Gastineau Guiding Company

Naturalist Photography Guide

Lead small groups on tours to Juneau’s hot spots while working to improve their photography skills. Responsibilities include everything from instructing guests on how to use their equipment, to visually demonstrating photographic techniques, to explaining the geological mechanics of the Mendenhall Glacier. The position requires a solid background in photography and strong interpersonal skills. Applicants should be comfortable communicating such photo techniques as shutter speed, aperture, ISO, white balance and methods of compositions to all levels of experience. Developing a media slideshow for instruction on tour is mandatory.

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. This position leads photography tours as well as our other natural history tours. Photography guides are also responsible for operating company vehicles (14-28 passengers) for guiding and assisting to guide other tours. Interpretive certification(s) available. Position is paid on an hourly basis, $14-16+ DOE w/overtime.

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 applicant meets age and driving record requirements. Guides must also be certified in CPR/First Aid.

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. This position is responsible for offering a variety of tours, but most specialized is that of our Citizen Science Adventure. Science Guides facilitate the gathering of raw, baseline data provided to partners like NOAA, the Alaska Sea Grant, University of Alaska Southeast and others. Educational background in 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. Guides are also responsible for operating company vehicles (14-28 passengers)  and assisting with other tours. Interpretive certification(s) available. Pay is $14-16/hr DOE + tips.

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 age and driving record requirements. Guides must also be certified in CPR/First Aid.

Daily Coordinator - Supervisory Position: Work in Gastineau Guiding's bustling tour office to create and facilitate the smooth operation of the daily schedule.

This fast-paced job requires knowledge of every aspect of Gastineau’s operations, including tours, guides, captains, dock reps and cruise ship contacts. Supervise the overall operations of the business as you respond to the unexpected occurrences of daily life, coordinating with all parties to make changes to the daily schedule or respond to emergencies as needed. Creating the daily tour schedule is a significant part of this job, so experience in management of employees and their scheduling needs is a plus. Daily Coordinators may also assist managers in a wide variety of projects.

Applicants should have a strong analytical ability, be able to juggle tasks well, keep a cool demeanor under pressure and enjoy a job that is always changing! Bonus points if you like crafting and/or funny wigs. This position has a set weekly schedule with 5 days on/2 days off, though overtime should be expected.

Applicants are required to have a minimum 25-ton USCG certification required. Actual captaining experience required, with experience in whale watching industry preferred. Additional training on Juneau-area waters and marine natural history is provided. Individuals must be willing to captain a covered & heated rigid hulled inflatable vessel for various wilderness tours within Stephens Passage. Knowledge of marine maintenance and care a plus. Must be flexible, outgoing and enjoy working with the public and being a part of a team environment. Full time positions are 5 days per week, with daily trip schedules varying between 2-4 trips (trip length varies). Part Time positions are also available. Positions start at 27/hr+ DOE.

Do you want to break into the world of high-end, educational guiding - but maybe don't feel comfortable immediately leading a full 5-hour tour?

We created the position of Driver/2nd Guide for those folks who would prefer to have one season or so to do some guiding, but not each and every day. Our Drivers are responsible for leading groups of up to 12 people on one-mile trail walks, but don't have the additional burden of doing the 5+ hour whale tours or 4+ hour strenuous hikes. Our vision is that our drivers will transition to doing those tours eventually, but if not - that's ok, too!

This job is critical to the success of every tour. An individual must be detailed oriented, committed to tight timing of each tour, and be ready for lots of meet & greats - drivers typically have 4-5 groups per day (maybe 1-2 of those do the guided walk), so in many ways this position has the most 'face time' with guests.

We offer Class C CDL training & natural history training for this position.