Glacier Bay Guide

Huna Totem Corporation; Hoonah (AK); On-site; USD 80,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

Glacier Bay Guides, a program of Huna Totem Corporation, operate from Gustavus to board cruise ships in Glacier Bay, sharing Huna Tlingit culture and stories with guests on port days.

Work alongside National Park Service rangers and ship staff to provide live narration about glaciers, wildlife, and the living culture of the Huna Tlingit people. Seasonal position based in Alaska with travel arrangements provided.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of Tlingit culture.
• Strong public-speaking ability to narrate to large groups.
• Knowledge of Glacier Bay natural history or willingness to learn.
• Reliable, punctual with a schedule flexible for cruise itineraries.
• Able to board vessels and work outdoors in inclement weather.
• Must meet cruise-line embarkation requirements; training provided.

Responsibilities

• Board cruise ships in Glacier Bay on scheduled port days.
• Provide live narration and interpretation for guests: Huna Tlingit culture, history, 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 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.

Skills

Public speaking

Cultural knowledge

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.

ANV Operations Seasonal Labor Operatives Hoonah, AK, US

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.