Naturalist Guide

Evergreen Escapes guides lead all-inclusive, small-group (generally 10 travelers or fewer) public & private National Park tours and nature adventures that depart from Seattle, WA. We seek guides for the 2022 season with the possibility of long-term positions in our growing tour program. We operate tours year-round. Our tour volume is highest April through October, during which time we need Full-Time, Part-Time Hourly, and On-Call/Flex nature guides to join our team. Our guides work varied schedules that are tailored to their lives & schedules. While most of our trips are single day trips, experienced and willing guides regularly lead private day trips and multi-day adventures.

ORGANIZATION

Evergreen Escapes is an award-winning, 16-year-old travel company that specializes in guided tours and meaningful experiences throughout the Pacific Northwest. We are a small team of professionals who work hard to be the best at what we do. We are fully collaborative and care deeply for each other and the Evergreen Escapes brand. We are passionate about what we do, the places we go, and we are excited to share our knowledge with our guests. We are located in SODO and this position would primarily be based in our warehouse style office—it cannot be done remotely. 

Covid-19 Update: We closely adhere to all Washington State Covid-19 protocols for all operations to keep staff, guides, and guests safe.

PRIMARY DUTIES

• Lead full-day, small-group nature tours in the Greater Seattle area as a solo guide. Tours of Mt Rainier, the Olympic Peninsula, Mt St Helens, the San Juan archipelago, and Seattle area will be among your primary workload.  Training provided.
• Provide interpretive commentary about the Pacific Northwest, geology, volcanology, local cultural history, ecology, botany, sustainability, travel, and more. Lead nature walks & hikes.
• Professionally present and serve local/organic food, coffee, and wine.
• Safely transport clients in passenger vans or SUVs and ensure that clients are picked up on time. If you’re not comfortable with the thought of driving a fairly large van in crazy traffic – turn back now
• Maintain a professional appearance and conduct with all clients, colleagues, and partner organizations.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Evergreen Escapes encourages a flexible team environment, and you may be required to perform duties beyond this job description to assist travelers, teammates, or to achieve strategic company aims. Our Seattle guides are responsible for the following duties, including but not limited to:

REQUIRED:

• You’ll lead discussions around the Pacific Northwest on its history & ecology. YOU MUST FEEL CONFIDENT BEING IN FRONT OF A GROUP SOLO ALL DAY.
• Experience in environmental, outdoor, and/or adventure education (semi-confident naturalists required).
• A resident of greater Seattle or willing to relocate. Remote work is not available and you need to be familiar with the Northwest!
• Responsible, independent, creative-thinking, self-starting, charismatic individual. Possess the ability to provide 5-star guest service for individuals from various backgrounds, beliefs and cultures.
• Clean driving record. Comfortable driving 10-passenger vans or SUV’s in all conditions (city streets under heavy traffic, mountain roads requiring chains to be installed/removed, etc.).
• Maintain high energy levels throughout a 12-hour work day
• Available to work May – October, weekends required
• Responsible, independent, creative, self-starting individual
• Strong work ethic and extremely reliable
• Ability to lift 40lbs
• Clean driving record and ability to pass a Washington State Patrol background check

PREFERRED: 

• Pacific Northwest region-specific knowledge of geography, geology, culture, natural & human history, and ecology are essential. We understand that you can learn these things, but it helps to be passionate about them already and know something of them.
• 4-year degree or higher.
• Experience in leadership development, team building, and/or group facilitation.
• Minimum 1 year of experience as an educator and/or interpretive guide.
• Knowledge of naturalist specialties which may include: anthropology, birding, botany, geology, glaciology, or volcanology.
• Pertinent adventure certifications, including: WFR, Leave No Trace, etc.
•  Multilingual.
•  Innate desire to be a more kind, more curious, and more-frequently outdoors human being.
•  Wine sales, tasting room, or seasonal wine production experience.

POSITION DETAILS & COMPENSATION

Our base pay is $16.00 per hour with opportunity for advancement and raises. Gratuity from guests can significantly increase guide income (appx. $4 to $10 per hour).  Bonuses for leading many of our private trips, corporate gratuities, and reimbursements for specific training completed while on staff.

Guides will report directly to the General Manager. 

Our busy season is April – October. Guides are expected to be available to work the majority of this season with limited to no time off available during June-August.
 

How to apply:

Although we are excited to meet all the people qualified for this position and sincerely appreciate the enthusiasm for this opportunity, we cannot stress enough that this is a tough job with a lot of pressure. Please apply only if you have the strength, patience, tenacity, and drive necessary for this role.

Qualified candidates should send a resume and cover letter to kenzi@evergreenescapes.com. No calls, please. Position is open until filled.