Summary for Naturalist 

Educate passengers about the environment and how to maintain the natural environment specifically dedicated to wilderness populations. Assist passengers boarding & disembarking; provide safety and emergency orientation; and work as a team member to distribute snacks and always maintain an impeccably clean vessel.   

Essential Duties & Responsibilities for Naturalist 

• Develop a tour narrative plan with the duty captain for each voyage, factoring in time constraints, weather, recent sightings, tide, season, etc.
• Direct passengers boarding and disembarking, and during an emergency. Conduct safety and emergency orientation.
• Work with Guest Services crew members to provide commentary and personal interaction/service with up to 150 passengers on tour.
• Assist Guest Services crew members in the galley as needed. Including, but not limited to, distribution of snacks and food items as well as beverages. Employees are required to obtain TAPS certification to serve alcohol. 
• Vessel duties include line handling, assisting with docking/undocking of the vessel, and mooring with cruise ships as requested by the vessel captain. 
• Assist other crew in maintaining vessel appearance, cleanliness, sanitation, and safety.
• Must be creative and able to develop a tour narrative that speaks to glaciology, wildlife, natural and human history, and other aspects of Southeast Alaska's climate and environment.
• Requires public speaking ability and experience using PA systems. 
• Special projects may be assigned as required by the business.

Minimum Qualifications for Naturalist 

• Must be able to learn and retain pertinent background material provided on board, for presentation to passengers.
• Must be able to work as a team with other crew to present coordinated narration and a quality experience for customers.
• Public speaking experience is essential. Must be able to effectively communicate goals and intentions to large and small groups 
• Must be organized with the ability to prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office including Outlook, Word, and Excel.

• Always present a professional and friendly attitude to guests and crew.
• Valid US driver’s license and a clean driving record.
• Must pass a security background check and DOT drug test.

Required Certifications for Naturalist 

Certifications required before the first day of employment include: 

• Valid, unexpired USCG approved CPR / First Aid certification.
• Alaska Food Handler card. 
• TAPS certification to serve alcohol.

Preferred Qualifications for Naturalist 

• Extensive public speaking experience. 
• Biology and/or natural resource background.
• College degree in natural resources or biology.
• Experience working as a naturalist, guide, or related position.
• Prefer experience on passenger(tour) vessels

Traits and Characteristics for Naturalist 

To deliver world-class experiences guided by the following Alaska Native cultural values safely and sustainably.  

Embrace Traditional Alaska Native Cultural Values that include Humility and pride, Respect for all people, including oneself, Respect for nature, Humor, Patience, Strength, and Holding each other up. 

Follow & Deliver Core Values (Naturalist) 

• Safety First: We prioritize our guests and team members' safety and well-being, ensuring secure and enjoyable experiences.
• World-Class Employment: We strive to be a world-class place of employment, valuing hard work, mentorship, a sense of ownership, and opportunities for career growth.
• World Class Guest Services: We are committed to exceeding guest expectations, delivering world-class experiences that showcase our hospitality and the beauty of Alaska.
• Collaborative Professionalism: Embracing collaboration within our organization with a professional spirit, understanding that amidst laughter and play, our dedication to excellence and integrity remains unwavering.
• Community Collaboration: Actively choosing to partner with neighbors and the community across Alaska, making a conscious effort to support local businesses and create social and economic opportunities through meaningful cooperation beyond our organization.
• Sustainability at our core: We are dedicated to sustainable operations for future generations.
• Curiosity & Innovation: We encourage a culture of curiosity and innovation, striving to be early adopters in technology and staying ahead in our commitment to continuous improvement.
• Integrity- Driven Decisions: Integrity guides every decision we make, ensuring transparency, honesty, and ethical conduct in all aspects of our operations.
• Cultural Respect & Sharing: We deeply celebrate and honor our Alaska Native heritage, fostering intergenerational connections, embracing family values, and contributing to the cultural richness of our communities.
• Must be honest, courteous, and reliable and maintain a clean, well-groomed appearance.
• Positive, personable, and professional demeanor.
• Strong commitment to safety.
• Strong conflict resolution skills and ability to work within a diverse workforce. 
• Strong record of being organized, dependable, and punctual.

Environmental Conditions for Naturalist 

The environmental conditions are those that an employee may be subject to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  

• Generally, include moderate to loud noise levels, all weather conditions, and frequent use of required protective clothing including raingear and life preserver.
• Ability to fit through a 28-inch void hatch.

Physical Demands for Naturalist 

The physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. 

• Must be physically able to work a typical workday of about 10-14 hours per day, 5-7 days a week.
• Occasionally required to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.  
• Ability to walk on uneven deck surfaces crossing from vessel to vessel. 

Work Environment for Naturalist 

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  

• This is a fast-paced and dynamic work environment with a diverse workforce. 
• Ability to work a flexible schedule to include weekends and holidays during the tour season. 
• Must adhere to AM Owner Group & Affiliated Companies the United States Coast Guard Consortium Drug & Alcohol Policies & Procedures.