The Naturalist/Guide/Historian (NGH) holds a very important position on the boat as the voice and personality of the tour. In your position you are acting as a representative of the company in providing fun, informative and excellent education, answering questions and entertaining guests.

The NGH must be also able to perform the duties of a deckhand.

The following is a list of work goals and responsibilities:

All NGHs take supervision from the captain and lead naturalist. NGH’s always work closely with the captain in determining the best route for the vessel to maximize passenger satisfaction.
All NGHs will be required to narrate/guide at least two different tours including whale watch, puffin and lighthouse tour, nature cruise, and lobster fishing and seal tour. NGHs education and background will determine the trips/tours they will primarily work on for the duration of the season.
NGHs that work aboard the whale watch will work with Allied Whale research assistants in helping to educate passengers and promote the relationship between BHWW Co and Allied Whale.
NGH may help in fundraising efforts for a scholarship fund and groups such as Friends of Maine Coastal Island NWR and/or Center for Coastal Studies.
NGH serves an important role as a lookout (especially on whale watching or lighthouse trips in restricted visibility) for the captain, listening and looking for other boats.
NGHs constantly learn from captains and mates, how to use all vessel equipment, seamanship and proper line tying. NGH’s will fill the role of deckhand on bridge watch or other duties when needed. Report time for NGH’s is the same as crew.
NGHs demonstrate familiarity all the safety equipment located on any vessel they are serving on and how to use it.
NGHs know the Vessel Security Plan (if applicable) and must complete MARSEC training and safety drills aboard all vessels.
NGHs are required to take US Coast Guard drug test before working on vessels. Random drug tests are administered throughout season.
NGHs are under the supervision of the lead naturalist who provides direction in the areas of educational content, quality and delivery.
NGHs are the play-by-play announcer of the tour and should continually work to keep the passengers informed about where they are, what they are seeing and what to expect.
NGHs provide accurate (factual) information and make an effort to answer passenger’s questions on every trip.
NGHs are required to complete or hold Certified Interpretive Guide certification through National Association for Interpretation.
NGHs constantly work hard to gain more knowledge and improve their narration.
NGHs make every effort to keep the bridge and NGH materials clean and orderly and clean their boat stations thoroughly at the end of the day.
NGHs work tendering for cruise ships aboard BHWW CO. vessels as a deckhand. NGHs must be willing to work community outreach events and private boat charters.

NHG Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree preferably in sciences/natural sciences including ecology, biology, marine biology, oceanography, ornithology, history, and/or formal/informal education.
Interpretation and education background preferred, but not required. Interpretive Guide training is provided by Bar Harbor Whale Watch Company and is required for all hired naturalists to complete.
Seaworthy and have experience working on large sea-going vessels that carry between 100-400 passengers.
Able to pass US Coast Guard drug test.
Must be US citizen or have permanent resident alien status.
First aid and CPR certified preferred, but training is provided by BHWW CO. and required to complete, if hired.
Able to work 10 to 12 hour days and up to five days a week during busy time of the summer season.
Able to dedicate to full time employment through May-August or May-October.
Flexible to changing trip and boat schedules.
Physically able to lift 50 pounds and stand for long periods of time.
Able to assist seasick passengers and assist other crew with boat duties including cleaning and general maintenance.

Bar Harbor Whale Watch

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Naturalist/Narrator