Reindeer Handler & Guide

Borealis Basecamp; Fairbanks (AK); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee discounts

Health insurance

Job summary

Borealis Basecamp in Fairbanks, AK, is seeking a Reindeer Handler to care for the herd, lead guest tours, and support Adventurers operations. The role blends animal care with guest engagement in an extreme outdoor environment, requiring strong awareness and the ability to work rotating shifts at the Adventure Desk.

Ideal candidates have livestock experience, can operate ATVs or snowmobiles, and are prepared for Arctic conditions; seasonal, full-time employment with end-of-season bonuses and

Qualifications

• Prior experience with livestock or reindeer preferred.
• Wilderness First Responder certification or training available to obtain.

Responsibilities

• Care for the reindeer herd, including feeding, cleaning, and maintaining enclosures.
• Build and maintain trust-based relationships with animals through daily handling and training.
• Assist with veterinary care and monitor the health and well-being of the herd.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of livestock areas and facilities.
• Track and manage inventory of feed, supplies, and equipment.
• Lead engaging and educational guest tours involving reindeer.
• Provide accurate information about reindeer, Alaskan wildlife, and local environment.
• Assist with activities desk operations as needed.
• Support additional operations and perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Livestock handling

Guest interaction

ATV operation

Snowmobile operation

Situational awareness

Outdoor endurance

Teamwork

Education

High school diploma or equivalent preferred

Wilderness First Responder certification (training provided)

Job description

Benefits

• Employee discounts
• Health insurance

About Borealis Basecamp

Borealis Basecamp is a northern lights-focused adventure resort in Fairbanks, AK. We provide a unique experience with sky-view igloos for viewing the aurora from the comfort of your bed.

Borealis Basecamp is part of Stellar Collection, a group of leading travel and tourism companies in Alaska. All brands under Stellar Collection share a purpose of creating lifelong memories. We are driven by a passion for sharing the wonder of Alaska with our guests and delivering outstanding customer experiences. We look for opportunities to exceed expectations and provide our guests with memories that they will tell their friends and family about and remember for the rest of their lives.

Position Details

Job Title: Reindeer Handler

Location: Borealis Basecamp – Fairbanks, AK

Department: Adventures

Reports To: Adventures Manager

Employment Type: Full-time Seasonal

Season End Date: August 2

Season End Date: April 12

Job Summary

The Reindeer Handler is responsible for the daily care, training, and handling of the reindeer herd while supporting guest-facing activity experiences. This role combines animal care with guest engagement to deliver safe, informative, and memorable experiences.

Success in this role requires strong situational awareness, comfort working outdoors in extreme conditions, and the ability to interact confidently and professionally with guests.

All Adventures Team staff work a rotating schedule providing coverage at the Adventure Desk approximately 1 day per week.

Adventure Desk Duties: Greet guests as they enter the adventure center, check them in and ensure all applicable waivers are signed, outfit guests into proper fitting gear, sanitize gear as it is returned, sell merchandise and tours from the adventure desk, clean desk, and maintain a tidy building for guests, communicate accurate availability for all tours to guests.

Key Responsibilities

• Care for reindeer herd, including feeding, cleaning, and maintaining enclosures
• Build and maintain trust-based relationships with animals through daily handling and training
• Assist with veterinary care and monitor the health and well-being of the herd
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of livestock areas and facilities
• Track and manage inventory of feed, supplies, and equipment
• Lead engaging and educational guest tours involving reindeer
• Provide accurate information about reindeer, Alaskan wildlife, and local environment
• Assist with activities desk operations as needed
• Support additional operations and perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Prior experience working with livestock or reindeer required
• Ability to obtain Wilderness First Responder certification (Company sponsored training available in early August)
• Ability to communicate confidently and engage with guests
• Ability to safely operate an ATV or snowmobile
• High school diploma or equivalent preferred
• High level of situational awareness and safety mindset
• Willingness to work in outdoor Arctic conditions daily

Preferred Skills

• Knowledge of Alaskan wildlife, environment, and history
• Experience in guiding or leading tours
• Strong interpersonal and storytelling skills
• Experience in remote or seasonal environments
• Ability to multitask between animal care and guest service responsibilities

Physical Demands

• Ability to stand and work on feet for extended periods (up to 8 hours)
• Ability to navigate uneven terrain in low-light conditions
• Ability to work in extreme weather conditions, including Arctic cold
• Ability to lift, carry, and position up to 50 lbs
• Ability to safely handle animals and operate motorized equipment

Compensation & Benefits

End-of-Season Bonus

A $1.50 per hour bonus is paid for every hour worked throughout the season to employees who complete the full season. Employees who leave prior to April 12 are not eligible for this bonus.

Employee Housing

On-site housing is available for $10.50 per day. Rooms are double or triple occupancy. Amenities include shared common areas with TV, Wi-Fi, dining space, and an exercise area. Housing also includes private bathrooms, laundry facilities, staff-prepared lunch and dinner, and a self-serve continental breakfast (oatmeal, cereal, fruit, etc.).

Pre-Employment Requirements

Borealis Basecamp is committed to maintaining a safe and professional work environment. All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check conducted by a third‑party provider.

Employees may be subject to drug testing conducted by a third‑party provider, including pre‑employment, random, reasonable suspicion, and post‑incident testing, in accordance with company policy and applicable law.