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Wildlife Guide Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

American Cruise Lines

Travel Director

Washington, DC · On-site

Travel Director/Adventure Guide - National Parks American Cruise Lines is seeking Travel Directors ... and wildlife. * Effectively communicate with guests about the schedule, weather, and activity ...

American Cruise Lines

Travel Director

Mount Vernon, VA · On-site

Travel Director/Adventure Guide - National Parks American Cruise Lines is seeking Travel Directors ... and wildlife. * Effectively communicate with guests about the schedule, weather, and activity ...

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Wildlife Guide information

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$35

How much do wildlife guide jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for wildlife guide in Washington is $24.43, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.86 and $24.76 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a wildlife guide?

A Wildlife Guide leads individuals or groups on nature excursions to observe and learn about wildlife in their natural habitats. They provide educational information about local flora and fauna, ensure the safety of guests, and promote conservation efforts. Wildlife Guides may work in national parks, wildlife reserves, or private tour companies. Strong communication skills, outdoor survival knowledge, and a passion for nature are essential for this role.

What are the typical working conditions and daily responsibilities for a wildlife guide?

Wildlife Guides often spend most of their time outdoors, leading groups through natural habitats such as national parks, reserves, or private conservancies in various weather conditions. Daily responsibilities include preparing and maintaining gear, conducting safety briefings, interpreting wildlife behavior for guests, and ensuring everyone follows conservation regulations. Guides may also assist with logistical tasks, minor first aid, and routine equipment maintenance. The work is often physically demanding but provides rewarding opportunities to educate the public and support conservation efforts.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the wildlife guide position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Wildlife Guide, you need in-depth knowledge of local flora and fauna, outdoor survival skills, and typically some form of ecological or biological education. Familiarity with GPS devices, binoculars, first aid certification, and sometimes specialized wildlife tracking software are commonly required. Exceptional communication, leadership, and customer service skills help guides create engaging, educational experiences for diverse groups. These competencies ensure guest safety, environmental stewardship, and memorable tours that foster appreciation for wildlife.

What are popular job titles related to Wildlife Guide jobs in Washington?

For Wildlife Guide jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Wildlife Guide jobs in Washington look for?

The top searched job categories for Wildlife Guide jobs in Washington are:

What cities in Washington are hiring for Wildlife Guide jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Wildlife Guide job openings:

Wildlife Guide jobs near you
Infographic showing various Wildlife Guide job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,807 per year, or $24.4 per hour.

Travel Director

American Cruise Lines

Washington, DC • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

Travel Director/Adventure Guide - National Parks
American Cruise Lines is seeking Travel Directors to join our shipboard team for the 2026 cruising season. The Travel Director role is responsible for engaging guests in each destination through a series of explorations and adventures throughout the National Parks. As a Travel Director you are responsible and accountable for all land exploration, transfer operations, and brand ambassadorship & representation. The Travel Director is the most visible advocate for guests and is responsible for creating a fun atmosphere while always engaging guests and socializing throughout the land exploration.
This role has a very high level of guest interaction and can be very demanding, with long hours. The role requires an energetic and creative person with extraordinarily polished communications & social skills, a collaborative team spirit and a passion for guest satisfaction.
At American Cruise Lines, we are driven by our values-Optimism, Commitment, Patriotism, and Merit. These values shape our culture, our service, and our people, guiding us as we work together to Share America's Story on the Finest American Ships.
Available Regions:
  • National Parks & Legendary Rivers itinerary: Yellowstone, Glacier & Grand Teton
  • Great Smoky Mountains
  • Northwest National Parks: Mt. Rainier, Olympic National Park, North Cascades National Park
  • Alaska National Parks

Responsibilities:
  • Lead guests through their daily National Parks explorations while acting as a company representative and brand ambassador.
  • Provide narration and commentary throughout the National Parks, giving accurate and relevant information and facts about the parks, history, nature, and wildlife.
  • Effectively communicate with guests about the schedule, weather, and activity levels.
  • Create daily programs to give to guests to explain what each day entails.
  • Create and execute entertainment, such as trivia and games, on board the motorcoach.
  • Assist guests with minor medical attention.
  • Accommodate all reasonable guest requests.
  • Socialize with guests at every opportunity.
  • Communicate with home office frequently, including completing weekly reports, relaying information about early guest departures (if applicable), or changes in schedule/plans.
  • Prepare materials for turnaround day.
  • Monitor and evaluate performance of vendors, coach companies, and guides and send feedback to home office.
  • Candidates will be required to work onboard as an Excursions Director for 4-6 weeks prior to their assignment as a Tour Director in order to become fully assimilated with the company and onboard operations.

Attributes for Success:
  • Ability to engage guests throughout each cruise.
  • Superior time management.
  • Ability to manage and solve problems.
  • Sense of urgency in all guest, crew, and home office requests.
  • Positive attitude and receptive to continuous performance feedback.

Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's Degree in hospitality, tourism, or event management is preferred.
  • Previous National Parks Tour Guide experience preferred.
  • Significant experience in hospitality, tourism, and/or event management.
  • Strong sense of production and presentation.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite applications.
  • Enthusiasm, confidence, and a can-do attitude.
  • Strong public speaking skills.
  • Excellent time management and attention to detail.
  • Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).
  • Ability to perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation.

Work Schedule:
  • 6-8 weeks working / 1-2 weeks off.
  • 7 days per week while working.
  • This is a full-time, exempt position.

Essential Functions:
  • Ships experience forces from wind, waves, and currents, prompting them to exhibit six distinct motions known as ship motions. The six motions are surge, sway, heave, roll, pitch, and yaw. This position requires the ability to live and satisfactorily perform job duties in an environment that is subject to constant motion.
  • Ability to work around 12-14 hours per day, and be on call at all times for any guest emergencies.
  • Ability to assist in the event of an emergency including:
    • Assisting with minor medical issues, including altitude sickness or minor injuries.
    • Identify and arrange medical assistance in remote areas.
  • Ability to assist in the event of an on-board emergency by quickly climbing up a ladder, opening, and passing through a 20" diameter hatch.
  • Ability to walk around 10 miles at high altitude, sometimes up to 7600 ft, in various types of terrain and weather conditions.
  • Ability to frequently lift up to 20 lbs. and occasionally lift up to 50 lbs.
  • Ability to frequently bend, squat and reach.
  • Ability to work outside during inclement weather, staying agile, and maintaining balance over wet terrain.
  • Ability to work outside with frequent and direct sun and heat exposure.
  • Ability to live and work in a constantly moving environment, including changing hotels every 2-3 nights.

Compensation and Benefits:
  • Competitive daily rate.
  • Health, dental, vision, and 401(k) with match.
  • Covered Expenses: American Cruise Lines provides travel, room and board, uniforms, and training from industry experts.

Applicant Acknowledgment
By proceeding to apply for the above position, I acknowledge that I have read and understand the description of the job position for which I am applying, I agree that it accurately reflects the essential functions of the position, and I represent that I can complete the essential functions of the position.
Equal Opportunity Employer
American Cruise Lines is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants. ‎American Cruise Lines bases all employment decisions on business needs, job requirements, and individual ‎qualifications without regard to protected characteristics, including, but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin and citizenship, age (40 and over), disability (including perceived disability), generic information, military service, or any other protected characteristic under applicable federal, state, or local law. ‎This policy applies to all aspects of employment and employment decisions, including, but not limited to, ‎hiring, selection, job assignment, training, compensation, promotion, discipline, termination, and access ‎to benefits.‎
*Job sites across the nation.
This job description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of the duties and responsibilities of the position and such duties and responsibilities may change without notice.

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