Our Companies

San Juan Safaris is a whale watch and wildlife tour company based in Friday Harbor, San Juan Island, WA. Founded in 1996, San Juan Safaris provides tours focusing on respectful wildlife viewing, education, and conservation efforts. San Juan Safaris offers whale watch and wildlife tours by motorized vessel February through November. Our sister company, San Juan Island Outfitters, founded 2008, offers three- and five-hour professionally guided sea kayak tours, overnight kayak-camping excursions, in addition to whale and wildlife tours via motor vessel.

On all tours, an emphasis is always placed on safety, guest service, and respecting the environment. Our goal is to provide a personal, inspiring and educational experience to each of our guests to foster a sense of connection with the marine ecosystem. Our hope is that our guests will return home with lifelong memories and a new appreciation for the environment.

Naturalists

San Juan Safaris & San Juan Outfitters upholds high industry standards in professionalism, knowledge, and experience.  We strive to be the leaders in our field, and hope to continue to achieve this through our Marine Naturalists.

Marine Naturalists are expected to educate, inform, and monitor all passengers during our 3-4 hour tours. Presenting information on whales, most notably our local populations of killer whales, other local marine mammals, birds, general ecology, whale watching guidelines, as well as general information on the Pacific Northwest. We aim to provide an immersive experience, not just focusing on whales! Education continues off of the water as naturalists are required to write blog posts detailing their experiences on the water.

Onboard Naturalists are also crew! Acting as First Mate, handling lines, and monitoring safety on the vessel are all a part of our Naturalists’ primary responsibilities. For this reason, previous boat experience is preferred, but not required. Pre- and post-trip boat cleanings are also an important part of the position. Naturalists should expect to be on their feet, on a dynamic moving platform, for 5-10 hours a day.

First and foremost, this is a customer service position and the successful applicant will be an extraordinary communicator and people person.

Major Duties:

• Perform duties as First Mate to Captain, including familiarization with all safety procedures.
• Educate and informguests about the Salish Sea. This may include material on natural history, wildlife, general ecology, local human history, the San Juan Islands, environmental threats and changes, and current events.
• Monitor all passengers to assure that they are comfortable, warm, and safe. Know where books, binoculars, blankets and jackets are, and keep guests well informed.
• Clean and prepare vessel pre- and post-trip.
• Responsible for continuing to learn new material about the Salish Sea Marine Ecosystem with the goal of becoming an expert.
• Writing daily trip reports.

Qualifications:

• College education preferred. A background in natural sciences including, but not limited to, marine biology, geology, cetaceans, marine mammals, general ecology, outdoor education, and ornithology is preferred.
• Working knowledge of boats, and experience,working on open water
• Strong public speaking and education skills

Requirements:

• Must have current first aid and CPR certification, including AED
• Subject to pre-employment andrandom drug testing
• Access to a working phone with voicemail
• Non-smoker
• Reliable transportation
• Available Saturdays, Sundays, evenings and holidaysthroughout the summer
• Ability to comfortably lift 50 pounds
• Ability to safely stand and move around on aon a dynamic moving platform for 5-10 hours a day

Details:

Competitive pay starting at $14 per hour, plus tips. Work in a world-class outdoor marine environment with abundant wildlife. Free whale watching and kayak tours on a “space available” basis, discounts for family and friends. Be prepared to work hard and have fun with a great group of likeminded people. Paid training, reasonably flexible schedule, best office view in the world!

Staff are required to live on San Juan Island during the tenure of their employment. We will assist seasonal employees in finding summer housing. SJS/SJO works hard to ensure each seasonal staff member has a quality living situation through the duration of their employment.