Summer Employment
General Information
Thank you for considering spending a summer "stepping into Alaska" with Gastineau Guiding. Working in the Alaska tourism business is demanding, fast-paced and challenging. The work is people intensive and requires a responsible individual with an open mind, flexible schedule, positive attitude and a fun spirit. Teamwork is key and integral to running a solid operational program. Strong communication skills are mandatory and a professional attitude and appearance must always be maintained. The desire and ability to share an understanding of the Tongass and the Juneau area is essential. Some study, practice and planning is essential in developing your skill set. Providing excellent customer service, while giving each guest a safe, timely and enjoyable experience is always expected. If our guests finish their tour experience with a "sense of wonder" about the place of Juneau, then we are fullfilling our company's mission.
Knowledge
Employees involved in guiding and those working in the Nature Center should have a strong knowledge of and great interest in the natural and cultural history of Southeast Alaska. Gastineau Guiding Co. provides extensive training beginning mid-April each season. Most training is paid, at a nominal stipend, and in most cases is a requirement to be considered eligible for hire.
Positions
Gastineau Guiding offers seasonal positions as Nature Center Interpreters/Sales Staff, Schedulers, Dock Representatives, Naturalist Guides, Naturalist Photography Guides, Naturalist Science Guides & Interns, Boat Captains, Shuttle Drivers and a Maintenance Supervisor.
2012 Summer Job Descriptions - hiring has begun!
Nature Center Interpreter/Sales Staff
Present formal and informal interpretive programs through visitor interactions, video & slide shows, and deck talks. Provide current trail information to visitors and assistance to guides. Perform first aid as needed and assure safety on the mountain. Perform specific retail functions based on everyday operations such as working the computer register and credit card machine; answering the phone and visitor questions; stocking, pricing, inventory and other duties as assigned. Guide natural history walks through the alpine ecosystems on the Mt. Roberts Loop Trail as needed.
Dispatcher/Scheduler
Work in the office in conjunction with the Operations Manger to create daily guide schedule. Help facilitate the smooth daily operation of the schedule. Coordinate and make changes to guide schedule as needed, along with other unexpected occurrences. Act as a point of contact for all guides and captains when on duty. Must have excellent communication skills and be able to work well under pressure. Dispatchers/Schedulers may assist on the docks as needed. Applicants should have a strong analytical ability, like juggling many tasks and be able to put out a cool demeanor under pressure.
Dock Representative
Assist with day-to-day tour operations outside on the cruise ship docks. Act as the first point of contact, setting the stage for all Gastineau Guiding visitors, as well as a liaison with cruise line representatives. Foster sales and settle daily accounting and port-of-call issues with cruise line representatives. Carry out other administrative duties as assigned. Must be able to work in a fast paced environment while maintaining a positive attitude.
Naturalist Guide
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. Lead tours that cater to your expertise and interest. This position offers variety, as you will be guiding on various trails which include the Mt. Roberts Loop Trail, the Rain Forest Trail on North Douglas Island, scenic West and East Glacier Trails, the Morraine Ecology Trail and posibily others. Drive and operate company vehicles for guided tours, if eligible. Interpretive certification(s) available.
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 mechanics of the Mendenhall Glacier. The position requires a solid background in photography and strong interpersonal skills. Developing and creating a media slideshow for use on tour is manditory. 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. Drive and operate company vehicles for guided tours, if eligible. You may be required to fill in as a Naturalist Guide when needed.
Naturalist Science Guide
Lead groups of people interested in giving back to the environment as they get hands on in Alaska's glacial and marine environments. You will facilitate the gathering of raw, baseline data for local science organizations like NOAA, Alaska Sea Grant, UAF, ADEC, USFS, and Project Budburst. Marry meaning with adventure on this trip that operates at the Mendenhall Glacier and on the water of Stephen's Passage. Educational background in the sciences is preffered. Internships are also available. A willingness to train as a naturalist and obtain Coast Guard crew certification is mandatory. Drive and operate company vehicles for guided tours, if eligible. You may be required to fill in as a Naturalist Guide when needed.
Boat Captain
25-ton certification required. Experience in local waters preferred. Captain a covered 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.
Shuttle Driver
Our shuttle drivers have a CDL class C with Passenger Endorsement and Air Brakes Restriction lifted. Training is provided for those who qualify by age and have a good driving record.
Maintenance Assistant - Position Filled
Assist with light vehicle maintenance, check fluids, wash busses & vans, deliver freight, and work on facilities projects as assigned.
All employees must be certified in First Aid and CPR.
Employment Application
Download an employment application in either Microsoft Word or PDF format.
Application MS Word Please download & save, fill out and e-mail to dock@gguiding.com.
Application PDF (You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view). Please fill out and fax or mail by post.
Supplemental Application - only if required, see on Application
Supplemental Application MS Word Please download & save, fill out and e-mail to dock@gguiding.com.
Supplemental Application PDF (You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view). Please fill out and fax or mail by post.
Our contact information is available in the Contact Us page.
