Cultural Heritage Guide

Summer 2024 Cruise Ship and Tour Vessel Position Alaska Native Voices (ANV) is currently seeking enthusiastic applicants who are excited about sharing the rich history and heritage of Southeast Alaska. Positions are available for Alaska Cultural Heritage Guides for the summer of 2024 season. ANV has been providing visitors with Alaska Native perspectives for more than 20 years. Our guides teach visitors about Southeast Alaska’s diverse Native history. Each guide attends a preseason training which prepares them with the skills needed to effectively provide formal and informal programming on cruise ships and tour vessels.

Every guide brings with them their own personal history, narrative and experiences as they interact and engage with visitors from all over the world which enhances the cultural experience. Our mission is to provide the best cultural experience available and share Alaska’s rich culture with visitors. A successful applicant should either come with, or be energetic about learning essential knowledge of Southeast Alaska’s indigenous tribe's history, traditions and traditional methods, geographic areas of significance in and around various locations throughout Southeast Alaska (past and present), and be able to relate native stories. Abilities to perform, discuss or present native song, dance, language, displays and examples of art or tradition is desirable. In addition, successful applicants must:

• Be willing and available to be based in Gustavus, AK for two weeks at a time.
• Have a friendly, approachable demeanor and possess good customer service skills.
• Be comfortable with public speaking in front of large groups.
• Be comfortable with guiding small groups of people on land and providing a safe and educational experience.
• Be willing to learn more about Southeast Alaska’s native cultures and be willing to share this with visitors from all over the world (supplemental information on Native history is provided to all guides).
• Knowledge of the Southeast Alaska’s Native language(s) is a plus, but is not required for this position.
• Be punctual and able to follow a set schedule – many workdays begin in the early morning with pre-scheduled presentation times throughout the day.
• Have the physical ability to transfer luggage and interpretive materials aboard cruise ships and tour vessels.
• Possess the stamina to be able to work long hours when necessary.
• Must be a team player – work closely with fellow Cultural Heritage Guides, Crewmates, Alaska Native Voices office staff, service staff, and ship crew members.
• Understand technologies used for presentations and communication with support staff including email, web and word processing (some additional training provided).
• Must be able to climb a ten-foot rope ladder in order to board a cruise ship.
• Pass a random drug test. Note: ANV Conforms to federal drug restrictions which includes Marijuana.

Other information:

• Position: Full time and part-time, seasonal role from May through September (Training begins April 2024).
• Compensation is dependent upon experience and number of presentations performed.
• Benefits: No Medical/dental benefits are offered for this seasonal position
• Schedule: Varied and potentially flexible. Based on ship schedules and can vary from week to week.
• Stationed in Gustavus – must be willing to fly, travel efficiently and professionally represent ANV.
• Transportation and lodging are provided during the season.
• Meals are provided when aboard ships.