Juneau is Calling You
Every summer, we hire guides, operations crew, and guest experience staff to deliver an unforgettable time in Alaska for our customers.
Everything starts with safety
We want our team and customers to have an incredible time in Juneau. That all begins with daily safety briefings that put people first.
Every day is a memory
Gastineau team members play a role in wildlife stewardship and giving people an experience they (and you) won’t forget.
We work together
Our crews work together, share the load, and make sure everyone is supported throughout the day.
Be trained by the best
Our training programs go above and beyond the industry standard and ensure you’re prepared for the job.
Get paid for great work
We offer moving and end-of-season bonuses, along with other incentives.
Juneau is our home
We’re a family-owned company that’s been doing this for over 30 years.
All in a good day’s work
The day begins before the sun rises. And each morning is an opportunity to change someone’s perspective and give them an Alaska adventure that will stick with them. Here’s a glimpse at the day in the life for our team.
The Day Begins
We start before the rest of Juneau is awake
Coffee is brewing. Manifests are reviewed. You check your safety gear and then check it again. Well before you meet your guests, you’ll be ready for the day and know how it will unfold.
At the dock
You greet guests like they’re old friends
Folks start arriving. You remember their names and where they’re from. As the day gets underway, you adjust the pace to help someone who’s struggling a bit. And you remember they’re trusting you to provide an Alaskan memory.
Out and about
On the move, eyes sharp
You move around the deck, chatting with guests while keeping a keen eye on the sky and the water. You point out a bald eagle or a whale breaching to guests. You adjust when rain moves in. No matter the role, everyone is a guide.
Back home
Take a breather
Back at the office, you talk about what went well today and what could have been better. And cover what tomorrow brings. Rest up, grab some dinner, and sleep well knowing you made a difference today.
What We Stand For
The Non-Negotiables
We love Southeast Alaska. It’s our home. And for more than three decades, we’ve had the privilege to share the sights and sounds of these places with guests. We’re committed to demonstrating the importance of the wild and what it means to Juneau. We take good care of the waters and trails and expect the same of our guides.
Safety, service, and a sense of wonder
Alaska blows us away every day. We do our part by creating a safe experience, remembering guests' names, and being a reason why they’ll remember this place forever.
We have each other’s backs
No matter what, we look for each other. Seasonal work is tough. So, we cover for folks when needed. We call out a problem when we see it.
We own the details
On the boat or on the trail, every little thing matters. When we focus on taking care of the small stuff, the experience is better for everyone.
We leave no trace
It’s a privilege to spend our days on the water and on the land that is sacred to Alaska. We ensure that every step and every decision leaves the place better than we found it.
Looking for our next crew members
Currently Open Positions
We're looking for motivated fun people like you. From guest relations to guides and operations folks, we’ve got open roles.
Photo Safari Guide
Photography background helpful. Patient with guests. Strong eye for light, composition, and wildlife moments.
Guest Experience Coordinator
Warm, organized, and guest-focused. First point of contact for cruise passengers and custom group bookings.
Dock Representative
Detail-oriented. Strong work ethic. Comfortable working in weather. A reliable team player on and off the water.
You'll fit right in.
How things work around here
Season
You’ll spend May through September in Southeast Alaska
Our tours run during peak season and the schedule will vary based on guest availability. The days start early and will often end in the evening.
Training
Our training sets the industry standard
You won’t be unprepared. Training will begin before you arrive and first-year guides will receive 80 hours of training.
Weather
Expect Rain, Hope For Sun
Summer weather in Southeast Alaska is unpredictable. Plan for it to change often. But that unpredictability is what makes trips memorable and stories rich.
Physical
You’ll be tired, yet energized
Guiding is hard work. No matter your role, the days will be long. But they’ll be rewarding. And there’s no deeper sleep than that after a good day’s work.
Lifestyle
Enjoy your time in Juneau
Our schedules are predictable and can offer balance, so you can have downtime and take in the Juneau experience yourself.
Housing
We’ll help you find a place
If you’re coming in just for the season, we can help point you in the right direction to find housing for the summer.
The Goods
We'll take good care of you. Our employees really like their extended work family and the time spent outdoors.
Earn great pay
We pay guides competitive wages and you can get tips from guests. Crew members are paid a solid hourly rate. It’s a good opportunity for seasonal work.
We’ll help you pack well
Our team will provide you with a full packing list so you’re ready for the season. We offer rain gear at a cost for guides.
Your office is the outdoors
Few jobs can match the splendor of a Juneau summer.
Save money on your goods
Local shops offer discounts and pro deals for our staff.
Learn on the job
Our training programs give you skills and knowledge you can apply during your time with us and beyond.
Flexible schedules
We offer three to six-day schedules and time off so you can set your own schedule and work based on your availability.
Get On Board!
How to join Gastineau Guiding
It takes about three weeks for us to process your application and for you to join us in Juneau. Here’s a bit about how it works.
Find a role that fits you
Check out our open positions and apply easily online.
Initial conversation
We’ll talk through your background and tell you a bit about us.
In-depth interview
We’ll have a deeper discussion about you, the role, and our expectations.
Offer and onboarding
If we move forward, you’ll get an offer and details on what to expect before the season begins.
We’ll Let Our Guides Tell You What It’s Like
Hear from people who do the jobs.
"You’re not just giving tours—you’re part of someone’s once-in-a-lifetime Alaska experience. The team here actually cares about doing it right, and that makes all the difference."
— Ben H.
Marine Naturalist
"Gastineau gives you the freedom to run your trip while still having a solid crew behind you. It’s professional, dialed, and still a ton of fun every day on the water."
— April D.
Boat Captain
"Every day is different—new light, new wildlife, new people. If you love photography and the outdoors, it’s hard to beat guiding here."
— Bill F.
Photography Guide
Common Questions from Employees
Let us know if we need to add any other answers to your most pressing questions.
What qualifications do I need to work at Gastineau Guiding?
None. We offer in-depth training that will cover all the basics. If you’ve had previous guiding or outdoor experience, that’s great. But at the end of the day, we’re looking for folks who are committed to the work and are a good fit for our team.
Will I be a W-2 employee or a 1099 contractor?
Your content goes here. Edit or remove this text inline or in the module Content settings. You can also style every aspect of this content in the module Design settings and even apply custom CSS to this text in the module Advanced settings.
Do you offer healthcare or any other benefits?
Your content goes here. Edit or remove this text inline or in the module Content settings. You can also style every aspect of this content in the module Design settings and even apply custom CSS to this text in the module Advanced settings.
How will I be paid? And how often?
Your content goes here. Edit or remove this text inline or in the module Content settings. You can also style every aspect of this content in the module Design settings and even apply custom CSS to this text in the module Advanced settings.
Do I need a vehicle in Juneau?
Your content goes here. Edit or remove this text inline or in the module Content settings. You can also style every aspect of this content in the module Design settings and even apply custom CSS to this text in the module Advanced settings.
Does Gastineau Guiding offer employee housing?
Your content goes here. Edit or remove this text inline or in the module Content settings. You can also style every aspect of this content in the module Design settings and even apply custom CSS to this text in the module Advanced settings.
Do I need to reapply each season if I want to return?
Your content goes here. Edit or remove this text inline or in the module Content settings. You can also style every aspect of this content in the module Design settings and even apply custom CSS to this text in the module Advanced settings.
Will I be a W-2 employee or a 1099 contractor?
Your content goes here. Edit or remove this text inline or in the module Content settings. You can also style every aspect of this content in the module Design settings and even apply custom CSS to this text in the module Advanced settings.
Still have questions?
Contact us, we'd love to have you as a part of the team.
Ready to start your Alaska season?
The water's waiting. The crew's ready. Your next chapter begins in Juneau.