Our custom safari vessels out on the water
Our custom safari vessels out on the water

Lead high-end whale watching and hiking tours in Juneau, Alaska with a Citizen Science emphasis!

Posted: Nov 10, 2026

Naturalist Science Guide

Gastineau Guiding Company

Wages/Pay
$20.00 - $24.00 / hour + tips
Experience Level
Some experience required
Job Start Date
Apr 19, 2027
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Job Details

Lead groups on interpretive natural, cultural and historical walks, hikes, and whale watching tours. Share expertise on all ecosystem types in the Juneau area, including the alpine, sub-alpine, rainforest, and coastline environments. This position is responsible for offering a variety of tours, but the most specialized is that of our Citizen Science Adventure. Science Guides facilitate the gathering of raw, baseline data provided to partners like NOAA, the University of Alaska Southeast and others. Educational background in the sciences is preferred.

Since this tour is conducted on both land and sea, you will be on the water almost daily. A willingness to train as a naturalist and obtain Coast Guard crew certification is mandatory. Gastineau Guiding provides an extensive training program to educate guides on the cultural and ecological background of the area. Guides are also responsible for operating company vehicles (12-24 passengers)  and assisting with other tours. 

Please Note: All new hire guides are expected to have a Commercial Driving License or train for their Class C Alaskan CDL. In-house training is provided if the applicant meets the age and driving record requirements. Guides must also be certified in CPR/First Aid.


WHO WE’RE LOOKING FOR:

All Gastineau Guiding tours are fully guided, small group experiences, taking guests off the beaten track to places most other companies don’t go. Small groups of anywhere from 6-20 guests mean more communication, more personal attention, and more time off the bus and on the trails. This is why our employees aren’t just guides; they’re naturalist interpreters.

We’re looking for strong communicators who can maintain a professional attitude and appearance while sharing their knowledge and passion for photography and the natural history of Southeast Alaska. Gastineau Guiding provides extensive training beginning mid-April, with seasons ending in late September. Full season availability is not required but preferred.  

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About Gastineau Guiding Company

As Juneau’s premier guiding company, Gastineau Guiding strives to deliver Juneau’s best fully guided outdoor experiences. We offer a variety of specialty whale watching and hiking tours that bring our guests off the ships and onto the trails as they explore Juneau’s abundant natural landscape. Now celebrating 25 years as a locally owned and operated company!

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