Work and Play at Alaska's Legacy Fishing Lodge!

Killisnoo Island Lodge Harbor
Whale Breaching
A Days Catch
Richard Powers - Founder
Cabin Interiors
One of the many Cabins
Whaler's Cove Lodge on a Quiet Day

Whaler's Cove Lodge

Currently recruiting for the season from June 15th, 2024 to September 15th, 2024.

Whaler's Cove Lodge is an all-inclusive remote wilderness fishing and eco-tour lodge located in the banana belt of southeast Alaska. Join us this summer in celebrating our 42nd year of fishing and exploring the protected waters of Alaska's inside passage!

Go to Google Maps and type "Killisnoo Island, Angoon, Alaska"

Location
Alaska
Season
Summer and Fall
Staff size
30-36
Housing
Whether included in the compensation package or provided at a cost, housing is provided for staff.
Pet friendly
No
Meals
Provided
Cell phone service
Some, ask for details
Internet access
Intermittent

About Whaler's Cove Lodge

Be a part of a team that takes pride in our work and providing amazing guest experiences in a remote wilderness setting!

2024 is the 42nd Anniversary of Whaler's Cove Lodge providing personable and professional service to guests looking to immerse themselves in the best Alaska has to offer in both sport fishing and wilderness experiences. Humpback Whales & Orcas along with Alaskan Brown Bear are our closest neighbors. With a maximum guest capacity of 32; we are the premier Sport Fishing Charter company in SE Alaska!

The Employee Experience

Whaler's Cove Lodge is REMOTE. For Real.  

  • Killisnoo Island is a 45 minute privately chartered plane ride or a 5-8 hour ferry ride from Juneau.
  • There are no grocery stores, no shops, no bars, and literally no other businesses on Killisnoo Island.
  • There is no Wifi.  There is very, very limited internet access. AT&T is the only cell provider, which you may be able to use if you are standing on your left foot, on the third Thursday of the month, in just the right spot on the Island, while waving one hand in the air.  Please consider this seriously before applying.
  • There are just a few private homes on the island.  
  • You can walk around the island within a few hours.
  • Your feet or a water vessel are the only two methods of getting around.
  • You are surrounded by huge spruce and hemlock trees, rich soil, and the Pacific Ocean.  There are humpback whales, orcas, more bald eagles than you can count, and a sea lion we have named Carl.
  • It rains most days and is breathtakingly beautiful.
  • When it's sunny, the hottest days are in the low 70s and it's gorgeous.
  • Nighttime temperatures are 40s-50s.
  • We don't have killer mosquito swarms like Alaska has up north - but we have horse-flies when the weather is warm and they like to bite!  We also have No-see-ums once in a while.
  • Kayaks and small motored skiffs (18') are available for crew rentals, for a stipend to cover fuel and insurance.  Includes gear rental and fish processing.  You are responsible for your recreation time (i.e. fishing charters are not available for crew).
  • Crew rooms are modest, warm, and dry. 
  • Crew have private rooms. Most crew share bathrooms.
  • Some senior crew have a private bathroom. 
  • The lodge provides crew with all bedding, basic bedroom furniture, bath linens, and uniform shirts.  
  • Crew have access to laundry - self serve. The lodge provides detergent and dryer sheets.
  • The lodge provides body wash, shampoo, and conditioner - the rest of the toiletries are up to you.
  • Crew will have time to shop in Juneau for their summer personal needs prior to departing for the lodge.  Literally this is the last stop shopping for the 90-120 days you will live on-site.  This includes medications, personal snacks, alcohol, tampons, etc. 
  • Due to our remote location and the exceptional cost and logistics to and from Juneau, there are no re-provisioning runs for crew personal items.  Prior to travel we take a lot of time to talk about packing and connect new crew with seasoned crew for packing tips.  Did we mention that we are remote?
  • Amazon does not deliver to our remote island.
  • Some summer positions offer travel benefits or they are earned by returning.
  • We have a historical 60%- 70% crew return rate.
  • Our professional kitchen staff cook the same food for crew as they do for guests; could you make it through a summer of venison, elk, prime rib, game hens, fresh Alaskan halibut, salmon, and crab??? 

You need to be resilient.  Most everything takes extra effort and has logistical challenges due to our remote location.  We all need to rely upon each other - we make our own water to drink, we process our own pooh, we incinerate our own waste, we crush our own recycling. This means we all need to participate in conserving water, being conscientious of our waste, and taking care of each other, both crew and the guests.

Essentially, Whaler's Cove Lodge is a small town with a restaurant, marina, water treatment plant, waste water treatment plant, hotel, gift shop, and marine repair and fabrication shop.  We build the buildings you work and sleep in and we are all responsible for pitching in to make a town come alive for 80 days to host wilderness adventures.  It is one of the most UNIQUE jobs around!

There are 26-32 of us who live on-site, and we host over 600 guests within an 120-90-ish day window of operations.  Length of seasonal employment depends upon the professional duties.

Do you love the hospitality industry?  Do you really appreciate providing a great experience for others?  Are you patient? Cooperative? Resilient?  Innovative? Can you balance your independence with interdependence?  Do you enjoy creating a team experience?  Do you play nice with others? Do you take pride in your professional performance?  Are you self-aware about how your attitude affects others? Because on a remote island in the wilderness everyone's attitudes makes a huge difference.  

If you are not self-directed, need to be entertained, can't live without your cell phone, or don't like dirt - this is not the place for you.  

We, and many of our crew, enjoy the challenges and the invigoration of working remotely in the midst of wilderness, in a temperate rainforest, with other dedicated crew providing exceptional vacation experiences to guests who come from all over the United States to experience this unique and amazing part of the planet. When guests leave our lodge there are often hugs all around because of the beauty and rejuvenation they experienced. This really is an amazing place and our crew brings true hospitality and joy to our guests, which make a difference in their lives.  Isn't that what hospitality is all about:  making someone feel welcome & creating memories that can be cherished when life gets dull?

Seeing humpback whales, sea lions, and orcas swim in front of the lodge happens more than once during the season!  You're welcome to swim in the 50 degree ocean for a refreshing moment or to sit by the fire after your shift is complete.  This intense work experience in Alaska is worthwhile and one of the most inspiring and beautiful places to experience!  

If you are up for it, we'd like to meet you.  Check out our Trip Advisor reviews so you understand what our guests expect and the performance we expect from you.  Check out our Website www.whalerscovelodge.com.  If you like what you see send over a cover letter and resume to wclapplicant@gmail.com.  Take care. Fish ON!

Ideal Candidate

Do you really care about the guest experience? We do.

Whaler’s Cove Lodge operates a cooperative, self-sufficient, remote wilderness operation that requires an immense amount of foresight, communication, and teamwork.  We are seeking crew members who are truly customer service oriented who strive to provide the best vacation experience possible for each and every one of our guests. 

This unique environment is sure to inspire hospitality professionals who truly enjoy providing authentic hospitality:  to take personal responsibility to create a positive in-the-moment guest experience with sincerity, genuine concern, and generosity.

We expect our crew members to embrace their work every day and to be leaders with their exemplary professionalism.  We have high-performance expectations for our crew to provide a welcoming, tasteful, relaxing, and fulfilling remote wilderness experience to our guests who quite often become our friends, returning year after year.  It’s our crew who graciously host our guests every day and who make the guest experience memorable.  

Our most successful crew have the following attributes in common: prior experience living in remote or isolated areas; prior experience living in close quarters with your coworkers; a sense of humor; ability to adapt and innovate based upon the daily challenges; ability to work and cooperate with a full spectrum of personalities (crew and guests); ability and willingness to listen - especially during the first season - there is a reason 2023 will be our 41st year; ability to maintain stamina throughout the intensive operating season; ability to plan and think ahead; and the understanding of and willingness to have "all hands on deck".

Bring your professional experience and a helpful attitude.  

We really are very remote - really!  Please consider this prior to applying.  There are no distractions on this island: we work for the guests, we work with each other, and we abide by the pace that Mother Nature establishes.

Our goal is to have a crew that inspires and respects each other and creates a satisfying and successful seasonal experience.  Many of our crew have been on the Whaler’s Cove Lodge team for multiple (12+) seasons. 

 

Room and Board

Private warm, dry, modest rooms (no bunk beds or snoring strangers) with basic furniture, basic bed and bath linens, shared baths, and basic shampoo, conditioner, and body wash. Three delicious meals a day, with snacks in between, provided from our culinary crew.  Crew self-serve laundry available; lodge provides detergent and dryer sheets.  We take pleasure in providing our crew the same delicious meals as our guests.  If you get tired of fresh Alaskan seafood and prime cuts of meat - we have comfort food items available.

Employee Perks

Most W-2 employees, except for Guides, are included in a tip pool. TIPS policy is detailed during interviews and in the employee handbook.  Seasonal travel advance may be earned. Fish processing at cost, vessel and equipment rentals for a small stipend, and gift shop discounts are available to staff living on-site.  Other benefits or perks disclosed during the interviews.  Returning seasonal employees who earn seniority also have select benefits and perks.

Getting Here and Getting Around

Employees fly into Juneau then Whaler’s Cove Lodge arranges transport to Killisnoo Island via floatplane, privately chartered catamaran, or Alaska Marine Highway Ferry System. 

Once on the island, it's all hands on deck to provide 11 weeks of fishing for guests!

Whaler's Cove Lodge is located on a remote island. The lodge owners coordinate your travel to and from the lodge. Once here, it is an outdoor paradise, which means no roads. We are a water-based lodge, so most activities are water-based or involve boats to get to where you want to be. The water is typically 40-55 degrees Fahrenheit.  On the lodge grounds, your feet are your primary locomotive. 

For Fun

We are surrounded by natural wonders for you to enjoy, using the buddy system:  kayaking, hiking, photography, whale watching, fires on the beach, beachcombing, and exploring un-touched Alaskan bays, inlets, streams and lakes.   Due to the fact that this lodge is focused on hosting guests for only 80+/- days per year, we do not have the guides available to take out crew.  If communing with nature isn't your thing, the island is a quiet place to self reflect, read, write, draw, paint, or take up other creative hobbies during your days off. 

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Current Job Openings

    Housekeeping

    Housekeeper

    $3,762.00 / month + tips
    Whaler's Cove Lodge

    You know what it takes! Systematic scrubbing, stripping, soaking, sweeping, swiping, swishing, and sterilizing in a spotless fashion; it’s what you do!

    We take our sanitation seriously and our rooms are lovely!  All accommodations are right on the ocean.

    This job is unique:  you will not be walking down a hallway going room to room - you will outside, often in the rain, to get to guest cabins where your supplies will be delivered to you by the Housekeeping Manager.  

    Can you flip a room in 30 minutes? Do you like fresh air and big trees and the smell of the ocean? Our 30 ocean-front guest rooms on 5 acres are ready for your handiwork. We want housekeepers who find satisfaction in assuring that the highest degree of quality guest care is maintained at all times. Whaler's Cove Lodge takes pride in our comfortable and new (or newly updated) rooms in the middle of 17 MILLION acres of Alaskan wilderness, in the beautiful Tongass National Forest!

    Professional housekeeping experience is highly preferred. This is a physically demanding position that requires you to be physically fit and involves well-developed skill sets in hospitality. We anticipate that our rooms are to be completely flipped within 30 minutes.

    Our Housekeepers are responsible for working with the Housekeeping Manager to ensure quality control with all room aesthetics and sanitation, and that guests are properly accommodated. Also responsible for communicating maintenance requests to our facilities department, and washing, drying and folding laundry. Must be experienced with proper sanitation, presentation of linens, and understand the etiquette of the security of guests' personal items. Participates in daily room service, laundry and inspections. 30 rooms, common areas, porches, 32++ bathrooms, laundry rooms, and housekeeping facilities. The lodge is on 5 acres. Your feet will be your ONLY mode of transportation!  And yes, you will be required to carry things.

    The lodge hosts up to 32 guests daily. This summer we anticipate welcoming over 600 guests.

    Pre-season and post-season (when we're opening the lodge and shutting down the lodge, usually for approximately two weeks on each end) - it's a 7 day work week. During the "guest season", which is a total of 82 days, the goal is a a six-day workweek, one day off per week; this goal requires that all crew work each day they are scheduled.  We are looking for someone who can work the entire season. 2024 season begins early June and ends the third week of September.

    $3762 per month to start, Depending On Experience. Housekeepers are also in the tips pool, have a private room (with shared bathrooms), and get to enjoy the same delicious meals our guests eat.

    You must be physically fit, able to perform the duties involved in this profession for an 8-10 hour day and be able to lift 50lbs. The lodge is on 5 acres - there is a lot of walking!

    Must be a non-smoker.

    Visit our website (whalerscovelodge.com) and our Trip advisor page to see what we are all about!  

     

    To Apply: Submit letter of Interest and Resume to wclapplicant@gmail.com

    Whaler's Cove

    Kitchen Prep

    $3,850.00 / month + tips
    Whaler's Cove Lodge

    We are looking for an ambitious Prep Cook to assist in the preparation of Alaska dishes!  Fresh king salmon, silver salmon, sockeye salmon, halibut, ling cod, sablefish, or Dungeness crab is on the menu every evening! 

    You’ll perform routine kitchen tasks such as setting up workstations and ingredients, so that food can be prepared according to recipes.  A great prep cook will be quick and diligent and willing to improve on the job. You will be deft and able to follow instructions as well as all health and safety rules in the kitchen. The ideal candidate will also be able to function in a fast-paced, busy environment as a part of a team.

    Responsibilities

    • Follow the prep list created by Chef(s) to plan duties
    • Label and stock all ingredients on shelves so they can be organized and easily accessible
    • Measure ingredients and seasonings to be used in cooking
    • Prepare cooking ingredients by washing and chopping vegetables, cutting meat etc.
    • Undertake basic cooking duties such as reducing sauces, parboiling food etc.
    • Prepare simple dishes such as salads, entrees etc.
    • Maintain a sanitary and orderly kitchen by washing dishes, sanitizing surfaces, taking out trash etc.
    • Ensure all food and other items are stored properly and dated.
    • Comply with nutrition and sanitation guidelines
    • Perform other kitchen duties as assigned
    • Participate in daily rotation of stock, weekly inventory, and weekly provisioning.


    Requirements

    • Proven experience as Prep Cook, minimum of 4 years’ experience.
    • Large Batch Cooking knowledge
    • Knowledge of health and safety rules in a kitchen
    • Manual dexterity able to operate cutting tools and kitchen utensils
    • A team player with good communication skills
    • Patient with an ability to stay positive under pressure
    • Very good physical condition and endurance; able to lift up to 50lbs consistently
    • High school diploma or equivalent is desirable; Training from a culinary school will be an asset
    • Preferred High School Graduate or GED
    • Must be able to work 6 days a week
    • Shifts are scheduled generally between 5:00am and 10:00pm
    • Salary Depends On Experience; Start Range is approximately $3800. Plus TIPS
    • Must live-onsite in Alaska from approximately  mid-June through mid-September.
    • Must be over 18 years of age to live on site
    • Must hold a current Alaska Food Worker’s Card, or Serv Safe certification


    Submit Cover Letter and Application to:  wclapplicant@gmail.com

    Guest Services/Front Desk

    Guest Services Representative

    $3,800.00 - $4,200.00 / month + tips
    Whaler's Cove Lodge

    To create a positive guest experience from first point of contact, through the reservation process, travel, arrival & welcoming, friendly departures, daily activities, processed fish shipments, and gift shop sales for up to 32 Guests per day, for an approximate 82 day operating season with guests, with up to 21 days pre-guests and 14 days post guests. The lodge is located in Southeast Alaska, on Killisnoo Island, just off of Admiralty Island National Monument, near the City of Angoon. This is a remote wilderness lodge specializing in salt & fresh water fishing and ecotourism.

    Responsibilities

    • Communication HUB
      • VHF Radio Base, Dispatch for All Vessels
      • Front Desk, Phones
    • Hosting bi-weekly Welcome and/or Goodbye speeches.
    • Accepting and tending to all (in-house) guest requests and communication with other departments (Kitchen, Housekeeping, Maintenance etc.) if so required.
    • Fielding Guest Requests for Changes in Daily Boat Schedule 
    • Distribution of Guest Transportation Manifests
    • Checking Reservation Emails Daily
    • Guest Correspondence
      • Support Guest Services Manager with all reservations.
        • Working within the Reservation Database (Resort Data Processing, RezOvation)
      • Inquiries & Information Packets
      • Preparing and Processing Guest Check-in/check-out Paperwork
      • Collecting Deposits & Final Payments, Including TIPS
      • Guest Survey & Feedback Forms
    • Preparing and Processing Employee Boat Rental Related Paperwork
    • Checking the Incoming and Outgoing Mail; Visits to the Local Post Office (Pending new Covid-19 Emergency Orders from City of Angoon)
    • Meeting and Greeting of Guests after each fishing day to socialize and to take pictures
    • Tending to the Gift Shop. Selling merchandise to both guests and employees. Restocking and re-arranging when necessary. Inventory.
    • Tending to the fireplace in the Main Lodge. Periodically cleaning of Front Desk work area including the Lobby area.
    • Gift Shop sales and restock.


    Skills Required*

    • Excellent and Authentic Customer Service Skills
    • Maturity
    • Hospitality Industry Experience, Sales or Hosting
    • Computer Literacy
    • Microsoft Word - Advanced
    • Excel – Intermediate to Advanced
    • QuickBooks – Intermediate
    • Point of Sale systems
    • Familiarity with Database Management


    Qualifications

    • High School Graduate Required, College or University Experience Preferred
    • Minimum of 5 years in Customer Service, Hospitality Preferred
    • Professional, Positive & Self-Motivated
    • Detail-Oriented
    • Proficient Communicator
    • Written & Oral
    • Adaptable
    • First Aid Certified Preferred
    • Team-Oriented


    Dates of Employment

    Crew must be available for the entire season.  Guest Services crew will fly to Alaska approximately in early June and training begins onsite immediately with work through approximately September 15th. We have a 15 week operating season/82 of those days are concurrent with guests.  

    Considerations

    Professionalism ~ We require our Guest Services Crew to present themselves in a professional manner at all times.  We always have guests at the lodge (from June into September) with turnover days on Saturdays (every week) and Tuesdays or Wednesdays (alternating every other week).  Because of our remote location, it is very difficult to replace any of our crew.  We expect a commitment to stay the entire season or agreed upon length of contract.  It is important that our applicants understand the operation and what responsibilities will be required of them.

    Attitude ~ Our Guest Services crew have a position with very high guest exposure.  It is important that our personnel enjoy people and enjoy showing the guests a good time.  We are looking for individuals who can share the joy of hospitality. We require our team to have a positive attitude, show extraordinary manners, and be courteous at all times.

    Safety & Medical ~ Our guides are our eyes and ears on the water. Guides are expected to keep tabs on other vessels from the lodge, including self-guided boats. At times our guides act as radio relay stations if a boat is trying to contact the lodge and is out of VHF range. Guided vessels are required to lend assistance to vessels in emergency situations where life or property is in danger. Guest Service crew staff the VHF radios 24/7 (in shifts) and are required to assist with any communications necessary. 

    Operating in the Alaskan environment is inherently dangerous and all of our employees are required to be aware and responsive to any potentially dangerous situation that may arise.

    If a situation arises that requires medical attention, crew is to contact the lodge immediately and render any assistance possible. The community of Angoon has a medical clinic with emergency staff available; response time may be delayed. Regional scheduled sea plane service or charters may be available to transport patients to adequate medical care facilities in Juneau or Sitka (this is a minimum 40 minute transport, 90 minutes from time of call to arrival back to emergency services).  In addition the U.S.C.G. Air Station in Sitka has the capability to medevac serious injuries. In any case, the lodge management is to be contacted immediately to ensure a coordinated and timely response.

    Guest Services crew must be healthy, physically fit, maintain a clean appearance, be drug-free (pre-employment drug testing and random seasonal drug testing is company policy at company discretion), and be a non-smoker. Anyone who cannot maintain themselves in a professional manner regarding alcohol consumption need not apply.

    Company Policy ~ Employees of Whaler’s Cove Lodge are to abide by the most current version of the Employee Handbook (provided at time of hiring). The duties and policies described in this job description are in addition to, and an integral part of, the employee policies set forth in the Employee Handbook.[A2] 

    Guest Services Meetings ~ Whaler’s Cove Lodge facilitates training meetings and a weekly Guest Service meeting. The time and place of these meetings is established at the beginning of the season. All Guest Service crew are required to attend these meetings.

    Compensation

    Salary:   $3,800-4,200 per month DOE to start – plus the following:

    Tips:  Our guests stay for 3+days, and may tip crew directly or specify tip allocation at checkout. 

    Transportation:  First year employees are responsible for their transportation to and from Juneau, however, upon a successful completion of the season, the employee will be reimbursed the travel cost, with a cap of costs determined upon hire.  Transportation is provided from Juneau, to Whaler’s Cove Lodge and back to Juneau.

    Room & Board:  Approximately a $1,800 per month value. 

    Accommodations:  While at the lodge, the guides/crew will be housed in private rooms.  A few senior crew rooms have private baths all others will share bath facilities.  Laundry facilities (including detergent) are provided for the crew along with basic bedding and bath linens.

    Meals:  Our staff enjoys delicious meals served buffet-style in the lodge dining room. There is no obligation for crew to share their meals with guests; crew is welcome to enjoy their meals in the privacy of their rooms, etc.

    Personal Items:  Your only living expenses while at the lodge will be personal items: i.e. toiletries, medicines, etc.  It’s best to ship these up to the lodge prior to your arrival or bring them with you.  There will be very few opportunities to stock up.

    Together, the Job Description, Offer of Employment, and Employee Handbook constitute the expectations of our Guest Service crew and are considered a mutual agreement between employee and the lodge.

    The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.

    Whaler’s Cove Lodge is a permit holder in the Tongass National Forest and Admiralty Island National Monument. All rules and regulations are expected to be followed.

How to Apply

We are NOT able to accept H2B or J1 visas.

Applicants must email their resume and cover letter to wclapplicant@gmail.com.  We would appreciate it if you took the time to detail within your cover letter, why you are interested in working with Whaler's Cove Lodge.

Captain and guide applicants need to provide Merchant Mariner documents (OUPV 6 Pack, with Near Coastal endorsement) at the time of application in order to be considered.

Only applicants who submit a resume and cover letter explaining how they are resilient will be reviewed. Interviews begin pending available positions and qualified candidates.  Please go to our website for full job descriptions, professional requirements, and company requirements.

Contact Info

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