Glacier Bay Guide

Icy Strait Point Llc; Hoonah (AK); On-site; USD 80,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

Alaska Native Voices, a program of Huna Totem Corporation, seeks Cultural Interpretation guides to share Huna Tlingit culture aboard cruising ships in Glacier Bay.

Based in Gustavus, Alaska, guides narrate the regional history and natural wonders for guests, working with rangers and ship staff. This seasonal role requires strong presentation skills and a willingness to learn from elders.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of Tlingit culture or willingness to learn under ANV leaders and elders.
• Strong public-speaking skills for large groups in person and over PA systems.
• Knowledge of Glacier Bay natural history or willingness to learn.

Responsibilities

• Board cruise ships in Glacier Bay on scheduled port days following ANV assignments.
• Provide live narration and interpretation of Huna Tlingit culture, homeland stories, glaciers and wildlife.
• Engage guests through questions and informal interpretation on deck and in public spaces.
• Coordinate with National Park Service rangers and ship staff on timing and flow.
• Share only culturally approved material reviewed by ANV and elders.
• Communicate availability and schedule changes to the ANV Manager; ship schedules are fixed.
• Travel between Gustavus and boarding points as assigned; overnight assignments stay aboard.
• Participate in required ANV training; represent Alaska Native Voices and Huna Totem professionally.
• Other duties as assigned by management.

Skills

Public speaking

Cultural knowledge

Outdoor work

Team coordination

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Cultural Interpretation Aboard Cruise Ships

Reports to: ANV Manager

Category: Seasonal (2027 cruise season, approximately May–September)

Location: Based in Gustavus, Alaska; boards cruise ships in Glacier Bay

Pay: $500/day. Overnight assignments carry an additional $100/night premium.

Travel: Travel to and from Gustavus is paid.

Summary

Glacier Bay Guides board cruise ships in Glacier Bay to share Huna Tlingit culture, history, and stories with guests during their visit to the Huna Tlingit homeland. Working alongside National Park Service rangers and ship staff, guides provide live narration and interpretation as the ship tours the bay — its glaciers, wildlife, and the living culture of the Huna Tlingit people.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Board cruise ships in Glacier Bay on scheduled port days, following ANV assignments and ship embarkation procedures.
• Provide live narration and interpretation for guests: Huna Tlingit cultural history, the story of the homeland, glaciers, and wildlife.
• Engage guests through questions and informal interpretation on deck and in public spaces throughout the Glacier Bay visit.
• Coordinate with National Park Service rangers and ship staff on timing, announcements, and program flow.
• Share only cultural material approved through Alaska Native Voices, guide, and elder review.
• Communicate availability and schedule changes to the ANV Manager promptly; ship schedules are fixed and sailings are not held for late arrivals.
• Travel between Gustavus and boarding points as assigned; overnight assignments remain aboard ship and continue interpretation the following day.
• Participate in all required ANV training before and during the season.
• Represent Alaska Native Voices and Huna Totem Corporation professionally at all times while aboard.
• Other duties as assigned by management.

Requirements

• Knowledge of Tlingit culture and history, or a strong willingness to learn under the guidance of ANV cultural leaders and elders.
• Strong public-speaking skills; able to narrate clearly to large groups in person and over ship public-address systems.
• Knowledge of Glacier Bay natural history (glaciers, marine life, wildlife) or willingness to learn.
• Reliable and punctual, with a schedule flexible enough for early-morning boardings, weekends, and schedule changes driven by ship itineraries.
• Able to board vessels via launch and pilot ladder, stand for extended periods, and work outdoors in inclement weather.
• Must meet cruise-line embarkation requirements (identification and any screening the lines require)
• Prior guiding, interpretation, or public-speaking experience is a plus, but not required — training is provided.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

• Marine work environment: small-boat transfers and vessel boarding in Glacier Bay weather conditions.
• Standing and walking ship decks for the length of a Glacier Bay transit (typically a full day aboard).
• Seasonal schedule based in Gustavus, a remote rural community reached by small plane or ferry.

Alaska Native Voices is a program of Huna Totem Corporation, a Native-owned enterprise, and offers Native Preference under P.L. 93-638.