San Juan Safaris and Outfitters is hiring for marine naturalist positions for 
summer 2022.  We are currently accepting applications on a rolling basis until 
filled starting January 1st, 2022.  Interested applicants should send a resume, 
cover letter, and 3 references to [email protected] or 
[email protected].



Marine Naturalist in Friday Harbor, WA

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, multiple times a day. Presenting information on 
whales, most notably our local populations of killer whales, as well as 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, but the connectiveness of 
the Salish Sea ecosystem.  Education continues off 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, 
working galley serving food and beverages, 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:

1. Perform duties as First Mate to Captain, including familiarization with all 
safety procedures.

2. Educate and inform guests 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.

3.  On board photography of wildlife, with guest interactions taking priority.

4. Clean and prepare vessels pre- and post-trip.  Conduct weekly boat scrubs on 
all vessels.

5. Responsible for continuing to learn new material about the Salish Sea Marine 
Ecosystem with the goal of becoming an expert.

6. Writing daily trip reports.

7.  Food and beverage service in galley.

8.  Availability to work as needed in other positions throughout the company. 
I.e., reservations, food prep, and café.

Qualifications:

1. 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.

2. Working knowledge of boats, experience working on open water, and ability to 
effectively work during rough seas.

3. Strong public speaking and education skills.

4.  Be able to work as not only a solo naturalist, but as a team member with 
multiple other naturalists and crew.



Requirements:

1. Must have current first aid and CPR certification, including AED, Food 
Handlers’ card and MAST certification

2. Subject to pre-employment and random drug testing

3. Access to a working phone with voicemail

4. Non-smoker

5. Reliable transportation

6. Available weekends, evenings and holidays throughout the summer

7. Ability to comfortably lift 50 pounds

8. Ability to safely stand and move around on a on a dynamic moving platform 
for 5-10 hours a day



Details:

Competitive pay starting at $16 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!

All interested applicants please include a PDF cover letter, resume, and the 
contact information for three references. Applications may be addressed to 
Capt. Brian Goodremont, Owner/Operator, and Lead Naturalists, sent to:

 
[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]> 
and [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>

We are running trips through the end of November, and will actively start our 
rehire, and then new hire, process in December 2021, with a clear idea of 
available positions for the upcoming 2022 season by January 1. All new hires 
will be expected to be in Friday Harbor, WA, at the latest, by mid-May 2022 for 
training. Firm start-dates will be discussed with each hire.

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