Expedition Leader (Alaska) - Bear Guide

Natural Habitat Adventures Field Team; Alaska; On-site; USD 36,900 - 55,350; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Branded gear

Meals provided

Transportation or lodging while working

Job summary

A leading adventure travel company is seeking experienced bear guides to lead trips in Alaska. The role requires at least one full season of professional experience guiding with habituated coastal brown bears and a strong background in customer service. Candidates must have specific certifications and the ability to work in challenging environments. This part-time, seasonal position offers competitive pay and includes essential gear and meals while on duty.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years' experience leading multi-day tours with groups of 8-16 people.
• At least one full season of guiding with habituated coastal brown bears.
• Wilderness First Responder certification, CPR certification, and Food Handler's certification are required.

Responsibilities

• Lead multi-day trips in Alaska focusing on bear interactions.
• Ensure guest safety and maximize satisfaction.
• Work long hours for multiple consecutive days.

Skills

Customer service

Communication

Problem solving

Wildlife knowledge

Technical photography

Education

Bachelor's degree with major coursework in natural sciences

Job description

Natural Habitat Adventures, a nature-focused global adventure travel company, is seeking experienced bear guides to lead our Alaska Bear Camp and Alaska's Grizzly Ship: Kodiak to Katmai trips. Please only apply if you have at least one full season of professional on-the-ground experience guiding with habituated coastal brown bears in places such as Katmai, Lake Clark, or McNeil River.

Our Expedition Leaders are the best in the business—highly educated naturalists and biologists, as well as passionate conservation ambassadors and environmental educators. They exude contagious enthusiasm for the places they share, and their deep knowledge enriches every guest experience.

While many of our guides hold advanced degrees, what truly sets them apart is their ability to deliver exceptional guest service, solve problems independently, prioritize safety, and connect with travelers through patience and empathy. Many of our guests are seasoned, sophisticated travelers, but they choose to travel with Nat Hab because of our Expedition Leaders’ expertise. In the realm of nature adventure travel, great guides set us apart.

Our preference is to hire guides who live in Alaska; however, those who live in the United States with at least one full season of professional on-the-ground guiding experience with habituated coastal brown bears in Alaska (e.g., Katmai, Lake Clark, McNeil River) will also be considered.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum 5 years' experience leading multi-day tours with groups of 8-16 people, or a bachelor's degree with major coursework in the natural sciences or related field
• At least one full season of professional experience guiding on the ground with habituated coastal brown bears in places such as Katmai, Lake Clark, or McNeil River
• Technical photography skills and photography guiding experience preferred
• Extensive knowledge and passion for wildlife, ecology and natural history relevant to this itinerary
• Exceptional customer service and communication skills
• Strong problem-solving ability and capacity to make challenging independent decisions
• Capable of working long hours for multiple consecutive days
• High level of integrity, maturity, patience, and enthusiasm
• Current Wilderness First Responder certification, CPR certification, and Food Handler's certification required prior to guiding
• Valid U.S. Driver's License required prior to guiding
• Photography experience preferred

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

This is a location-based, part-time, seasonal independent contractor position receiving a competitive daily rate, commensurate with experience, plus gratuities. Nat Hab provides branded gear, meals and any required transportation or lodging while working.

DIVERSITY & INCLUSION STATEMENT

Natural Habitat Adventures is a growing company that welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds. We seek to foster and maintain a welcoming, inclusive and high-performing culture in our office and in the field. Even if you don’t have experience in the travel sector, we invite you to show us how you can help Nat Hab become an even stronger company.

DISCLAIMER STATEMENT

This job description is intended only to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by an incumbent in this position. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills or abilities required of persons so classified or assigned.

Applicants who do not have at least one full season of professional on-the-ground guiding experience with habituated coastal brown bears in Alaska (e.g., Katmai, Lake Clark, McNeil River) will automatically be disqualified and therefore will not be reviewed.

**If applying for multiple positions, please only submit one application for the position you are most qualified for and mention your interest in other positions within your cover letter.**