Deckhand / Naturalist for 2027 Season!

Icy Strait Point - Hoonah Alaska; Hoonah (AK); On-site; USD 25,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

Icy Strait Point in Alaska seeks a seasonal Marine Tour Deckhand to support vessel operations, cleanliness, stocking and guest engagement while prioritizing safety.

You will assist with mooring, dock operations, safety drills, and provide educational insights about marine life; must be able to live in a remote community and pass background checks.

Qualifications

• Strong guest service aptitude with a friendly and professional demeanor.
• Strong presentation and communication skills with a willingness to learn about marine life.

Responsibilities

• Assist with vessel cleaning, stocking, and maintenance.
• Serve as a Tour Guide and Naturalist, providing historical, cultural, and marine wildlife knowledge.
• Assist the Captain with mooring operations and handling lines during docking/undocking, securing the gangway, and ensuring guest and crew safety.
• Participate in safety drills including fire, flooding, man overboard, abandon ship, medical, and spill response.
• Maintain cleanliness of the vessel after each tour and restock supplies.

Skills

Guest service

Communication

Presentation

Safety drills

Job description

DECKHAND

Category: Seasonal

Position Summary

Under the direction of the Captain, the Marine Tour Deckhand plays a crucial role in ensuring an exceptional guest experience aboard our vessels while prioritizing the safety and comfort of all passengers. This position assists with vessel cleaning, stocking, and maintenance, and actively engages guests by providing educational insights into the marine environment. The Deckhand also participates in all required drills and training to uphold safety standards.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Conduct all activities and decisions according to Icy Strait Point’s guiding principles: Best, Authentic, and Profitable Tour Destination.
• Serve as a Tour Guide and Naturalist, providing guests with historical, cultural, and marine wildlife knowledge while enhancing their experience by spotting and identifying marine life.
• Assist the Captain with mooring operations, handling lines during docking and undocking, securing the gangway, and ensuring guest and crew safety.
• Assist dock representatives in loading guests, managing crowd control, and distributing tour materials where required.
• Participate in safety drills, including fire, flooding, man overboard, abandon ship, medical, and spill response.
• Manage inventory of vessel supplies and inform the Captain when restocking is needed.
• Maintain cleanliness of the vessel after each tour, including garbage removal, window washing, fresh water hosing, and restocking supplies.
• Follow all workplace safety protocols and ensure environmental protection.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.
• Deckhand must be in uniform while performing assigned duties or when asked by management.

Requirements

Ability to follow direction and take charge of large groups.

• Strong guest service aptitude with a friendly and professional demeanor.
• Strong presentation and communication skills with a willingness to learn about marine life.
• Interest in advancing toward a Captain position in the future.
• Must pass a security background check and DOT drug test.

First Aid and CPR certification (or willingness to obtain)

• Icy Strait Point is a smoke-free environment—must be able to work long hours without smoke breaks.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

• Ability to lift 50 pounds, stand for extended periods, and walk 5+ miles daily.
• Prolonged standing, walking, and speaking for long periods.
• Must be able to speak for extended periods while walking without becoming winded.
• Willingness to live and work in a remote, rural community.
• Comfortable traveling by small plane or ferry to and from Icy Strait Point.
• Ability to navigate gravel roads and work in inclement weather conditions.
• Desire to build a long-term career at Icy Strait Point.
• Able to follow scheduling procedures provided by the Marine management
• Must be flexible, willing to relocate vessels within a minute’s notice
• Obey management policies pertained by the Marine Management staff.

Icy Strait Point is a Native-owned and operated enterprise and offers Native Preference under P.O. 93-638.

Applicants must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States.

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