Tour Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Find Your Future in Paradise!
Catalina Island Company welcomes all guests and visitors to our very special island. Beyond being warm and courteous, our exceptional team members are knowledgeable and helpful - anticipating and personalizing their service on an individualized basis.
We seek individuals like YOU to create the finest personal service and extraordinary experiences for our guests.
WHY CATALINA ISLAND COMPANY?
The Catalina Island Company offers more than just a workplace - it is a destination for service, adventure and inspiration!
In 1919, chewing gum entrepreneur William Wrigley Jr. bought nearly every share of the Santa Catalina Island Company until he owned a controlling interest. He then invested millions in his vision to create a "playground for all" on Catalina Island, building infrastructure, a reservoir, Hotel Atwater, Bird Park, and other attractions. In 1921, he made Avalon the Spring Training home of his beloved Chicago Cub's, building the Catalina Country Club to house the team's lockers and provide a gathering place for players. The team continued to train on the island until 1951. In 1929, Wrigley built the iconic Catalina Casino, which boasts the world's largest circular ballroom and the first theatre designed and built to show talking motion pictures. During World War II, the island served as a military training facility and was closed to tourists. The island was a popular spot with Hollywood's elite during the 1930s, 40s, and 50s. It also became a popular location for production companies to shoot movies. More than 500 films, documentaries, commercials, and TV shows have been shot in and around Catalina over the years, especially in Two Harbors on the island's west end. To this day, descendants of William Wrigley Jr. still own the Catalina Island Company and carry on his vision to create a world-class island resort.
We are a welcoming community that believes in fostering a positive, team-oriented atmosphere where every team member plays a part in creating unforgettable memories for our guests. Join a team that is as vibrant, dynamic, and unique as the island itself!
JOB SUMMARY
As a Boat Tour Operator, you are responsible for ensuring a smooth, safe, and enjoyable experience for guests while providing exceptional customer service throughout various tours. As a Boat Tour Operator tours include the Undersea Sub Expedition, Glass Bottom Boat, Discover Two Harbors, and the seasonal Flying fish Voyage.
U.S. Coast Guard (U.S.C.G) Licensed Personnel exclusively handle the transportation of the vessels, emphasizing safety and enjoyment. With a focus on exceptional customer service and proficiency in a variety of tours, you will play a crucial part in delivering memorable and enjoyable maritime experiences for our guests.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
Job duties include, but are not limited to:

• Safely operate and navigate the vessel, considering weather conditions and passenger safety.
• Execute efficient mooring and unmooring procedures as needed.
• Ensure compliance with maritime regulations and navigate according to established routes.
• Oversee the maintenance and cleanliness of the vessel, conducting regular safety checks.
• Coordinate with crew members and guests to facilitate smooth boarding and disembarking of passengers.
• Monitor and manage fuel consumption, engine performance, and other operational aspects.
• Communicate effectively with passengers, providing safety instructions and answering questions.
• Take appropriate action in emergency situations, prioritizing the safety of passengers and crew.
• Maintain proper documentation, including logs, incident reports, and required certifications.
• Stay updated on maritime industry trends, regulations, and safety standards.
• Deliver from memory an informative narrative to our guests about the island's marine life, history and ecology as set forth in the approved tour script guidelines.
• Other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS

• 50 Ton USCG Master Near Coastal Captain's License
• USCG merchant mariner credential endorsed as OUPV needed
• Knowledge of USCG navigation rules
• Boat handling experience
• Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills
• Ability to walk, climb, and descend pier ramps frequently in operational areas to perform assigned tasks
• Adhere to DOT drug testing

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS
FCC Marine Radio Operator Permit
USCG Merchant Mariner Credential endorsed with the following:

• Master Near Coastal: With this type of license, you can operate commercial vessels of 25, 50 or 100 tonnages - the maximum - and take more than six paying people on board as long as you meet the requirements. A Near Coastal license allows you to operate inspected and uninspected vessels on inland waters and up to 200 miles off the U.S. coast.

DETAILS
Position Type: Part Time
HOUSING
The Catalina Island Company offers shared housing as an option for eligible employees at a subsidized rate. Employees are responsible for paying a portion of the housing cost, typically deducted through payroll.
Accommodation generally includes shared bedrooms, shared bathrooms and a community kitchen. Housing is subject to availability and cost will vary based on location.
PAY TRANSPARENCY
The pay scale for this position is $34.77 per hour depending.
PLEASE NOTE: This position is covered by the Inlandboatman's Union of the Pacific Southern California Region ("IBU") Collective Bargaining Agreement.
WORK ENVIRONMENT/ PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
This position primarily takes place outdoors and may involve exposure to varying weather conditions including sun, wind, and occasional rain. Employees should be comfortable working at heights, on uneven terrain, and performing physical tasks such as walking, climbing, or lifting equipment. Safety, communication, and guest engagement are top priorities while ensuring a fun and memorable experience for all participants.
Must be comfortable and able to stand for up to 6-8 hours per day. Must be able to lift up to 40 lbs. Requires dexterity, grasping, writing, standing, sitting, walking, repetitive motions, bending, listening and hearing ability and visual acuity. Talking and hearing occur continuously in the process of communicating with guests, management and team.
SCHEDULE
This position requires a flexible schedule, with rotating weekday and weekend shifts, including day, night, and holiday hours.
LIFE ON CATALINA ISLAND

• A fast paced, exciting work environment with upward mobility and growth opportunities.
• Meet and engage with people from all over the country and world!

COMPANY PERKS

• Employee discounts and perks - restaurant, hotels and activities.
• Beautiful island views and a summer of adventure!

BEING YOU AT CATALINA ISLAND COMPANY:
We are inclusive of, celebrate our differences, and welcome a broad range of perspectives and ideas without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, or veteran status.
We welcome applications from people with disabilities and provide reasonable accommodations as needed for our candidates. Please discuss this with our Talent Acquisition team during our selection process.