Summer Job Descriptions
Friday Harbor on San Juan Island, Washington, near Seattle.
Summer jobs for Whale Watch/First Mate Naturalist, Whale Watch Captain and
Whale Watch Sales/Appointment Desk
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Employment Opportunities or Jobs Available Page.
At this time we can only hire US Citizens
Positions are seasonal - April to end of September.
Please read this page - Job Descriptions, prior to applying for a summer job
And this page for San Juan Safaris
Dress Code
Job Descriptions for All Positions
with
San Juan Safaris
This Position is
filled for 2012
1. Lead Whale Watch Naturalist / First Mate
Summary:
The Lead Naturalist is in charge of training the other boat Naturalists on all related boat and natural history issues. Lead Naturalist coordinates with the Captains and owners to motivate and educate crew members throughout the entire whale watching season which is April to the end of September. The person also performs the regular duties of the Naturalist/First Mate position and Desk Staff position.
The Boat Naturalists are expected to educate, inform, and monitor all passengers during our 3-4 hour tour. Presenting information on whales (Resident, Transient, Off Shore Orca, Gray, Humpback & Minke) marine mammals, birds, general ecology, the whale watching guidelines its importance and history and other subjects, are the main focus during the tour. The Naturalist is also the acting First Mate on the vessel, responsible to help the Captain in any way. Pre and post trip boat cleaning are also an important part of the tour. Some hours will be spent working at the Sales and Appointment Desk. Must be available evenings and weekends.
Major Duties:
1. Perform duties as First Mate to Captain, which may include the safety talk prior to vessel leaving the dock
2. Educate and inform clients about Salish Sea wildlife, natural history, marine mammals, Resident, Transient, Off Shore Orca, Gray, Humpback & Minke, general ecology, and other flora and fauna
3. Monitor all passengers to assure they are comfortable, warm and safe, know where books, binoculars, blankets and jackets are and to keep guests well informed
4. Clean and prepare vessel pre and post trip
5. Responsible to continue learning new material on all local whales, marine mammals, birds and the Salish Sea area, in order to work towards becoming an expert in their field
6. Work at the Sales and Appointment Desk taking payment for, making reservations, answering phones and selling tours. (See job description for Appointment Desk for more details)
Knowledge:
1. Background in Natural Sciences preferred. Studies in marine biology, geology, cetaceans, marine mammals, general ecology, and ornithology are preferred fields of study
2. Working knowledge of boats, and experience working on open water
3. 21 yrs. or older, college education preferred with a background in marine sciences, biology, zoology, and outdoor education are all strong prerequisites
4. Familiarity with the Pacific Whale Watch Association (PWWA) white paper Pacific Whale Watching Association (PWWA) White Paper and guidelines
5. The Whale Museum’s Naturalist Training Class helpful
Skills:
1. People oriented, strong communication/public speaking skills, education experience or background are all characteristics we look for
2. Strong work ethic and team-oriented skills are a must
3. Must enjoy educating diverse audiences about wildlife and other subjects
4. Must be willing and capable of selling tours
Abilities:
1. Able to work long hours - 10 hours/daily 50+ hours/weekly
2. Physically fit and able to be on your feet during a full day’s work
3. Able to lift 50lbs comfortably and up to 80lbs with the help of a coworker
4. Able to work effectively with others, with strong team working abilities
Requirements:
1. Must adhere to company dress code
2. Must have current first aid and CPR certification
3. Subject to pre-employment &/or random drug testing
4. Land line and/or cell phone with voice mail
5. E-mail address and check email daily
6. Non-smoker
7. No photography while on duty
8. Have reliable transportation
9. No personal cell phone use or texting while on-the-clock
10. Available Saturdays, Sundays, evenings and holidays
Rewards and Benefits:
Up to $15 per hour,(paid as $13 per hr. + $2 per hr. at seasons end) plus good tips. Work in a world-class, outdoor marine environment with fun, caring people, bald eagles, great blue heron, & other birds, river otter, wild mink, harbor seal, sea lion, orca, humpback, gray and Minke whales. Discounts on outdoor gear and local restaurant. Free whale watching tours on a "space available" basis, discounts for family and friends. WiFi access and computer use, training, flexible schedule. Make life-long friendships
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Positions open for 2012
2. Whale Watch Naturalist / First Mate
Summary:
Boat Naturalists are expected to educate, inform, and monitor all passengers during our 3-4 hour tour. Presenting information on whales ((Resident, Transient, Off Shore Orca, Gray, Humpback & Minke) marine mammals, birds, general ecology, the whale watching guidelines its importance and history and other subjects, are the main focus during the tour. The Naturalist is also the acting First Mate on the vessel, responsible to help the Captain in any way. Pre and post trip boat cleaning are also an important part of the tour. Some hours will be spent working at the sales/appointment desk. Must be available evenings and weekends.
Major Duties:
1. Perform duties as First Mate to Captain, which may include the safety talk prior to vessel leaving the dock
2. Educate and inform clients about Puget Sound wildlife, natural history, marine mammals, whales-(Resident, Transient, Off Shore Orca, Gray, Humpback & Minke), general ecology, and other flora and fauna
3. Monitor all passengers to assure they are comfortable, warm and safe. Know where books, binoculars, blankets and jackets are and to keep guests well informed
4. Clean and prepare vessel pre and post trip
5. Responsible to continue learning new material on all local whales, marine mammals, birds and the Puget Sound area, in order to work towards becoming an expert in their field
6. Work at the Sales and Appointment Desk taking payment for, making reservations, answering phones and selling tours. (See job description for Appointment Desk for more details)
Knowledge:
1. Background in Natural Sciences preferred. Studies in marine biology, geology, cetaceans, marine mammals, general ecology, and ornithology are preferred fields of study
2. Working knowledge of boats, and experience working on open water
3. 21 yrs or older, college education preferred with a background in marine sciences, biology, zoology, and outdoor education are all strong prerequisites
4. Familiarity with the Pacific Whale Watch Association (PWWA) white paper and guidelines
5. The Whale Museum’s Naturalist Training Class helpful
Skills:
1. People oriented, strong communication/public speaking skills, education experience or background are all characteristics we look for
2. Strong work ethic and team-oriented skills are a must
3. Must enjoy educating diverse audiences about wildlife and other subjects
Abilities:
1. Able to work long hours - 10 hours/daily 50+ hours/weekly
2. Physically fit and able to be on your feet during a full days work
3. Able to lift 50lbs comfortably and up to 80lbs with the help of a coworker
4. Able to work effectively with others, with strong team working abilities
Requirements:
1. Must adhere to company dress code
2. Must have current first aid and CPR certification
3. Subject to pre-employment &/or random drug testing
4. Land line and/or cell phone with voice mail
5. E-mail address and check email daily
6. Non-smoker
7. No photography while on duty
8. Have reliable transportation
9. No personal cell phone use or texting while on-the-clock
10. Available Saturdays, Sundays, evenings and holidays
Rewards and Benefits:
Up to $12 per hour, plus good tips. Work in a world-class, outdoor marine environment with fun, caring people, bald eagles, great blue heron, & other birds, river otter, wild mink, harbor seal, sea lion, orca, humpback, gray and Minke whales. Discounts on outdoor gear and local restaurant. Free whale watching tours on a "space available" basis, discounts for family and friends. WiFi access and computer use, training, flexible schedule. Make life-long friendships
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Ruffles- famous orca whale for his large wavy dorsal fin
These positions are filled for 2012
3. Captain - Whale Watching Vessel
This is a perfect position for someone who either has winter work or does not need year-round work.Summary:
Perform daily tours. Captains are responsible for safe operation & safety features, basic maintenance, accurate logs, overseeing First Mate/Naturalist duties and setting a good example for wildlife viewing ethics & methods on the water. Season: Mid-April to October. Must be available Saturdays, Sundays, evenings and holidays.
Major Job Duties:
1. Drive the boat and conduct regular daily tours
2. Perform ethical & responsible wildlife viewing practices
3. Oversee the upkeep and maintenance of vessels
4. Oversee First Mate duties
5. Maintain a high standard of quality for our tours
6. Maintain positive relationships with staff
7. Abide by Pacific Whale Watch Association (PWWA) (www.pacificwhalewatch.org/guidelines) Best Practices Guidelines for wildlife viewing
8. Adhere to company standards
9. Maintain a daily ship's log
10. Provide oversight on all safety issues
Special Certifications & Skills
1. 50 to 100 ton USCG Masters License
2. Strong single screw boat handling skills
3. Detail oriented. Safety oriented work ethic
4. Must be team oriented and enjoy working with others
5. Capable of working long hours/flexible hours
6. Capable of lifting 60 pounds
Other:
1. Well versed on local & federal laws regarding wildlife viewing. Must be familiar with the PWWA guidelines and adhere to them strictly. (Our resident Orca whales and Chinook salmon are both on the endangered species list). The state and local governments have instituted a law that further protects our local whales. San Juan Safaris is serious about setting a good example for viewing etiquette. The techniques necessary to observe whales without interfering with their life processes takes time to learn and require additional skills apart from just captaining a boat.)
2. Background in eco-tourism preferred, special training in marine ecology recommended. Position is for a dedicated person who understands and respects marine mammals and our company's philosophy. Please read our position paper prior to applying State of the Orca Whale and the Pacific Whale Watch Association white paper from December 2010
Requirements:
1. Must adhere to company dress code
2. Must have current first aid and CPR certification
3. Subject to pre-employment & /or random drug testing
4. Land line and/or cell phone with voice mail
5. E-mail address and check daily
6. Non-smoker
7. Reliable transportation
8. No photography while on duty
9. Available Saturdays, Sundays, evenings and holidays
10. No personal cell phone use or texting while on-the-clock
Rewards &Benefits:
Up to $20 - $25 per hour (Depending On Experience) plus good tips. Work in a world class, outdoor marine environment with fun, caring people, bald eagles, great blue heron and other birds, river otter, wild mink, orca, humpback, gray & minke whales. Discounts on outdoor gear and local restaurants. Free whale watching on a "space available" basis, discounts for family and friends. Make life-long friendships
See Naturalist Postion
4. Sales & Appointment Desk Person
Summary:
The desk staff runs the daily functions of our office in Friday Harbor.
Duties include selling tours, opening - closing office, checking in guests, taking reservations, and working effectively with boat Captains, Naturalists and other staff members to assure smooth running tours and departures. The desk staff's focus is on selling our educational and fun tours. This person must be dynamic, well spoken, out going, enjoy people, be great at sales and enjoy our team environment.
Major Job Duties:
1. Creating and closing sales via phones and walk-up traffic
2. Taking guest reservations accurately and completely
3. Checking people in for tours and issuing boarding passes
4. Communicate effectively with other staff to assure
smooth running tours and happy, satisfied guest experiences
5. Jump in and assist other staff members when needed
Knowledge and Skills:
1. Strong communication skills
2. Good work ethic
3. Team oriented skills
4. Sales experience including operation of cash register and credit card machine
5. Good customer service mentality
6. Detail oriented
7. Dynamic personality, outgoing, and enjoys working with others
8. Follow up and complete all undertakings
9. Responsible, mature, happy, safety conscious, outdoor type
10. No personal cell phone use or texting while on-the-clock
11. Available Saturdays, Sundays, evenings and holidays
Abilities:
1. Must be able to lift 50 lbs comfortably, 80 lbs with the help of a co-worker
2. Physically fit and able to work a full day on their feet
3. Must work effectively with others in a team environment
4. 21 yrs or older preferred
5. Customer Service background
Requirements:
1. Must adhere to company dress code
2. Must have current first aid and CPR certification
3. Subject to pre-employment and/or random drug testing
4. Land line and/or cell phone with voice mail
5. E-mail address which is checked daily
6. Non-smoker
7. Reliable transportation
9. No personal cell phones on/used or texting while on-the-clock
10. Available Saturdays, Sundays, evenings and holidays
Rewards and Benefits:
Up to $12 per hour. Work in a world-class, outdoor marine environment with fun, caring people, bald eagles, great blue heron, & other birds, river otter, wild mink, harbor seal, sea lion, orca, humpback, gray and Minke whales. Discounts on outdoor gear. Free whale watching tours on a "space available" basis, discounts for family and friends. WiFi access and staff computer use, flexible schedule. Make life-long friendships.
 Yes, guests even get engaged on the whale watching tour
We are proud members of the Pacific Whale Watch Association, formerly known as Whale Watch Operaors Association Northwest. Both Colleen & Bill are board members for many years This logo assures you that a company is a member in good standing.
The "Association" has worked with scientists, NOAA and industry leaders to assist in writing the Whale Watching Guidelines and Best Practices
sanjuansafaris.com is the copyrighted intellectual property of
San Juan Safaris, Inc.,
Friday Harbor, WA, USA
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