to reset kayaks on dock as well as equipment to ensure smooth transitions. 

Compensation & Benefits

Lead Guide ─ DOE, at least $17.00/hour, plus end-of-season $2 per hour worked contract fulfillment bonus. $300 each way travel reimbursement

While not guaranteed income, guides can generally expect to receive gratuities from guests for a job well done.

Company-arranged, seasonal housing assistance may be available to interested employees.

• Positions are seasonal full-time or part-time.  Covered by Workman’s Comp Insurance.

• Our guides have full authority to re-route or cancel tours when unsafe conditions develop. 

Note:  Preference is given to candidates available to work the entire season, without interruption.

Job Profile – Boat Captain

The vessel operator for the Siginaka Cruise & Kayak Adventure will be responsible for safe operation of a 44 foot long (17 GRT) Monohull Aluminum Jet Drive (manufactured by Life Proof Boats) in like-new condition.  Transfers are from Sitka Sound Cruise Ship Terminal out to the Siginaka paddle base, approximately 15 minutes one way.  Requires a USCG master's license (25 ton minimum) and an FCC marine radio operator's permit. Prior experience in the marine tourism industry and particularly on passenger vessels is desirable.  Preference is given to applicants with knowledge of diesel mechanics, water jet propulsion, and electrical systems. This is an active position that involves assisting with launching guests on kayaks in between vessel transfers.  Captain will be responsible for helping guests into kayaks as well as supporting crew to make operations as fluid as possible whenever they are not responsible for operating the vessel.  Preference is given to captains that have an interest in kayaking and adventure tours.  Must be able to build team and maintain crew morale to provide a quality experience for our guests.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Execute voyages as directed in tour descriptions and policy manual. Supervise marine aspects of tour delivery, and quality control.

• Supervise and assist in routine maintenance: cleaning, sanitation and fuel pumping, restocking, painting, lubrication, and minor mechanical repairs.

• Communicate with Port Captain to identify problems and needed repairs, and occasionally assist in performing them.

• Supervise passenger boarding, safety orientation/demonstration, emergency response and crowd control.

• Plan and execute emergency drills & safety meetings in accordance with U.S. Coast Guard regulations, and company policy.

• Maintain logs and ship/company documents, as directed. Provide daily operations report to office.

Qualifications/Experience

• Experience on passenger carrying vessels and/or experience operating vessels in Southeast Alaska required. Required minimum 25-ton license.

• Mechanical aptitude, engine room experience preferred. Diesel mechanics or electrical/electronics background helpful.

• Must be able to build team and maintain morale with crew to provide quality experience for customers.

• Ability to speak (on P.A. system when applicable), and to provide commentary.

• 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.

• Must be clean, well groomed, courteous, honest, reliable and on time.

• Uniform shirts & jacket provided.

Job Profile – Tour Representative

Direct & assist guests while dispatching Adventure Sitka tour departures. Assist lead tour representative in communicating with cruise ship staff and assist with sales & logistics. Collect tickets and conduct end-of-day settlements. Assist with periodic reports & distribution of marketing materials. Present a professional and friendly attitude at all times and be able to answer a variety of questions succinctly and efficiently. Must be able to stand for long periods of time in sometimes inclement weather, be able to complete tasks with minimal supervision, and have good numerical/math skills. Must be able to adapt to the changing nature of our industry, as well as work as a team member, and be comfortable interacting with strangers. This is a shore-based position.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Present a professional and friendly attitude at all times while answering a variety of questions regarding Tour Products, Adventure Sitka, Sitka, and AK.

• Direct and assist passenger movement during boarding and disembarking of tour vessels.

• Collect tickets/vouchers and conduct end-of-day settlements with cruise ship staff as well as electronic settlements with vendors/tour partners.

• Help dispatch and coordinate tour vessels, motorcoaches, and company vehicles in a professional and courteous manner.

• Act as company liaison to shore excursion staff, assisting with sales and logistics, including special needs guests.

• Help maintain dock security and visitor safety, monitor communication systems, and communicate clearly and concisely over radio.

• Assist with distribution of promotional tour materials.

• Data entry in various computer systems for reports and ongoing surveys.

• Other duties as directed by Sales & Service Manager including but not limited to routine site/vessel/vehicle cleaning and maintenance, supply restocking, and relief passenger service.

Qualifications/Experience

• Experience in the tourism / visitor industry is preferred.

• Must be punctual / reliable and maintain a professional, friendly, and courteous attitude toward customers and coworkers at all times.

• Must be able to effectively communicate to large groups of people in a professional manner and work well in stressful situations. Public speaking experience is helpful.

• Must be able to multitask well; must be able to make sensible decisions while being asked multiple questions from guests, cruise personnel, and coworkers.

• Must be able to follow direction and complete assignments with minimal supervision.

• Must be able to stand for long periods of time and walk up to 3 miles per day.

• 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 may be Coast Guard required).

• Must be able to work varied shift hours, including weekends and holidays.

• Must be clean, well groomed, courteous, honest, professional, and most important, reliable.

• Must be able to work as a team with other employees.

• Computer and cell phone proficiency necessary; must be able to maintain and update electronic records and follow protocols / instructions.

• Tour Representative is required to wear company uniform and maintain a well-kept appearance.

Pay

DOE. Limited Benefits. This is a seasonal full-time position from the end of April to September 25th. 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.

Deckhand on our sight-seeing boat for the Homestead Tour. Deckhands are to work under direct supervision of the Captain. Deckhands assist the captain to identify points of interest and wildlife to the guests. 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, including answering questions and providing commentary.

• 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 Captain, complete all routine vessel maintenance according to schedule established by operations manager. This will include, but not be limited to: cleaning, sanitation pumping, restocking, painting, lubrication, fueling, and minor mechanical repairs.

• Complete routine engine room checks pre trip, underway, and post trip.

• Assist Captain in monitoring vessel systems and troubleshoot problems. 

• Work with Captain to identify problems and needed repairs, and assist in performing them.

• 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 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.

As the Silver Bay Homestead Tour Camp Host you will be responsible for setting the scene of the Homestead site as people disembark from the sight seeing boat. In the morning you will take a boat out to the site location, start a fire, prepare the snack for the tour and make sure everything is neat and ready before guests arrive. There typically is multiple tours per day, so much of your time spent as the camp host is cleaning up things from one group, and getting it ready for the next group to arrive.  This is a unique position in that it requires someone who a can deliver a strong storytelling performance, oversee and maintain the homestead site, and operate a small vessel to and from the venue each day.