Job Description

The Boat Captain is responsible for the safe, efficient, and compliant operation of the Glacier Bay Day Tour vessel, a high-speed catamaran that carries guests into one of the most spectacular marine wilderness areas in the world. The Captain ensures safe vessel navigation, oversees crew operations, provides exceptional guest service, and maintains full compliance with U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), National Park Service (NPS), and company requirements. 

This role is highly visible and guest-facing — the Captain sets the tone for safety, professionalism, and the overall guest experience while operating in dynamic marine conditions and sensitive wildlife habitats. 

About Glacier Bay Lodge & Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve:  

Ever wish you had more daylight hours? With 18 hours of daylight during the summer, recreation and sightseeing opportunities are never-ending! Glacier Bay Lodge is a small 50-room lodge nestled in between coastal mountains, incredible fjords, and Alaska's Inside Passage and is a remote wilderness experience you don’t want to miss. The only way to travel to us is by air or sea from Juneau to the friendly little town of Gustavus, your Gateway to Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve.  

Enjoy everything this remote park has to offer by becoming a part of our small family of around 60 employees for the summer of a lifetime!  

This is a seasonal role with ideal dates of May 7 – September 17, 2026. 
We offer competitive wages, paid sick leave, on-site housing and meal plan ($8/day all inclusive!), & local discounts! 

Employees are responsible for knowing the environmental aspects and associated impacts of their job position.  Job specific Environmental Aspects and Impacts will be communicated by Dept. Managers during EMS training. 

Job Responsibilities

Vessel Navigation & Operation 

• Operate the tour vessel safely and professionally in accordance with USCG regulations, marine laws, environmental guidelines, and company standards. 
• Navigate Glacier Bay’s waters, including narrow channels, tidewater glacier areas, and wildlife-dense zones, using sound judgment and situational awareness. 
• Monitor weather, tides, wildlife activity, and sea conditions to adjust routes or timing as needed. 
• Maintain radio communications with NPS, dispatch, marine operations, and support vessels. 

Safety Leadership 

• Serve as the top authority on board for all safety decisions and emergency procedures. 
• Conduct pre-departure safety briefings, crew drills, and safety equipment checks. 
• Respond effectively to emergencies, including medical situations, mechanical issues, or wildlife proximity concerns. 
• Enforce all safety rules for passengers and crew, including wildlife-viewing regulations and deck safety guidelines. 

Crew Supervision & Coordination 

• Lead and mentor the vessel crew including deckhands, naturalists, and galley support. 
• Assign duties and oversee performance to ensure high-quality guest service and operational efficiency. 
• Facilitate training in safety procedures, customer interaction, cleaning responsibilities, and onboard service support. 
• Foster a professional, supportive, and teamwork-oriented onboard environment. 

Guest Engagement & Experience

• Represent the company and Glacier Bay National Park with professionalism and courtesy. 
• Provide welcome announcements, route updates, point-out wildlife or geographic features when appropriate, and coordinate with the onboard ranger or naturalist. 
• Ensure guests feel safe, informed, and cared for throughout the voyage. 
• Help maintain a positive, respectful, and enjoyable atmosphere onboard. 
• Ensure crew conduct all food-service tasks—such as meal distribution, galley sanitation, and waste management—in compliance with health standards. 
• Confirm that all crew members obtain and maintain a valid Alaska Food Worker (Food Handlers) Card and follow approved food safety practices. 

Environmental Compliance 

• Follow all NPS requirements for wildlife distances, speed limits, approach regulations, and permitted routes. 
• Operate the vessel in compliance with Glacier Bay’s Environmental Management Plan and environmental best practices. 
• Model respectful stewardship of park resources, ensuring operations have minimal environmental impact. 

Vessel Maintenance & Administration 

• Oversee the vessel’s daily operational readiness, including logs, checklists, safety equipment, and mechanical checks. 
• Report mechanical issues or maintenance needs promptly. 
• Maintain accurate voyage logs, passenger counts, fuel records, incident reports, and required documentation. 
• Support seasonal startup and shutdown operations, including equipment checks and regulatory inspections. 
• Oversee all vessel fueling operations to ensure compliance with safety standards, environmental protection rules, and spill-prevention protocols. 
• Verify accurate and complete fuel logs and ensure crew are trained and compliant with fueling procedures. 

At Aramark, developing new skills and doing what it takes to get the job done make a positive impact for our employees and for our customers. In order to meet our commitments, job duties may change or new ones may be assigned without formal notice.

Qualifications

• U.S. Coast Guard Master’s License appropriate for 100-ton vessel with Passenger Endorsement. 
• Radar endorsement, FCC Marine Radio Operator Permit, and all required USCG credentials. 
• Prior experience operating passenger vessels in similar marine environments; Alaska or remote operations experience strongly preferred. 
• Strong leadership, communication, and situational awareness skills. 
• Excellent judgment and ability to remain calm under pressure. 
• Knowledge of maritime safety, emergency procedures, and wildlife-viewing regulations. 
• Ability to supervise a diverse crew and deliver exceptional guest service. 

Physical & Environmental Requirements 

• Ability to stand for extended periods while navigating the vessel. 
• Comfortable working in marine and coastal conditions with variable weather, cold, wind, and long days. 
• Ability to assist in emergency situations, including moving equipment or aiding passengers. 
• Must be able to work early mornings, long tour days (8–9 hours on the water), weekends, and holidays. 

Education

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