White Pass & Yukon Route
White Pass & Yukon Route
Currently recruiting for the season from April 23rd, 2027 to September 30th, 2027.
Come join our team in Alaska from May to September!
Skagway, Alaska - A small town in Southeast Alaska that sees over 1 Million+ cruise ship passengers from May-September.
- Location
- Alaska
- Season
- Spring, Summer, and Fall
- Staff size
- 40-60
- Housing
- Whether included in the compensation package or provided at a cost, housing is provided for staff.
- Pet friendly
- No
- Meals
- None
- Cell phone service
- Some, ask for details
- Internet access
- Good
About White Pass & Yukon Route
Experience the summer in Skagway with one of the most popular excursions in Alaska! The Scenic Railway of the World, the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad, is located at the top of the Inside Passage in Southeast Alaska and is the site of the historic narrow gauge mountain railroad. We are looking for top candidates to help us tell our 125 year old history to hundreds of thousands of guests this summer! Front line positions include onboard train tour agents, cruise ship dock representatives, dock ambassadors, ticket sales agents, baristas and gift shop staff.
DID YOU KNOW?
The 110 mile long White Pass and Yukon Route railroad was constructed in 1898 during the Klondike Gold Rush. A work force of 30,000 men and women worked through the dead of winter and the buggy summer to complete the rail line in only 2 years, 2 months and 2 days! Workers toiled through pine forests, along granite rock faces and through mountain sides to make us one of the International Historic Civil Engineering Landmarks in the world.
The Employee Experience
Skagway and the White Pass & Yukon Route provides an unforgettable summer job experience that keeps employees coming back year after year. Our small community fosters lifelong friendships and a love for Alaska.
Ideal Candidate
Our ideal candidates are positive, enthusiastic individuals with a “can do” attitude to make up a cohesive team that can respond to the demands of the job and have fun doing it. Our operating season runs from late April through early October and priority will be given to candidates who can stay the entire time. Though our season is short, we are looking for staff that can provide a safe and unforgettable experience for our guests from the first day of the season to the last.
By position, here are the required skills and qualifications for our jobs.
Tour Guide, Dock Ambassador & Reservations Staff
- Public Speaking Experience
- Exemplary Customer Service Record
- Positive Attitude & Teamwork Skills
- History of a Strong Work Ethic
- Ability to Troubleshoot & Work Well Under Pressure
- Willingness to Work a Flexible Schedule
- Sales Oriented
- We are actively seeking candidates who can speak other languages fluently, in particular Spanish and Japanese, however any foreign language skills are a plus.
- Must be able to stand for long periods of time and work outdoors in the elements
- Ability to Clearly Communicate Important Information in Person, Over the Phone and via email
- Working Knowledge Microsoft Outlook, Word and Excel
- Possess a Valid Driver’s License
Retail & Barista Staff
- Demonstrates Excellent Customer Service
- POS/Micros register & Cash Handling Experience
- Positive and friendly attitude
- Ability to Troubleshoot & Work Well Under Pressure
- Possess a Valid Driver’s License
- Sales Oriented
- Excellent Communication and Teamwork Skills
- Barista Staff - Familiar with Semi-automatic Espresso Machines but willing to train to the position
Room and Board
We offer some of the BEST seasonal staff housing in Skagway! Rent is $300-400 per month and is paid directly from each paycheck. All housing units include utilities, cable & internet access, communal kitchens and are fully furnished.
Employee Perks
- Bonus Compensation when terms of employment are completed
- Coordinated White Pass Team Events Including BBQs and Group Tours
- Experience all Skagway has to offer with our Tour Partner Exchange Program
- Unlimited employee and immediate family rides as well as four complimentary tickets for friends and extended family.
- Bikes available for the season
- Lifetime friendships and unforgettable memories
- Tour Guide Team Only - High quality Gore-Tex uniform jacket are yours at the end of the season
Getting Here and Getting Around
All Employees are responsible for getting themselves to and from Skagway. Travelling to Skagway from the lower 48 states is most accessible from Seattle to Juneau via Alaska Airlines. Skagway is 90 miles from Juneau by small plane service or sailing on the Alaska Marine Highway. Alternative routes are driving the Alaska Highway or flying into Whitehorse, Yukon Territory, Canada.
For Fun
Skagway, Alaska is an active and vibrant community and the summer experience could be the best of your life. We have seen our team members form lifelong friendships over the years and we become a close knit family during and after the season. There is plenty to do in and around Skagway. Everyone works hard, but plays hard as well. There are numerous hiking trails located in Skagway for all fitness levels. There are opportunities to run on the White Pass sponsored relay team each September or participate in the Kluane Chilkat International Bike Relay. The Summer Solstice and Fourth of July Festivities in Skagway are some of the best. Nearby Haines, AK and Whitehorse, YT provide additional areas to explore during your days off.
Current Job Openings
Loading and unloading a high volume of guests on multiple train departures throughout the day
Facilitating bus transfers and tours departing from depot
Maintaining communication with tour partner agencies
Answering questions via phone, email, and in person regarding White Pass products, Skagway locale and railroad history
Maintaining safety and order on the loading platform with high volume of guest activity
Enthusiasm for Skagway and the White Pass product
A positive attitude and excellent teamwork skills
Ability to remain calm and informative in high-intensity workplace while successfully coordinating multiple activities
Willingness to work a flexible schedule
Must possess basic knowledge of computers, with proficiency in email and Microsoft Word applications
Excellent ability to clearly communicate information to the public in person and via outdoor PA system
Ability to stay on task and take initiative in resolving logistical challenges
Customer service experience a must
Valid Driver’s License Required
- Greet cruise ship guests on the pier in a friendly and approachable way
- Work directly with cruise line shore excursion personnel regarding train product sales
- Serve as a liaison between onboard train personnel and passengers when loading the train
- Field and answer questions from guests in a helpful and courteous manner
- Count tickets and settle for daily sales with cruise ship personnel
- Assist with loading/unloading up to 600 passengers in a safe and timely manner
- Directing cruise ship passengers on pier to proper tour location
- Perform crossing guard duties as needed
- Educate guests on the various WP&YR tour options while providing an opportunity to further pier side sales
- Enthusiasm for the Skagway and the White Pass Product
- Applicants should be friendly, reliable and enjoy working in a team setting
- Willingness to work a flexible schedule
- A positive attitude and excellent teamwork skills
- Strong public speaking skills – ability to communicate important information to the public and to coworkers
- Customer service experience a must
- Knowledge of Skagway and all tours that combine with the train
- First Aid & CPR certification (company will offer course)
- Troubleshooting skills
- We are actively seeking candidates who can speak other languages fluently, in particular Spanish and Japanese, however any foreign language skills are a plus.
- Must be able to stand for long periods of time and work outdoors in the elements
- Valid Driver’s License Required
- Greet cruise ship guests on the pier in a friendly and approachable way
- Serve as a liaison between onboard train personnel and passengers when loading the train
- Field and answer questions from guests in a helpful and courteous manner
- Count tickets from daily sales
- Assist with loading/unloading up to 500 passengers in a safe and timely manner
- Directing cruise ship passengers on pier to proper tour location
- Perform crossing guard duties as needed
- Applicants should be friendly, reliable and enjoy working in a team setting
- Willingness to work a flexible schedule
- A positive attitude and excellent teamwork skills
- Strong public speaking skills – ability to communicate important information to the public and to coworkers
- Customer service experience a must
- Knowledge of Skagway and all tours that combine with the train
- Troubleshooting skills
- Must be able to stand for long periods of time and work outdoors in the elements
- Valid Driver’s License Required
Provide safe transportation to hundreds of guests per day
Deliver top notch customer service
Communicate with cruise ship guests, White Pass dock personal and management in a clear and concise manner
Work efficiently and maintain a patient and positive attitude in a fast-paced environment
Enthusiasm for Skagway and the White Pass product
A Positive Attitude and drive to go above and beyond
Applicants should be friendly, reliable and enjoy working in a team setting
Willingness to work a flexible schedule
Customer service experience a must
First Aid & CPR certification (company will offer course)
Valid Driver’s License Required
Applicants must submit a Motor Vehicle Record from the last three years prior to hiring to ensure clean driving record
Applicants must be 21+ Years Old
Must be able to work outdoors in the elements
Must work well under pressure
Must be able to move 50 pounds on a regular basis
Must be able to bend, stoop, lift, reach, push, pull, twist, walk, crouch and squat
White Pass & Yukon Route participants in a pre-employment and random drug testing program
Barista
Our BARISTA position involves providing excellent customer service in a fast pace, high volume Coffee Bar. We strive to serve exemplary espresso and give friendly individualized attention towards each guest. Baristas will be required to familiarize themselves with the local coffee we brew and sell along with the stocking and cleaning of the retail portion of our shops and behind the bar.
Depot Stationmaster
Our DEPOT STATIONMASTER position is the friendly depot platform contact with our guests loading and offloading trains in town. Throughout the day you will be interacting with guests on an individual and group basis while greeting & answering questions, facilitating train loading and providing clear and concise communications in person and via PA System.
Duties:
Skills:
Dock Representative
Our DOCK REPRESENTATIVE position is the friendly first contact with our guests on the cruise pier as they disembark the ship. Throughout the day you will be interacting with guests on an individual and group basis while greeting & answering questions, facilitating train loading and providing a link between the company and the cruise line shore excursion departments.
Duties
Skills
Dock Representative Helper
Our DOCK REPRESENTATIVE HELPER position is the friendly first contact with our guests on the cruise pier as they disembark the ship. Throughout the day you will be interacting with guests on an individual and group basis while greeting & answering questions, facilitating train loading and providing a link between the company and the cruise line shore excursion departments.
Duties
Skills
Housing Available
Dock Tram Driver
White Pass & Yukon Route, a successful, historic company engaged in rail, tourism and port operations, based in Skagway, Alaska, has an opening for a Tram Driver. This is a full-time, seasonal position. The position will be available from early May to late September.
Duties
Requirements
Physical Demands
Applications may be filled out online and are being accepted on an ongoing basis. Position is open until filled. Any questions can be directed to Becky Jensen, Human Resources Clerk, at bjensen@wpyr.com.
Retail Clerk
Our RETAIL CLERK position involves providing excellent customer service to our guests in a fast pace environment promoting sales, stocking, merchandising, and accurately recording orders placed over the phone. Staff is required to provide concise information to guests about the WP&YR schedules, history and other visitor information.
Ticket and Office Reservations
Our TICKET OFFICE AND RESERVATION STAFF position involves providing professional tour information in person, over the phone and via email. Staff assists with guest questions regarding our tour products and Skagway in general. You will be required to participate in train loading at the depot and assisting guests with finding tours.
Tour Guide
Our TOUR GUIDE position involves providing a fun and informative narration onboard the train via a public address system during 2 to 6 hour tours. Throughout the day you will be interacting with guests on an individual and group basis while actively loading trains, providing tour information and participating in our retail sales program during the journey. As a number of our tours enter Canada, eligible candidates must have a valid passport.
We offer competitive pay, employee housing, and performance-based incentives.
Train Stocker
Our TRAIN STOCKER position involves replenishing and controlling onboard inventory including water, collateral and gift shop sales items. Must be able to work in a team, be independent and self-motivated to get the job done in a fast paced environment. Valid driver’s license and ability to lift at least 50 lbs. is a must.
Transportation Assistant
Our TRANSPORTATION ASSISTANT position is the friendly first contact with our guests on the cruise pier as they disembark the ship. Throughout the day you will be interacting with guests on an individual and group basis while greeting & answering questions, selling train tickets, actively loading shuttles from the Railroad Dock and providing customer support on the pier.
How to Apply
Be sure to check out our video highlighting the many jobs that make our operation run smoothly. We are sure you will want to join our team!
“Choo Choo” Choose Us for Summer Fun! Visit our website to view the video and submit an application* online by clicking APPLY HERE
* Please note that we are not accepting H-1B Visa candidate applications for the 2025 season.
* Our operating season is from April-October.
Contact Info
- Vickey Moy - Executive Director of Passenger Operations
- vmoy@wpyr.com
- 1-800-343-7373
- wpyr.com
