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.
Life At Gastineau Guiding
Curious what it's like to be part of our team? Watch this short video to get an inside look at life with Gastineau Guiding. Hear directly from our employees about their experiences, what makes our company culture unique, and why they love being part of our team. Whether you're considering a career in guiding or just exploring opportunities, this video gives you a firsthand glimpse into what it means to work with us.
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.
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We are an equal opportunity employer
We believe the outdoors belongs to everyone. We welcome people of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences, and are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels respected, supported, and valued.
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.
Naturalist Photography Guide
Naturalist Photography Guides lead small groups through Juneau's top spots, coaching guests on camera settings (shutter speed, aperture, ISO, white balance) and composition. Requires a solid photography background, strong people skills, and an instructional media slideshow.
Naturalist Photography Guide
- Pay $20–$24/hour + tips
- Start Date April 15 – May 15
- End Date September 15 – 30
Job Details
Naturalist Photography Guides with Gastineau Guiding lead small groups on tours to Juneau’s hot spots while working to improve their photography skills. Responsibilities include everything from instructing guests on how to use their equipment, to visually demonstrating photographic techniques, to explaining the mechanics of the Mendenhall Glacier. The position requires a solid background in photography and strong interpersonal skills. Applicants should be comfortable communicating such photo techniques as shutter speed, aperture, ISO, white balance and methods of composition to all levels of experience. Developing a media slideshow for instruction on tour is mandatory.
Since this tour is conducted on both land and sea, you will be on the water whale watching almost daily. A willingness to train as a naturalist and obtain Coast Guard crew certification is mandatory. Guides are also responsible for operating company vehicles (12–24 passengers) and assisting with other tours. Interpretive certification(s) available.
Please note: All new hire guides are expected to have a Commercial Driving License or train for their Class-C Alaskan CDL. In-house training is provided if the applicant meets the age (21) and driving record requirements. Guides must also be certified in CPR/First Aid.
Who We’re Looking For
All Gastineau Guiding tours are fully guided, small group experiences, taking guests off the beaten track to places most other companies don’t go. Small groups of anywhere from 6–20 guests mean more communication, more personal attention, and more time off the bus and on the trails. This is why our employees aren’t just guides; they’re naturalist interpreters.
We’re looking for strong communicators who can maintain a professional attitude and appearance while sharing their knowledge and passion for photography and the natural history of Southeast Alaska. Gastineau Guiding provides extensive training beginning mid-April, with seasons ending in late September. Full season availability is not required but preferred.
Naturalist Science Guide
Lead interpretive hikes, wildlife tours, and citizen science adventures while sharing Juneau’s unique ecosystems, culture, and natural history with guests.
Naturalist Science Guide
- Pay $20–$24/hour + tips
- Start Date April 15 – May 15
- End Date September 15 – 30
Job Details
Lead groups on interpretive natural, cultural and historical walks, hikes, and whale watching tours. Share expertise on all ecosystem types in the Juneau area, including the alpine, sub-alpine, rainforest, and coastline environments. This position is responsible for offering a variety of tours, but the most specialized is that of our Citizen Science Adventure. Science Guides facilitate the gathering of raw, baseline data provided to partners like NOAA, Happy Whale, the University of Alaska Southeast and others. Educational background in the sciences is preferred.
Since this tour is conducted on both land and sea, you will be on the water almost daily. A willingness to train as a naturalist and obtain Coast Guard crew certification is mandatory. Gastineau Guiding provides an extensive training program to educate guides on the cultural and ecological background of the area. Guides are also responsible for operating company vehicles (12–24 passengers) and assisting with other tours.
Please note: All new hire guides are expected to have a Commercial Driving License or train for their Class-C Alaskan CDL. In-house training is provided if the applicant meets the age (21) and driving record requirements. Guides must also be certified in CPR/First Aid.
Who We’re Looking For
All Gastineau Guiding tours are fully guided, small group experiences, taking guests off the beaten track to places most other companies don’t go. Small groups of anywhere from 6–20 guests mean more communication, more personal attention, and more time off the bus and on the trails. This is why our employees aren’t just guides; they’re naturalist interpreters.
We’re looking for strong communicators who can maintain a professional attitude and appearance while sharing their knowledge and passion for photography and the natural history of Southeast Alaska. Gastineau Guiding provides extensive training beginning mid-April, with seasons ending in late September. Full season availability is not required but preferred.
Whale Watching Captain
Captain whale watching and wilderness tours through Juneau’s scenic waters, sharing Alaska’s marine wildlife with guests aboard custom-built vessels.
Whale Watching Captain
- Pay $32–$36/hour + tips
- Start Date April 15 – May 1
- End Date September 15 – 30
Job Details
Gastineau Guiding is looking to hire both full-time and part-time whale watching captains. 25-ton certification required and current first aid/CPR & physical. Captain one of our twelve custom-built North River Boats for various wilderness tours within the Juneau waters. Knowledge of marine maintenance and care is a plus. Must be flexible, outgoing and enjoy working with the public and being a part of a team environment. Full-time positions are 5–6 days per week. Part-time or “On-Call” positions are also open.
Who We’re Looking For
All Gastineau Guiding whale watching tours are fully guided, small group experiences, taking guests through the whale watching hot spots in the Juneau waters. Small groups of anywhere from 14–20 guests mean more communication, more personal attention.
We’re looking for strong communicators who can maintain a professional attitude and appearance. Captains are responsible for the overall safety and operation of our vessels. Captains will be accommodated with a Naturalist Guide, who will be doing the majority of talking while the captain is underway searching for wildlife activity. We are looking for Captains who can support their Naturalist Guides while also not taking over the show.
Daily Coordinator / Supervisor
Coordinate daily tour schedules, staff, and operations in Gastineau Guiding’s fast-paced office, keeping Juneau’s wilderness adventures running smoothly.
Daily Coordinator / Supervisor
- Pay $24–$28/hour
- Start Date April 15 – May 15
- End Date September 30
Job Details
Work in Gastineau Guiding’s bustling tour office to create and facilitate the smooth operation of the daily schedule. This fast-paced job requires knowledge of every aspect of Gastineau’s operations, including tours (5 kinds!), employees (130+), boats (12), and our cruise ship partners. Supervise the overall operations of the business as you respond to unexpected occurrences of daily life, coordinating with all parties to make changes to the daily schedule or respond to emergencies as needed.
Creating the daily tour schedule is a significant part of this job, so experience in the management of employees and their scheduling needs is a plus. Daily Coordinators may also assist managers in a wide variety of projects. Applicants should have a strong analytical ability, be able to juggle tasks well, keep a cool demeanor under pressure, and enjoy a job that is always changing! Bonus points if you like teams of passionate outdoors-women & men, crafting, whales and/or funny wigs.
This position has a set weekly schedule with 5 days on/2 days off, though overtime should be expected. The start date for the position is flexible (between April 15 – May 15) and runs through late September/early October. Since we are a relatively small, tight-knit office team of supervisors, and the complexities of this job can be hard to capture in so few words, we encourage any interested applicants to feel welcome to call our office to learn more. We’d be happy to discuss the day-to-day of the position and tell you more about our company before you apply.
Dock Representative
Support daily tour operations on Juneau’s cruise ship docks, welcoming guests, coordinating with cruise lines, and ensuring smooth tour experiences.
Dock Representative
- Pay $18–$20/hour
- Start Date April 15 – May 30
- End Date August 1 – September 30
Job Details
Assist with day-to-day tour operations on the cruise ship docks of downtown Juneau. Act as the first point of contact with all Gastineau Guiding visitors, as well as a liaison with cruise line representatives. Foster sales and settle daily accounting and port-of-call issues with cruise line representatives. Carry out other administrative duties assigned. Successful candidates must be able to work in a fast-paced environment while maintaining a positive attitude.
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?
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Do you offer healthcare or any other benefits?
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How will I be paid? And how often?
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Do I need a vehicle in Juneau?
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Does Gastineau Guiding offer employee housing?
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Do I need to reapply each season if I want to return?
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Will I be a W-2 employee or a 1099 contractor?
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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.