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Expedition Guide Jobs in Alaska (NOW HIRING)

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Expedition Guide information

What are some common challenges expedition guides face during trips?

Expedition Guides often encounter unpredictable weather, shifting terrain conditions, and may need to quickly adapt plans to keep groups safe and on track. Managing group dynamics—such as differing skill levels, personalities, and client expectations—can also be a frequent challenge. Guides typically work in remote areas, which requires self-sufficiency, quick decision-making, and a calm demeanor in stressful situations. These realities make the job both demanding and highly rewarding for those who thrive in dynamic, outdoor settings.

What does an expedition guide do?

An Expedition Guide leads and supports groups on outdoor adventures, ensuring safety, navigation, and overall experience. They provide expertise in survival skills, terrain management, and environmental awareness. Guides may work in various settings, such as mountains, forests, or remote locations, tailoring trips to different skill levels. Their responsibilities include planning routes, assessing risks, and educating participants about the local environment. Strong leadership, first aid knowledge, and a passion for nature are essential for this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an expedition guide?

To thrive as an Expedition Guide, you need strong outdoor skills, navigation abilities, and a solid understanding of safety protocols, often backed by certifications such as Wilderness First Responder (WFR) or similar. Familiarity with GPS units, satellite communication devices, and expedition planning software is typically required for modern guiding. Excellent communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills help guides engage clients and manage group dynamics effectively. These competencies are crucial for ensuring both participant safety and an enjoyable, well-organized experience in challenging environments.

What job categories do people searching Expedition Guide jobs in Alaska look for? The top searched job categories for Expedition Guide jobs in Alaska are:
Infographic showing various Expedition Guide job openings in Alaska as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution.

$4.1K - $4.5K/mo

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago


Job description

Cruise Operations Manager


Salary: $4100- $4500 monthly DOE

Timeframe: Full time, expected 40-50 hours/week

Location: Present in Skagway, Alaska to prepare for season set-up through completion of shutdown. Typically, this occurs between mid-March through mid-October. Remote work possible outside of these months.


Winter role vs. summer role varies considerably in terms of time, projects, and general business of the Haines office.

Overview:

Alaska Mountain Guides operates a variety of tours for guests visiting SoutheastAlaska. Our primary clientele involves cruise ships, though independent travelers are also welcome. The main responsibility of the Haines Cruise Operations Manager is to oversee each of the tour sites and their corresponding site managersas well as assist in a variety of day-to-day operations of the company througha combination of field and office work.


Job Qualifications:

  • Must be 21 years old
  • Prior experience in cruise industry/tourism is preferred
  • Excellent organizational and management skills
  • Strong computer and databaseskills (Microsoft Excel and Word, Adobe, etc)

  • Some experience in the outdoors is preferred.


Reporting:

    • Report directly to the Skagway program manager. Help facilitate generation of Skagway weekly reports to Skagway Program manager and owners.


    General Duties:

      • Responsible for oversight of operations for Alaska Mountain Guides and Chilkat Guides cruise ship programs in Skagway.
      • Coordinate with Haines office for Cruise ship programming
      • Help support long trip operations based out of Skagway


      Guide Management:

      • Shared management of guides, dock staff and site managers
      • Time sheets and payroll - manage overall guide hours and overtime
        • Timesheet review prior to each payroll
      • Oversee overall scheduling
      • Coordinate with site specific managers to help facilitate weekly guide meetings
      • Guide appreciation; organize dinners and activities, etc.


      Office Management & Office Tasks:

      • Ship correspondence - email and telephone
      • Scheduling - manage overall scheduling with office staff.
      • Dock repping and settlement - as needed - shared with office and dock managers
      • Shared management of Dock Manager - Organize and manage dock transfers - work closely with Dock Manager to ensure that Dock transfers happen appropriately.
      • Active presence at site and on pier
      • Daily Summaries - emailed to all ships at the end of the day
      • Waivers and guide paperwork - Organize and verify completion throughout day and at end
      • Manage Skagway Office Petty Cash in coordination with Skagway Program manager
      • Organize weekly office meetings
      • Ship Settlement and Sending Settlement Sheets & Dock transfers
      • Maintain Outlook Skagway Calendar
      • Learn database and scheduling software and coordinate database efforts within the Skagway office and between the Haines Office.
      • Help structure and build allocations and proposals for each season working closely with Skagway and Haines program managers.
      • Manage adjustments to allocations and space requests with the cruise lines on an ongoing basis.


      Marketing:

      • This would primarily be the Marketing Manager's role, however, the Operations Manager may play a part in these marketing efforts. This may include Familiarization (FAM) trips with Shore Excursion staff, presence and enthusiasm at the dock, or other lateral marketing efforts.
      • Be a part of, and support, early season FAM trips.


      Skagway Infrastructure :

      • Houses - make notes in weekly report of repairs needed.
      • Coordinate with maintenance staff to prioritize repairs.
      • Coordinate employees and house "moms" to ensure that properties are adequately taken care of.


      Program Site Management:

      • Shared management with Site Specific Managers
      • Site specific managers manage specific programs/locations, and are key assets in ability to manage operations.
      • Rock/Zip site managers, Canoe program manager, Hike & Float Manager, Dock Manager, and "new program" manager
      • Make sure they are providing regular reports, and have what they need.
      • Delegate specific tasks appropriately for efficient management.

      Guide and Drive as needed

      Other duties as dictated by daily needs

      Support of new projects and initiatives as needed


        Winter Season

        • Primary functions include but not limited to:
          • Hiring for summer season
          • Creation and management of cruise allocations
          • Expedition sales (see above)
          • Helping all departments as needed
        • Remote work possible in winter
          • Remote work is a privilege based on performance and is not guaranteed
        • Must be present in Skagway office a minimum of two weeks prior to first guide arrivals in Skagway and through season shut-down (typically mid-March through mid-October)