Naturalist

Position: Boat Crew / Naturalist
Location: Fisherman's Wharf, Victoria, BC
Season: May - October 2025

Job Overview:
We are seeking an enthusiastic Boat Naturalist to join our award-winning team at Eagle Wing Tours. As a Naturalist, you will educate and inform guests about the incredible wildlife of the Salish Sea, including whales (Resident, Transient, Offshore Orcas, Gray, Humpback, Minke), marine mammals, and birds. This position also includes Crew responsibilities, assisting the Captain with the safety and operations of the boat. You’ll help ensure an educational, fun, and safe experience for all guests on our 3.5-hour whale watching tours.

In addition to leading educational experiences, you’ll also perform essential duties such as pre-trip briefings, boat preparation and cleaning, and supporting our Guest Services team at the dock. This role offers a unique opportunity to combine passion for marine wildlife with a dynamic, team-based environment.

Availability: Must be available to work evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Key Responsibilities:

- Guest Education: Deliver engaging presentations on Salish Sea wildlife, including whales, marine mammals, birds, and general ecology. Share the history and importance of whale watching guidelines with guests.
- Passenger Safety & Comfort: Ensure guests are comfortable, warm, and safe throughout the tour. Monitor guest needs, ensure they know where ID catalogs, binoculars, and blankets are located, and help suit them with proper protective gear.
- Crew Support: Assist the Captain with pre-trip briefings, operating the boat as required, and ensuring safety procedures are followed.
- Pre and Post-Trip Boat Care: Perform cleaning duties, including sanitizing and stocking the marine head and ensuring the vessel is ready for the next trip.
- Ongoing Learning: Stay updated on local whale species, marine mammals, and general ecology to continually expand your knowledge and work toward becoming a field expert.

Minimum Skills & Qualifications:

- Certifications: Current Marine First Aid and CPR certification, Transport Canada Domestic Vessel Safety (DVS) approval. (Applications without these certifications will not be considered.)
- Background: A background in natural sciences is preferred. Studies in marine biology, cetaceans, marine mammals, general ecology, geology, ornithology, or related fields are a plus.
- Experience: Previous work on open water or experience with boats is highly desired.
- Communication Skills: Strong public speaking and customer service skills; experience in education or teaching is beneficial.
- Team-Oriented: Must have a strong work ethic and the ability to work effectively with a team.
- Physical Stamina: Able to work long hours (up to 10 hours per day, 50+ hours per week) and stay on your feet throughout the day. Must be physically fit and comfortable working in various weather conditions.
- Additional Languages: Fluency in additional languages is an asset.

General Information:

- Age: Must be 21 years or older.
- Education: A college or university degree in marine sciences, biology, zoology, or outdoor education is strongly preferred.
- Additional Knowledge: Familiarity with the Pacific Whale Watch Association (PWWA) white paper and whale watching guidelines is a bonus. Completion of The Whale Museum’s Naturalist Training Class or similar programs (e.g., SSAMN and/or MERS) is also helpful.

Why Work at Eagle Wing Tours?

As part of the Eagle Wing Tours team, you will join a locally owned, award-winning whale watching company that is dedicated to conservation, sustainability, and education. Since 2007, we have been rated #1 on TripAdvisor, and we are proud to be carbon neutral since 2009. We are passionate about preserving the Salish Sea and its inhabitants, and you will be a key part of this mission as you educate and engage with guests.

Our family-owned business fosters a dynamic and supportive work environment, offering opportunities for professional growth while contributing to important conservation efforts in the region.

Application Instructions: