We are currently hiring applicants to fill the position of Marine Naturalist. Applicants must be flexible with scheduling! Naturalists perform duties as kayak guides, deckhands on whale watching tours, interpretive center guides, and office staff. Schedules will be weighted accordingly based on applicants’ experience and aptitudes.

Kayak Naturalists independently lead tours off the north shore of Orcas Island and around Sucia Island, focusing on the coastal ecosystem and intertidal zone. We rent kayaks and canoes directly on site as well as offer the option to deliver them across the island.

Deckhands on whale watching tours are naturalists for powerboat tours, focusing on marine mammals, birds, and the ecology of the region. Deckhands are also responsible for fueling and cleaning boats before and after trips. Familiarity with vessel safety procedures, public speaking, strong communication skills, and guiding experience are strongly preferred.

We also operate OrcasW.I.L.D., an interpretive center/museum in the town of Eastsound. Naturalists operate the museum, gift shop, and additional kayak rentals in town. When working at the museum Naturalists also must maintain the touch tank and aquarium and oversee children interacting with various displays.

Responsibilities include: 

-Providing safe, educational tours to customers
-Educating the public about the birds, marine mammals, intertidal life, geology, ecology, and the natural and cultural history of the San Juan Islands.
-Daily cleaning and occasional maintenance of kayaking equipment and powerboats
-Providing safety orientations prior to each tour and rental
-Delivering kayaks across the island
-Running check-in including collecting payment and processing online transactions
-Office duties including answering phones, checking online reservations, coordinating with guides, customer service, etc.
-When guiding tours effective communication between guides and office staff is critical

Qualifications:

-CPR and First Aid Certified (before arrival)
-BS in Ecology, Wildlife Biology, Environmental Science, or related field
-Valid driver’s license
-Subject to random drug testing
-TWIC (Transportation Worker Identification Card)
-Excellent customer service skills
-Strong communication and public speaking skills
-Self-motivated, enthusiastic, and strong work ethic
-Flexibility and open to an often unpredictable schedule
-Capable of working long hours in physically challenging outdoor environment (expect long hours June-August)
-Previous kayak guide experience strongly preferred
-Experience on powerboats strongly preferred

Abilities:

-Able to lift 50 lbs (capable of regularly lifting kayaks from storage racks, lifting kayaks on truck racks, hauling short distances, etc)
-Able to kayak for 6 hours
-Able to tow a kayak
-Able to communicate and work effectively with customers on the phone and in person
-Able to work independently and as part of a dynamic team

HOW TO APPLY

Send (1) Cover Letter (2) Resume or C.V. (3) Contact Information for 3 References as 3 separate PDF documents to oixcareers@gmail.com with the SUBJECT “Marine Naturalist Application_CJB” **Applications without the appropriate subject heading will not be received.