Job Summary:
Activities Guides are professional guides committed and focused on providing unparalleled customer service and have the skill and demeanor to facilitate a safe and fun experience for our guests. Guides will be rotated through different tours throughout the cruise ship season, so every week will be a new adventure! Guides will be cross trained in leading electric mountain bike tours, lake kayaking, zodiac, sea cycling and hiking tours, as well as rotating as a safety boat driver and/or camp hand.
Supervisory Responsibilities: None
Duties/Responsibilities:
- Conduct safe and informative, high-quality tours, which meet and exceed guest expectations
- Meet and greet guests with a professional attitude and appearance;
- Service & maintain all equipment in the best possible condition, report damage and issues to supervisor;
- Share knowledge and relevant information in a fun and entertaining manner in front of groups as large as twenty people;
- Prepare all equipment and supplies for each day’s needs;
- Participate in all required training and educational clinics;
- Attend all safety training, meetings, and clinics. Maintain current knowledge of all safety procedures;
- Work collaboratively with fellow guides and all management;
- Outfit guests in weather appropriate gear and safety equipment;
- Campfire, beverage, and snack setup at camp;
- Oversee safety of kayak guests from the safety boat and help as needed;
- Provide instructions to guests of varying skill levels on the safe use of equipment;
- Answers and addresses any guest concerns or questions;
- Cleans and organizes all equipment, vehicles, and workspaces, and maintains inspection log;
- Always demonstrate outstanding guest service and professionalism;
- Build a comprehensive knowledge base about the flora and fauna of Southeast Alaska, the history of The Mill at Ward Cove and surrounding areas;
- Work a flexible schedule;
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Required Skills/Abilities:
- Safety Focus: Must be able to maintain a safe and comfortable environment for guests, employees, and the public;
- Customer-Service Focus: Must understand that customer service is a top priority and must conduct all actions with this in mind;
- Attention to Detail: Maintaining high company standards in the upkeep of gear and equipment, presentation of the tour product and customer focus;
- Problem-Solving Skills: Must be flexible and able to produce appropriate solutions quickly, working across the organization at times. Must be able to find creative solutions to unique problems and employ a logical and organized thought process;
- Presentation skills: Must be able to deliver a scripted/non-scripted, entertaining, informative, safety briefing and tour presentation on a 23-hour tour multiple times a day to guests with varying backgrounds and skillsets;
- Successful completion of on-the-job training required;
- Must be able to work collaboratively in a team setting.
Education and Experience:
- First aid & CPR certified; lifeguarding, water rescue, kayak instruction helpful, WFR a plus.
- 1 to 2 years of previous guiding experience in an outdoor environment preferred, but not required.
- Driver’s License Preferred.
Physical Requirements:
- Able to work outdoors for long days in diverse weather conditions.
- Prolonged periods of standing and walking.
- Must be able to lift up to 75 pounds at times.
Employee Perks
We provide paid training at the beginning of the season and offer competitive pay, partially subsidized housing, and a fun team environment.
- Sign-On Bonus: If signed-on prior to February 1, 2024, employee will receive $500 paid at the end of their contract
- Retention Bonus: Employees will receive $1 per hour ($1.50 per OT hour) bonus at the end of their contract
- Travel Reimbursement: Up to $300 travel reimbursement with receipts paid at the end of the probationary period (3 weeks)
- Referral Bonus: Employees who refer other applicants that are hired and complete their contract receive $100 per employee, paid at the end of the season
- Retirement: 401(k) dollar-for-dollar contribution match up to 6% of base salary, eligible after 1,000 hours of employment
- Free tours and activities at Ward Cove on a space-available basis
- Four complimentary tour tickets for friends and family, additional tickets may be purchased at the crew rate
- 20% discount in Ward Cove retail shop
