Adventure Guide Apprentice

Alaskax; Skagway, Northern (AK, KY); Hybrid; USD 30,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

End-of-Season Bonus

Job summary

Alaska X offers an entry-level CDL training program in Skagway with ELDT provided by the Transportation Manager. Trainees earn $26.00 per hour during classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction, with 50% of licensing and certification costs shared until completion.

After contract completion, a payroll deduction plan covers remaining costs; eligible for a 2027 employment contract and a $0.50 wage increase to 5.00 per hour bonus.

Qualifications

• CDL with Passenger endorsement or willing to obtain during tenure.
• Valid Medical Certificate.
• CPR/First Aid certification.
• Must be at least 21 years old.
• Able to lift up to 50 lbs.

Responsibilities

• Greet guests on the docks and transport them safely to destinations.
• Provide narrated tours with accurate information during excursions.
• Adhere to SOPs to maintain safety and quality.
• Assist with coordinating with dock and camp staff as needed.
• Support guest satisfaction throughout the excursion.

Skills

Time management

Defensive driving

Emergency response

Customer service

Hospitality

Knowledge of local attractions

Job description

Alaska X - CDL Training AgreementTrainingTraining hours will be compensated at the hourly rate of $26.00.Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) will be provided by an Alaska X Transportation Manager and will include:

• Theory instruction
• Behind-the-wheel training

Payment DetailsTraining & Licensing Cost AgreementNo upfront payment is required from the new driver.Alaska X and the new driver will each cover 50% of the costs for licensing, medical certification, and training.After training is completed and the license is obtained, HR and the new driver will agree to a payroll deduction schedule to cover the remaining costs during the contract term. All training costs must be paid in full by the end of the 2026 season contract.Upon successful completion of the contract in good standing, the new driver will be eligible for a 2027 employment contract and will be invited to join the Alaska X Club X Program, which includes a $5.00 wage increase.Training Course ExpectationsThis position is regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). During training, you will receive classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction. You are expected to actively participate by studying, asking questions, and engaging with the material.Knowledge and skills tests: Students with Commercial Learner’s Permits (CLPs) must pass required tests with a score of 80% or higher. You will receive instruction from a trainer; however, it is your responsibility to prepare and meet all requirements. Failure to do so—or conduct indicating the training is not being taken seriously—may result in removal from the training program.Safety commitment: Driving a Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) is inherently dangerous. A safety-first attitude is essential. Training content is federally mandated and is considered need-to-know; compliance is directly related to the safe operation of CMVs.CLP holding period: A CLP must be held for at least 14 days before skills testing. During this period, the student will be paid $26.00 per hour. Testing prior to the 14-day holding period is prohibited and cannot be waived.Drug and alcohol testing: Individuals obtaining or operating under a CDL/CLP are subject to pre-employment drug screening, randomized testing, and testing based on reasonable suspicion, as required by federal regulations. It is the student’s responsibility to abstain from illegal drugs and comply with all testing requirements. Failure to comply may result in penalties and/or termination.Professional responsibility: The purpose of this program is to provide the training necessary to obtain a CDL. Holding a commercial driver’s license carries significant public responsibility. Unsafe or unlawful behavior may result in severe consequences, including fines, criminal penalties, and termination. Fabrication of documents, cheating, or other dishonest conduct may result in immediate dismissal and legal ramifications.Alaska X - Employment AgreementDepartment: TransportationLocation: SkagwayReports To: COO, Transportation ManagerEnd-of-Season BonusThis position is eligible to earn up to an additional $2.00 per hour as an end-of-season, performance-based bonus. The bonus is not guaranteed and must be earned based on daily performance throughout the season. You must complete the agreed-upon contract dates to be eligible.

Job Summary

Greet guests on the docks. Safely transport guests to and from Adventure Camp and/or between drop-off points using company-established routes. Provide a narrated tour with accurate, high-quality information while transporting guests. Depending on operational needs, you may escort guests throughout the excursion as the primary point of contact or return to the dock for the next group. Play a key role in ensuring guests are fully satisfied with their excursion experience.

Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)

All employees are expected to adhere to company Standard Operating Procedures to ensure consistency, safety, and quality in our operations. Your cooperation in following these guidelines is essential to maintaining our standards and achieving organizational goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure guests experience the “E.X.C.U.R.S.I.O.N. of a lifetime” by being attentive to guest needs, answering questions throughout the excursion, and notifying management of concerns. When appropriate, collect guest contact information for management follow-up.
• Maintain compliance with Alaska X Transportation Department SOPs and all applicable policies and procedures.
• Communicate accurate information to appropriate staff as needed (e.g., radio guest counts to dog camp, coordinate with office staff, and communicate with dock representatives).
• Stay informed about the operating environment, including local history, changing flora and fauna, Iditarod history, local landmarks, and the company mission.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support company goals and operational needs.

Working Conditions

• Most tours are outdoors and the role may be exposed to inclement weather (including snow, wind, rain, and hail). Proper footwear and the provided uniform are required.
• Exposure to a variety of scents and smells is expected, including changing flora and fauna, engine odors, and animals (including dogs).
• The environment can be loud, including cruise ship horns, engine noise, and frequent barking.
• The role involves frequent sitting and walking (typically at least 2.5 hours per day and no more than 5.5 hours per day for each activity).
• The role involves occasional standing (typically no more than 2.5 hours per day).
• Must be able to lift and carry buckets weighing up to 50 lbs. for a distance of 200 feet (typically no more than 30 minutes per day).

Qualifications

• Valid CDL (Commercial Driver License) with Passenger endorsement (to be obtained during tenure).
• Valid Medical Certificate.
• Valid CPR/First Aid Certificate.
• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Able to lift up to 50 lbs.

Skills

• Time management: Ensure timely arrivals and departures.
• Vehicle maintenance: Perform regular inspections and basic upkeep.
• Defensive driving: Practice safe driving techniques to prevent accidents.
• Emergency response: Handle emergencies calmly and efficiently.
• Knowledge of local attractions: Familiarity with local landmarks and points of interest.
• Hospitality: Provide friendly, enthusiastic service to ensure a positive guest experience.

Alaska X provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regards to race,national origin, age, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, pregnancy, veteran status or any other protectedcharacteristic in accordance with federal,state and local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment.The company will make reasonable accommodations, including modification of company policies and procedures in appropriate cases for qualified individuals with disabilitiesif it can do so without undue hardship.