River Boat Captain Jobs (NOW HIRING)

JOB DESCRIPTION

Position Title: Boat Captain Department: Tours & Charters

Salary Range: D.O.E. Reports to: Tours & Charters Manager

Employment Status: Seasonal FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

POSITION SUMMARY

The Boat Captain is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of tour and charter vessels, including vessel seaworthiness, safety, security, navigation, and regulatory compliance. The Captain is accountable for the safety of all passengers, crew members, and property onboard while underway.

This position requires the Captain to provide live narration throughout the duration of tours, offering engaging historical, geographical, and cultural information about the surrounding area. The Captain also provides professional customer service by greeting guests, addressing customer needs and requests, and ensuring a positive experience throughout the charter or tour. Strong vessel piloting skills and collaboration with staff, supervisors, and management are essential to ensure all equipment and operational needs are met in a timely and effective manner.

Operations occur on the waters of Lake Powell within the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & DUTIES

• Safely operate and navigate tour and charter vessels while ensuring compliance with all applicable maritime safety regulations.
• Provide narration throughout the duration of tours, educating guests on historical, geographical, and cultural aspects of the surrounding area.
• Maintain proficiency in vessel piloting and navigation skills.
• Ensure the safety and well-being of passengers and crew at all times while the vessel is underway.
• Conduct pre-departure safety checks and ensure all required safety equipment is onboard, functional, and regularly inspected.
• Maintain and communicate a thorough knowledge of all charter operations, policies, and procedures.
• Assist supervisors and management with daily operational tasks related to tours and charters.
• Maintain a clean, orderly, and safe vessel and work environment.
• Work cooperatively with other departments to support overall marina operations.
• Provide excellent customer service and maintain a professional and courteous attitude with guests and coworkers.
• Promptly report hazards, safety concerns, equipment issues, or operational problems to management.
• Ensure proper care, maintenance, and routine inspection of onboard equipment and safety gear.
• Ensure compliance with applicable maritime regulations and safety requirements established by the United States Coast Guard and operational requirements within the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area managed by the National Park Service.
• Possess the ability to react positively to other duties assigned.

Authority of the Captain

• The Captain has full authority and discretion over the safe operation of the vessel at all times.
• The Captain may refuse to carry passengers, operate in unsafe conditions, or require passengers to follow safety instructions to ensure compliance with safety regulations.
• The Captain’s decisions regarding navigation, passenger safety, and onboard behavior are final and must be respected by all crew and passengers.
• Any incidents, unsafe conditions, or violations observed during operation must be immediately reported to marina management.

USCG Compliance and Safety

• All captains must maintain valid U.S. Coast Guard licensing (100 Ton or greater) and comply with USCG regulations at all times.
• The Captain is subject to mandatory drug and alcohol testing in accordance with USCG regulations, including pre-employment, random, post-accident, and reasonable suspicion testing.
• Captains must adhere to all federal, state, and local maritime safety laws, including regulations regarding vessel operation, passenger limits, and safety equipment.
• All vessel safety inspections, reporting, and recordkeeping must comply with USCG standards.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Valid U.S. Coast Guard Master License (50 Ton or greater) issued by the United States Coast Guard.
• Current CPR and First Aid certification or ability to obtain.
• Previous experience operating passenger vessels, charter vessels, or large recreational boats.
• Strong knowledge of boating safety practices and navigation rules.
• Excellent communication, public speaking, and customer service skills.
• Ability to maintain professionalism while interacting with guests, staff, and management.
• Previous experience operating vessels on Lake Powell (preferred).
• Experience providing guided tours, live narration, or educational commentary for guest (preferred).

EDUCATION
High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent preferred but not required.

EXPERIENCE

• Proven experience operating inland waters vessels or houseboats on lakes, rivers or similar waterways.
• Experience piloting vessels for customers or guests, including docking, mooring, and maneuvering in variable water conditions.
• Proficiency with marine navigation systems, communication equipment, and signaling methods.
• Familiarity with safety equipment inspections, emergency procedures, and onboard safety management.
• Knowledge of handling vessels under varying weather, water, and traffic conditions.
• Ability to plan and follow safe routes uplake and back to the marina, including monitoring weather, water levels, and hazards.

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of APM marina services and amenities.
• Skills which allow for the tactful resolution of guest problems or concerns.
• Knowledge or ability to be trained in fire extinguisher operation.
• Knowledge or ability to be trained in ISO/EMS awareness.
• Knowledge or ability to be trained in employee orientation.
• Knowledge or ability to be trained in hazard communication.
• Knowledge or ability to be trained in hazardous materials response/respiratory protection.
• Knowledge or ability to be trained in emergency response.
• Knowledge or ability to be trained in recyclable materials.
• Knowledge or ability to be trained in blood borne pathogen awareness

IS THIS POSITION CLOSELY, MODERATELY, OR MINIMALLY SUPERVISED? Moderately.

DOES THIS POSITION HAVE SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO HIRING, FIRING, PERFORMANCE APPRAISALS, PERSONNEL CHANGES? No.

DOES THIS POSITION HAVE ACCESS TO COMPANY OR CUSTOMER CONFIDENTIAL OR PROPRIETARY INFORMATION INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO CUSTOMER LISTS, PAYROLL, HUMAN RESOURCE OR LEGAL INFORMATION? No.

DOES THE POSITION HAVE ACCESS TO OR HANDLE COMPANY OR CUSTOMER FUNDS INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO CREDIT CARD INFORMATION, CHECKS, CASH? No.

WORKING CONDITIONS
The performance of stated functions and duties may occur in, but are not limited to: office settings, confined spaces such as boat hulls, public or common areas such as restaurant or retail establishment; inclement weather conditions may be a factor including rain, snow, wind, extreme temperatures. General industry levels of noise and stimuli should be expected in all settings.
*Controllable working conditions (i.e. temperature, lighting) may be altered to create a more conducive working environment for staffing needs, however such accommodations shall not create an undue hardship on the Company or other staff members.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands of the position may include, but are not limited to sitting or standing for extended periods of time. Lifting, carrying and otherwise maneuvering heavy objects with or without assistance. Climbing, crouching, reaching, extending and other bodily movements in work areas such as boats, office settings, docks.

ENGLISH PROFICIENCY
It is important that the incumbent be able to communicate effectively in English including speaking, understanding, reading, and writing for the purpose of general interactions with staff, guests and customers. Additional linguistic proficiency is welcomed and encouraged, but not required for the performance of the position.

INTENT AND FUNCTION OF JOB DESCRIPTION

The purpose of the job description is to provide the general tasks and standards of the position. The job description is composed with the intention that only essential functions are included; peripheral tasks only incidentally related or otherwise assigned to the position have been excluded.

The job description does not create an employment contract. APM maintains its status as an at-will employer. APM or the employee may terminate the employment relationship at any time, for any reason, with or without cause or notice