Boat Crew / Naturalist

Job Summary

We are seeking an enthusiastic Boat Naturalist to join our award-winning team at Eagle Wing Tours.  As a Naturalist, you will educate and inform guests about the incredible wildlife of the Salish Sea, including whales (Resident, Transient, Offshore Orcas, Gray, Humpback, Minke), marine mammals, and birds. This position also includes Crew responsibilities, assisting the Captain with the safety and operations of the boat. You’ll help ensure an educational, fun, and safe experience for all guests on our 3.5-hour whale watching tours.

In addition to leading educational experiences, you’ll also perform essential duties such as pre-trip briefings, boat preparation and cleaning, and supporting our Guest Services team at the dock. This role offers a unique opportunity to combine passion for marine wildlife with a dynamic, team-based environment.

Availability: Must be available to work evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Who are we?

At Eagle Wing Tours, we are more than just a whale watching company – we are a conservation-driven, ecotourism leader. Locally owned and family operated, we have a longstanding commitment to sustainability, education, research and preserving the natural beauty of the Salish Sea. With over a decade of recognition as a world-class, #1-rated experience on TripAdvisor, we’re proud to offer unforgettable tours while giving back to the community and the environment.

Why Us?

As a member of our team, you’ll be part of an organization that is not only dedicated to providing world-class whale watching experiences but also to environmental stewardship and education. You’ll have the opportunity to share our passion for marine life and make a real difference in preserving our oceans for future generations.

1. Award-Winning Company: Rated #1 on TripAdvisor since 2007, and highly rated on Google and Facebook.
2. Passion for Sustainability: We’ve been carbon neutral since 2009 and have donated over $1,250,000 to environmental causes.
3. Recognition for Excellence: We’ve earned local, national, and international accolades for our commitment to sustainability, education, and community involvement.
4. Inspiring Projects: We’ve educated over 8,000 kids through our Explore the Salish Sea Floating Classroom initiative.
5. Work with a Family-Owned Business: Join a tight-knit team that values collaboration, sustainability, and having fun while making a difference.

What We’re Looking For?

1. Minimum Skills & Qualifications:

   • Certifications: Current Marine First Aid and CPR certification, Transport Canada Domestic Vessel Safety (DVS) approval. (Applications without these certifications will not be considered.)
   • Background: A background in natural sciences is preferred. Studies in marine biology, cetaceans, marine mammals, general ecology, geology, ornithology, or related fields are a plus.
   • Experience: Previous work on open water or experience with boats is highly desired.
   • Communication Skills: Strong public speaking and customer service skills; experience in education or teaching is beneficial.
   • Team-Oriented: Must have a strong work ethic and the ability to work effectively with a team.
   • Physical Stamina: Able to work long hours (up to 10 hours per day, 50+ hours per week) and stay on your feet throughout the day. Must be physically fit and comfortable working in various weather conditions.
   • Technology Skills: Smart phone with voicemail (must be available for last-minute trip calls). Must be able to check and respond to emails daily. Photography skills are a bonus for assisting with social media content.
   • Additional Languages: Fluency in additional languages is an asset.

   General Information:

   • Age: Must be 21 years or older.
   • Education: A college or university degree in marine sciences, biology, zoology, or outdoor education is strongly preferred.
   • Additional Knowledge: Familiarity with the Pacific Whale Watch Association (PWWA) white paper and whale watching guidelines is a bonus. Completion of The Whale Museum’s Naturalist Training Class or similar programs (e.g., SSAMN and/or MERS) is also helpful.

When:

1. This position is available on contract from May – October 2025
   1. to be discussed in more detail

Salary:

1. Competitive wage range of $23/hr – $27/hr, based on experience and qualifications.

Team:

1. 40 – 50 employees (seasonal contracts and year round contracts for team members)
2. Peak season we are 45-50 team members
3. Off season we are up to 20

Our Values (our 4 pillars)?

1. Conservation is at the heart of everything we do. We’re a conservation organization that happens to run whale and wildlife watching tours.
2. Sustainability We’re always seeking new ways to reduce our footprint and are ready to embrace the new vision of regenerative ecotourism.
3. Research We support and engage in community-based research partnerships. We actively conduct and enable research on our vessels.
4. Education We educate through the guest experience, our “Exploring the Salish Sea” education program, community outreach, our website and social media.

If you are passionate about marine life, education, and providing exceptional experiences, apply today to become a part of our dedicated team at Eagle Wing Tours.

Application Instructions:

Please submit your resume along with proof of certifications (Marine First Aid, CPR, DVS). Only candidates who meet the required certifications will be contacted.