Naturalist Tour Guide

Company: Evergreen Escapes, LLC

Evergreen Escapes Logo

Job Description

General Info
The Evergreen Escapes guides lead small group, public and private, nature day tours that depart from Seattle, WA. Evergreen Escapes seeks guides for the 2023 peak season with the possibility of long-term positions for the right candidate(s). We operate tours year-round; tour volume is highest May through October, during which time we need Full Time Hourly, Part Time Hourly, and On-Call Hourly guides to join our existing veteran staff.

Skills and Qualifications
Required

  1. An innate love of the outdoors and sharing experiences with fellow travelers
  2. Resident of greater Seattle or willingness to relocate (a must). 2. Experience in environmental, outdoor, and/or adventure education (semi-confident naturalists required).
  3. Demonstrated knowledge of and passion for ecology, natural history, and environmental systems
  4. Responsible, independent, creative-thinking, self-starting, charismatic individual.
  5. Clean driving record and ability to pass a DOT medical exam.
  6. Comfortable driving 15-passenger vans in all conditions (city streets under heavy traffic through winter mountain roads requiring chains to be installed/removed).
  7. Within first two weeks of hire, must have completed CPR and 1st Aid (WFR is preferred), DOT medical examiner’s certificate (minor physical), In-House Driver training, and WA Food Handlers permit
  8. Ability to lift 40 lbs/18 kg.
  9. Pass a Washington State Patrol background check.  
  10. Exemplary customer service with guests, fellow guides, and other tour partners
  11. Passionate about the outdoors
  12. Prioritizes safety

Desired – Not Required

  1. 4-year degree or higher
  2. Experience in Leadership development, team building, and/or group facilitation
  3. Minimum 1 year or experience as an educator and/or interpretive guide
  4. Knowledge of naturalist specialties which may include anthropology, birding, botany, geology, glaciology, or volcanology.
  5. Pertinent adventure certifications, including: WFR, Leave No Trace, and/or avalanche Level 1.
  6. Multilingual.
  7. Innate desire to be a more kind, more curious, and more-frequently outdoors human being.

Duties/Responsibilities

Pre-Trip
Before your trip you are responsible for looking up weather conditions, traffic alerts and possible road closures, checking your manifest and getting familiar with guest’s names and any relevant medical information. With this information you’ll come up with your itinerary for the day.

Day Of
•You will pick up the vehicle and equipment from our warehouse. Most gear will be packed, and you’ll have to load the vehicle with your drink cooler, food cooler, lunch kit, breakfast kit, extra clothing, sunscreen, etc
•Pick up all guests from their downtown hotels at a predetermined location and time
•You will fulfill your itinerary for the day providing interpretation and sharing your knowledge of the flora, fauna, and park history, and stop for a picnic lunch along the way
•You will then bring your group back to their hotel or car and drive back to the hub.

Post Trip
•After the trip you will head to the office and fill up the tank on the way.
•Once at the hub you will unload the van, load the dishwasher and washing machine, and clear out any trash in the van.
•Your final task is to fill out some administrative paperwork for your tour and then clock out!

Expectations throughout the day
•Promotes safety on all aspects of the tour
•Facilitates a worry-free experience for guests • The ability to provide 5-star guest service for individuals from various backgrounds, beliefs, and cultures • Maintain high energy levels throughout a 12–14-hour work day
•Responsive to and anticipate guests’ needs, strives to exceed expectations
•Completes tour administration tasks in a timely manner
•Drives smoothly and incredibly safely

This position is flexible and requires a unique knowledge of the National Parks and Outdoor areas you are working in. We give guides a lot of autonomy to alter the itinerary based on client interests and ability level as we may not know these beforehand!

Availability:  Full- and part-time work is available Full time guides work an average of three tour days a week (~40hours/week) Flexible Part time guides can range from 1-2 tours/week to 1-2 tours/month depending on personal availability and company needs Peak season is May - October. During these months: - Weekend availability is required - Holiday availability is required  (Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day)

How to Apply

Submit your resume and cover letter at the link above or email to our General Manager Kenzi Lacey at [email protected]
Posted on: February 17, 2023
Job Starting Date:
May 2023
Application Closing Date:
Not Specified
Job Salary Range:
2000.00 to 4000.00
Years of Experience: 1 – 2 years
Preferred/Required Degree Level: Bachelor’s degree
Job Activity(ies): Hiking
Population(s) Served: Adult - General
Job Category(ies): Adventure Travel