Alaska Wildlife Guide (HAL)
Fixed Term ContractJob Overview
The Alaska Wildlife Guide plays a key role in delivering an engaging and educational Alaska cruise experience by providing expert interpretation, narration, and guest enrichment focused on the wildlife, ecosystems, and destinations of the region. Reporting to the Entertainment Director, this role is responsible for presenting formal educational programs, providing scenic and wildlife narration, leading wildlife spotting sessions on deck, and engaging guests through scheduled Q&A and informal interactions. With a strong focus on guest engagement and destination enrichment, the Wildlife Guide enhances the onboard experience by helping guests observe and better understand the unique flora, fauna, and marine life of Alaska.
This position requires exceptional presentation skills, in-depth knowledge of Alaska wildlife and ports of call, and the ability to communicate complex information in a clear and engaging way to diverse audiences. The ideal candidate is a confident public speaker with experience presenting on stage or in large venues, a passion for natural history and wildlife interpretation, and the professionalism required to serve as a visible representative of Holland America Line throughout the voyage.
**This role requires being available for the 2026 summer Alaska season, which begins as early as April 25 and runs as late as October 3.**
**This role requires being available for the 2026 summer Alaska season, which begins as early as April 25 and runs as late as October 3.**
Key Job Responsibilities
- Deliver Up Close presentations in the World Stage, including three 45-minute educational programs focused on native Alaska wildlife, ecosystems, and regional destinations.
- Provide live scenic and wildlife narration and lead wildlife spotting sessions during key viewing periods on open decks, assisting guests in identifying whales, birds, marine mammals, and other native species while highlighting behavior, habitats, and geography.
- Participate in scheduled question-and-answer sessions and engage with guests in both group and one-on-one settings to enhance understanding of Alaska wildlife, flora, fauna, and ports of call.
- Collaborate closely with the Entertainment Director and onboard teams to align enrichment programming with the daily schedule and itinerary highlights.
- Answer general expedition-style questions related to wildlife viewing, regional ecosystems, conservation topics, and destination information.
- Maintain a professional appearance at all times, adhering to company uniform and grooming standards.
- Ensure all presentations and guest interactions meet Holland America Line brand standards and guest service expectations.
- Adapt to itinerary changes, weather conditions, and operational adjustments while maintaining a high level of guest engagement and program quality.
- Perform other job-related duties as assigned in support of the onboard enrichment and entertainment program.
Experience
Minimum Experience:
- Demonstrated expertise in Alaska wildlife, marine life, and regional ecosystems, including familiarity with the Inside Passage, Puget Sound, Glacier Bay, Juneau, Sitka, and Ketchikan.
- Proven experience delivering presentations to large audiences, ideally on stage or in theater-style venues.
- Excellent verbal communication and public speaking skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly and engagingly.
- Strong guest service orientation with the ability to interact comfortably with guests in both formal and informal settings.
- Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative onboard team.
- Must be at least 21 years of age.
- Must meet all shipboard employment requirements, including passing a seafarer medical examination, background check, and holding a valid passport and any required visas.
Preferred Experience:
- Background in marine biology, wildlife biology, environmental science, natural history, or environmental interpretation.
- Previous experience as a naturalist, wildlife guide, expedition staff, lecturer, or enrichment presenter in a cruise, tourism, or expedition environment.
- Experience providing live narration during wildlife viewing or scenic cruising.
- Familiarity with audiovisual equipment and PowerPoint-based presentations.
- Prior shipboard or maritime experience is a plus.
**This is a Team Member (crew) rank - Wildlife Guides will be hired as Resident Presenters onboard, and will be housed on the Crew Manifest. Some IPM duties will be required of this role.**