Boat Captain/Naturalist: Ouzinkie Native Corporation

Yachtsworldwide; Kodiak (AK); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Part time

Job summary

Ouzinkie Native Corporation seeks a Boat Captain/Naturalist for Kodiak, Alaska on a seasonal contract. You will operate lodge vessels, transport guests, and lead water-based nature excursions while ensuring safety and environmental interpretation.

The role covers land-based safety briefings, marine condition assessment, and collaboration with lodge operations in remote conditions. Valid USCG license, CPR/First Aid, and Alaska knowledge are essential.

Qualifications

• USCG 25 Ton Near Coastal OUPV licensure required.
• Two+ years on similar vessels.
• Current CPR and First Aid certification.
• High school diploma or GED.
• Knowledge of marine environment and navigation tools.

Responsibilities

• Operate lodge vessels and transport guests.
• Lead water-based nature and wildlife excursions.
• Explain safety procedures, vessel information, and environmental data.
• Inspect lodge vessels daily for safety, cleanliness, and mechanical soundness.
• Provide information about park history, flora, fauna, and brown bear behavior.

Skills

USCG license

CPR & First Aid

Navigation tools

Alaska guiding

Marine biology knowledge

Yamaha maintenance

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

GPS

Chart plotters

VHF radio

Sonar

Satellite communications

Job description

Boat Captain/Naturalist: Ouzinkie Native Corporation

Ouzinkie Native Corporation and subsidiaries Kodiak, Alaska Start Date09/04/2026

Contract

The Boat Captain /Naturalist role at Ouzinkie Native Corporation is a temporary position in Kodiak, Alaska . The captain operates lodge vessels, transports guests, and leads water-based nature and wildlife excursions. The work also covers guest safety during land-based excursions at Katmai National Park, on the Katmai Coast of the Alaska Peninsula, and around the lodge property.

The employer's lodge operation is remote and works mostly off the grid. The position requires marine judgment in changing tides, weather, and visibility. The captain explains safety procedures, tour information, and environmental facts while keeping each departure and return on schedule. Travel to Kodiak is arranged by the applicant, and the employer arranges a float plane from Kodiak to the lodge.

• Role: Boat Captain/Naturalist Guide
• Employer: Ouzinkie Native Corporation and subsidiaries

Applicants with a current license copy, CPR and First Aid records, and employment details can settle travel plans and availability before applying. The applicant's materials need to include the role's qualifications and any requested screening information.

The captain's water work begins with safe vessel operation and guest transport. Each excursion requires attention to marine conditions, tidal fluctuations, wind, rain, and other weather changes. Navigation relies on charts, chart plotters, GPS, sonar, VHF radio, satellite communications, and related tools.

Guest contact continues after the vessel leaves the dock. The captain gives tour narration, explains local environmental information, and manages safety briefings before and during excursions. Land-based duties extend to the Katmai National Park area, the Katmai Coast, the Alaska Peninsula, and the lodge grounds.

• Operate lodge vessels and transport guests.
• Lead water-based nature and wildlife excursions.
• Explain safety procedures, vessel information, and environmental data.
• Inspect lodge vessels each day for safety, cleanliness, and mechanical soundness.
• Provide information about park history, flora, fauna, and brown bear behavior.

Licenses And Field Qualifications

Current USCG 25 Ton Near Coastal OUPV licensure is required, along with a copy of the valid credential for verification. The position also requires at least two years of service on similar vessels, a current CPR certificate, First Aid certification, a high school diploma or GED, and a minimum age of 21.

Marine knowledge must cover the local environment and the navigation equipment used aboard the lodge vessels. Wilderness First Aid or a higher credential, a Master's USCG License, Alaska guiding experience, Yamaha outboard maintenance, and advanced marine biology knowledge are listed as desired qualifications.

• Two or more years on similar vessels.
• Current CPR and First Aid certification.
• High school diploma or GED.
• Knowledge of the marine environment and navigation tools.

Remote Lodge Assignments

The season includes work beyond the helm. Camp duties include cleaning crew quarters, groundskeeping, aircraft loading and unloading, building maintenance, boat maintenance, and operation of small lodge equipment. The captain also keeps a clean public appearance, maintains regular attendance, and arrives punctually for scheduled work.

Long periods of standing and kneeling are part of the physical setting. The work requires walking or standing on hard surfaces, bending, twisting, reaching, pushing, pulling, carrying, lifting up to 75 pounds, maintaining balance, operating equipment, and communicating regularly. Cold and hot climates, humidity, high wind, rain, sun, and long hours are part of the working conditions.

Seasonal Terms And Screening

This temporary position may require overtime to complete assignments or projects, and flexible scheduling may be necessary. Random drug and alcohol screening through a Drug Consortium applies to the position, and a background check may also be required.

Ouzinkie Native Corporation and its subsidiaries are a VEVRAA federal contractor and an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants with physical or mental disabilities can receive reasonable accommodations.

Captain Credentials And Guest Safety

A charter boat captain credential authorizes command of a small vessel as a master, captain, or skipper. That charter boat captain credential aligns with the position's requirement for a current 25 Ton Near Coastal OUPV License, while the lodge's guest excursions add interpretive and land-safety duties.

The position combines vessel command with public-facing field knowledge. A captain who can read changing marine conditions, communicate clearly over marine systems, and explain wildlife behavior works across navigation, guest care, and conservation interpretation during the same assignment.

The captain has no supervisory responsibilities, so daily work centers on vessel operations, guest communication, and assigned lodge tasks. Proper attire is required, and clothing may not carry political statements, religious statements, crude language, or logos.

Ouzinkie shareholders, shareholder descendants, and spouses of shareholders receive hiring preference. A seasonal travel stipend may be provided for travel reimbursement, and the temporary appointment remains subject to the employer's qualification checks.