MARINE NATURALIST & ECO TOUR GUIDE
MAYA'S LEGACY WHALE WATCHING
LOCATION: SAN JUAN ISLAND, WASHINGTON STATE, USA
EXPERIENCE: REQUIRED AS BELOW
START DATE: FLEXIBLE, TYPICALLY APRIL THROUGH SEPTEMBER OR OCTOBER
Are you interested in working with other passionate educators, conservationists and Salish Sea lovers in sharing the uniqueness of our area by connecting with visitors in a meaningful and authentic way? MLWW is looking for exceptional marine naturalist guide for the 2023 tour season. We offer small group tours rich in ecology, wildlife and cultural heritage, connecting each passenger with the unique environment surrounding us.
Our company provides a premium, customer-centered tour experience for each of our passengers. Tours are educational as well as enjoyable, and aim to send our guests home inspired, and with an appreciation akin to our own for the uniqueness of the area they have just experienced.
A marine naturalist is a guide and educator who helps oversee the tour experience from start to finish. They are an integral and appreciated part of our small team.
Ideally Suited Abilities, Skills & Traits :
Highest standard of customer service – service oriented and energized by putting guests at the center of the experience
Flexible – able to go with the flow
Reliable – trustworthy, acting with integrity
Personable – enjoys people and generally has an outgoing personality
Self-motivated learner
Story-teller
Strong communicator
Perceptive – able to read people and cater/modify material accordingly
Works well with others
Qualifications*:
Knowledge of Salish Sea region. Including but not limited to ecology, birds, marine mammals, conservation issues, geology, history and cultural heritage (We understand everyone will have deeper knowledge in some areas than others, but all guides should have some understanding of a range of topics)
Prior experience as a guide or marine naturalist
Customer service experience
Some familiarity with power boats; safety and procedures
Bachelors or higher degree, or equivalent experience (education or ecology/environmental/marine studies preferred)
CPR and first aid certified
Ability to pass drug test. Crew are subject to random drug testing during tour season.
*Most of these qualifications are preferred but not limited to the above. Additional qualifications considered, as we are open to training the right person. If you feel you are a good fit, we want to hear from you.
Responsibilities include*:
Providing educational, personalized and safe tour experiences
Educating our guests about the Salish Sea. Including but not limited to ecology, birds, marine mammals, conservation issues, geology, history and cultural heritage
Helping keep tour vessels clean and orderly, before during and after tours (Includes tidying up, removing trash and hosing down the vessel)
Providing safety orientation and monitoring safety throughout the tour
Passenger management and engagement, before during and after tours (Includes greeting passengers on the dock, insuring safe boarding, connecting with individuals while underway, following up after)
Taking photos and sharing them with passengers on each tour.
Potentially assisting in social media efforts
*The above are the basic guide responsibilities. Responsibilities will be contracted on an individual basis. We are always happy to discuss additional areas of our operation you would like to participate in.
Wages are dependent on experience and contract details. Duration is flexible with our needs beginning in either April or May and concluding in September or October.
We strive for peak life experiences for passengers and team members alike! Does this work excite you? It excites us. If you are interested in applying or would like further details, please contact us by email (info@sjiwhalewatch.com) or phone (360-378-7996).