Native Cultural Heritage Guide

Category: Seasonal

Salary: TBD

Bonus:$200/month for successful completion of your employment agreement. The bonus is dependent on terms of your seasonal availability and performance/attendance, up to $1,000 total. Employees who do not complete the entire term of their employment agreement will not be eligible for any part of the incentive/bonus.  

Position Summary:

Cultural Heritage Guides with Klawock Island Ventures serve as storytellers, educators, and cultural ambassadors, leading guests through immersive and meaningful experiences that highlight the history, culture, and natural beauty of Klawock and Prince of Wales Island. Cultural Guides are responsible for delivering structured tours, facilitating engaging interpretation, and ensuring each guest experience is informative, respectful, and memorable. Guides are trained across all tour offerings and may be asked to adjust schedules as needed to support operational needs and guest demand.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead guided cultural tours and experiences with confidence, clarity, and professionalism
• Share meaningful and accurate insights about local scenery, wildlife, history, Alaska Native culture, and regional geography
• Deliver engaging interpretive storytelling tailored to diverse audiences
• Facilitate demonstrations and/or hands-on cultural experiences when appropriate and approved
• Provide exceptional customer service to all guests, ensuring a welcoming, inclusive, and high-quality experience
• Manage group flow, timing, and overall tour execution to align with operational schedules
• Manage passenger counts, collect tickets, and accurately report tour departures
• Stay informed about daily operations, site logistics, and KIV venues to assist guest inquiries with confidence
• Prioritize guest safety throughout all tour experiences

• Ensure all cultural content is presented respectfully and in alignment with cultural protocols
• Uphold a positive, professional, and enthusiastic attitude while fostering a collaborative team environment
• Actively promote Klawock Island Ventures venues, experiences, and merchandise with appropriate cultural context
• Participate fully in all required training, including cultural sensitivity, safety, and interpretive storytelling workshops
• Perform other duties as assigned, with a continued focus on delivering culturally enriching guest experiences
• Maintain a current First Aid/CPR certification

Experience, Skills and Qualifications:

• Previous experience in guiding, interpretation, education, or cultural tourism preferred
• Strong public speaking, storytelling, or presentation skills
• Familiarity with Alaska Native heritage, history, and community traditions, especially of the Prince of Wales region, is highly valued
• Background in education, hospitality, outdoor recreation, or cultural programs considered beneficial
• Strong customer service and interpersonal skills, with a welcoming and inclusive approach
• Ability to lead groups and manage time effectively in a structured tour environment
• Ability to adapt to changing schedules, weather, and guest needs in a dynamic outdoor setting
• Dependable, punctual, and organized, with attention to detail in reporting and logistics
• Team-oriented with a collaborative, positive attitude that enhances group morale
• Experience in the tourism/visitor industry preferred
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to think proactively
• Knowledge of or willingness to learn about Tlingit culture and cultural protocols
• Cultural Guide must be able to learn, retain, and effectively communicate excursion information
• Current First Aid and CPR certification preferred

Klawock Island Ventures is a Native-owned and operated enterprise and offers Native Preference under P.L. 93-638. Applicants must provide proof of legal authorization to work in the United States.

638. Applicants must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States.