Boat Tour Guide

LJA Mission Statement:

The mission of Lake Junaluska is to be a place of Christian hospitality where lives are transformed through renewal of soul, mind and body.  

Position Summary: Join our team and become the friendly face and knowledgeable voice guiding visitors on boat tours aboard the historic Cherokee IV. As a Boat Tour Guide, you'll have the opportunity to showcase the beautiful waterfront of Lake Junaluska, share engaging historical tidbits, and provide a memorable experience for families, tourists, and private event groups.

Essential Functions: 

• Operate the boat, conducting guided boat tours; following a script that shares lake history and insights in an engaging manner.

• Ensure the safety of passengers, following all established safety protocols while operating and navigating the boat. 

• Ensure passengers feel welcome, comfortable, and safe throughout the tour.

• Adapt your approach to suit various audiences, from casual visitors to private cruise participants.

• Answer guests' questions about Lake Junaluska’s history, scenic surroundings, and boat tour services.

• Collaborate with staff to ensure boat tours operate smoothly and on schedule.

• Assist guests with ticketing processes, including helping them purchase tickets and manage reservations.

• Provide support at the Lake Junaluska Outfitters and Recreation Department, assisting with customer inquiries, reservations, and daily operations as needed.

• Provide support for the Lake Junaluska Services and Media Department, assisting with event set-up and break-down as needed. 

• Must possess excellent hospitality skills and a strong desire to foster an attitude of Christian hospitality to “exceed guest expectations”.

• Comply with all safety policies, practices and procedures and report any unsafe activities or conditions immediately to supervisor or the Human Resources department.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Prefer Boating Safety Certification.
• Prefer CPR/First Aid Certification. Reimbursement or on-the-job certification is offered.
• A minimum of 1 year relevant experience in boat operation, camp recreation/activities.
• Hospitality experience strongly desired.  
• Minimum age of 18 with a valid Driver’s License
• Must be able to communicate with Director of Event Operations and Recreation Manager through a variety of communication methods, i.e. Email, text, phone, and radio.
• Ability to engage and inform guests with clear, enthusiastic, and entertaining narration.
• Must be flexible and able to adapt to changing needs, multiple task demands, and work structures.
• Ability to effectively present job related information upon request to customers, clients, and employees of the organization. 
• Ability to solve practical problems and handle a variety of customer, clients and employee questions. 
• Must be willing to work a flexible schedule.

Performance/Success Factors

• Be punctual to work and other related functions
• Performs well in a team environment
• Complete work in a timely, accurate, and thorough manner
• Ability to prioritize daily tasks and events.  
• Perform routine duties with minimal supervision.
• Provide leadership to other staff through work ethic and the sharing of knowledge and skills.
• Strives for excellence in all tasks and duties and fosters an attitude of “exceeding guest expectations”.
• Able to work independently but operate within LJA policy guidelines using independent judgment.

Working conditions

• Moderate to heavy physical activity performing strenuous and non-strenuous activities with moderate to loud noise. 
• Primarily working outdoors exposed to elements such as; heat, sun, cold, snow, rain and wind.
• Ability to coordinate work, continuously moves about, able to stand for prolonged periods of time, walk, sit, manual dexterity to handle or feel, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, talk to and hear staff and customer requests,  and also lifts or otherwise move objects weighing up to 75  pounds.
• Must have adequate vision to carry out daily activities. Good peripheral vision is necessary.
• Work schedule; Recreation area and Boat Tours are open Monday – Sunday, with nights, weekends, and holidays as required.