Job description

Position Summary:

The Zodiac Captain will participate in guest services, Zodiac tours, hikes/town walks, and land excursions as part of a dynamic Expedition Team providing an amazing, safe experience for all guests and crewmembers alike. This position will take guidance from the Expedition Leader and Lead Zodiac Guide and fill in where needed on and off the vessel.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Safely guide guests by zodiac in a dynamic marine environment and assist in all phases of field operations.
• Ensure zodiac is equipped and ready for operation
• Assist guests in preparing to board the zodiac
• Assist guests in boarding and disembarking the zodiac
• Operate the zodiac with guests and possible guide onboard
• Operate the zodiac as a safety boat during kayak operations
• Participate in all Zodiac training, and pass a practical Zodiac test given the Lead Zodiac Captain/Guide.
• Provide excellent risk management in remote settings while working cooperatively with all team members in a timely manner.
• Ability to drive zodiac multiple miles while narrating in various weather and ocean conditions.
• Must be prepared for contingencies in Alaska’s dynamic environment and be able to troubleshoot and quickly redirect when excursions do not go as planned.
• Must be proficient with GPS coordinates and prepared with planned trip information prior to launch.
• Assist in the cleanliness and order of all zodiacs, as well as all expedition tools and gear.
• Care for, respect, and maintain all expedition surroundings and guide quarters in a neat, properly functioning, organized manner.

• Document and report any Zodiac incidents in a timely manner to Lead Zodiac Captain/Guide and Expedition Leader.
• During sea days, participate in informal activities for the guests, e.g., marine superstitions, Alaskan trivia, Alaskan Pictionary, knot tying, a written word contest, etc.

• The ability and willingness to engage with the guests in the field, on the water, and on the vessel.
• Assist in logistics of all land operations and vendor activities. Part of this duty is to enrich the guests' experience and engage them in friendly conversation throughout the trip.
• Assist in general tasks including loading stores and luggage.
• Assist the Expedition Leader with various excursion and educational needs, as deemed necessary.
• Fully participate with a positive attitude in all job-related aspects, including attendance and participation in all guide meetings, debriefs, dining with guests and other assigned tasks.
• Ability to work cohesively in the sustained company of guests and crew, on and off the vessel, with heavy emphasis on communication and teamwork. Communicate appropriately with co-workers, owners, and managers and address conflict or other outstanding issues in a timely and professional manner.
• Always maintain a professional demeanor and appearance, according to company guidelines, among guests and crew as an AQV Brand Ambassador.
• Follow company values in responding to others in a polite and helpful manner that makes them feel valued, respected and cared for.
• Be a RESPECT Service System example for others.
• Read and adhere to all company policies and procedures outlined in the AQV employee manual.

Requirements and Qualifications:

• Must have a positive, supportive team player and can-do attitude.
• Minimum of one (1) year of zodiac guide experience.
• Pass a practical and verbal evaluation for basic zodiac operation, guiding skills, local natural history knowledge, navigation, towing kayaks, emergency procedures, etc.
• Excellent verbal communication skills. Must be fluent in English.
• Previous experience working in guest services and/or group leadership.
• Physically able to work long hours, lift/carry/push/pull heavy objects and repeatedly lift upwards of 50lbs.
• Ability to stand and walk on nearly a constant basis; bend, rotate and reach frequently; ascend/descend stairs or ladders safely; manipulate/handle/grip materials required to perform job; maneuver through/in/around small and/or confined areas within the vessel.
• Willing and eager to interact positively with a range of age groups, from small children to seniors.
• Strong work ethic and willingness to learn, accept new ideas and be able to take direction.
• Excellent judgment, decision making and creative problem-solving ability in a fast-paced dynamic environment.

Professional Certification(s) or License:

• USCG Captains License, minimum 25 Ton
• Wilderness First Aid and CPR

Desirable:

• Maritime experience in Alaskan waters, preferably in SE Alaska.
• Minimum of one (1) year of naturalist interpretation or environmental education in the field with similar duties and responsibilities.
• Small cruise ship industry experience strongly preferred.
• Academic or professional background or equivalent experience in natural science, Alaskan history, environmental education, wildlife, or conservation related field preferred.
• Valid Wilderness First Responder Certified and/or ability to obtain and maintain.

Working Conditions:

All of the work performed will take place in a marine environment either onboard a moving vessel or out on the waters of Southeast Alaska. Such conditions involve exposure to various temperatures, wet, cold, rainy, windy conditions, along with a moderate to loud noise level. The Marine operation is subject to varied wake and motion. Positions both live and work onboard the vessel for consecutive port-to-port voyages during the regular season.

Other:

• Must be at least 21 years of age
• Submit to and pass alcohol and drug tests including but not limited to pre-employment, random, reasonable suspicion and post-accident/incident testing
• Must be able to test negative and be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 (SARS-COV-2) prior to starting employment.

*Additional requirements may be required depending on the physical needs of the role

EEO

American Queen Voyages is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We prohibit discrimination and or/harassment of any type, including but not limited to discrimination and or harassment based upon race, religion, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, pregnancy or relation medical conditions, childbirth, breastfeeding, parental status, veteran and/or military statue, disability (physical or mental) medical condition, genetic information or characteristics, political affiliation, domestic violence survivor status, marital status, or other characteristics prohibited by federal, state, or local law. Additionally, the Company participates in the E-Verify program in certain locations.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $270.00 per day

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 10 hour shift
• 12 hour shift
• Weekend availability

Supplemental pay types:

• Tips

Experience:

• Zodiac Guide: 1 year (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• Wilderness First Responder & CPR Certification (Preferred)
• USCG Captains License (min 25 Ton near coastal / inland)) (Required)

Work Location: One location

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