Engage with people from around the world and learn about one of the most unique marine ecosystems while selling educational and fun Whale Watch and Wildlife Tours and Kayak Tours!

As the first point of contact, Reservations Staff set the high standard of customer service that San Juan Safaris provides. Reservations Staff are responsible for selling tours, checking in guests, ensuring that guests are provided all necessary information and providing support to guides and other staff members. Reservations Staff oversee, support, and carry out daily operations of guided tours, hourly recreational rentals and reservations. This includes responding to emails, managing phone inquiries, engaging customers in person, and becoming an expert on internal booking systems. 

The Reservations Agent position is an integral part of all daily processes and procedures. Staff are expected to understand the functions of other coworkers and assist where necessary. Reservations Staff are of upmost importance as they keep guiding staff working and are a major contributor to the overall success of the company. The goal is to ensure excellent service standards and maintain high customer satisfaction while working in a fun, exciting, team oriented and fast-paced environment.

Major Duties

• Effectively manage large amounts of incoming calls and emails 
• Generate sales in person and over the phone
• Utilize an online reservation system effectively and efficiently
• Operate a cash register and handle money 
• Identify and assess customers’ needs to achieve satisfaction 
• Provide accurate, valid and complete information by using provided resources 
• Follow communication procedures, guidelines and policies 
• Complete daily office tasks/procedures 
• Directing coworkers/guests and daily operations 
• Assisting guides and dock staff 

Qualifications

• Customer Service Experience 1+ years
• Strong phone handling skills and active listening 
• Engaging and outgoing personality 
• Ability to adapt/respond to different types of characters 
• Excellent communication and presentation skills 
• Ability to multi-task, prioritize, and manage time effectively 
• Able to work long hours with some physical activity
• CPR/First Aid Certification

Preferred Skills

• Hospitality or sales education
• Previous work in outdoor recreation
• General knowledge of marine mammals and ecosystem

Benefits & Compensation

• Compensation - Wages starting at $18 per hour
• San Juan Island - San Juan Island is one of the few places in the world where you can see killer whales on a regular basis. Enjoy living in on an island where you get the chance to view orcas from shore and join whale watch tours and kayak tours. The islands are beautiful and lend themselves to biking, hiking, birding, boating and kayaking. There is also easy access to mainland Washington and Canada. Enjoy a summer exploring the islands and all the PNW has to offer.
• Learning Opportunities - Employees have the opportunity to cross train and learn new skills. Training for your selected position is robust and continual throughout the season. Staff are encouraged to increase their level of professional training outside of work and our professional community supports continued learning. 
• Pro Deals - Employees can apply for discounts on industry gear from top outdoor brands.
• Family & Friends Policy - Family and friends of employees can join whale watching tours at a discounted rate or for free depending on the tour and space availability.
• Equipment Use & Tour Participation - Employees have the opportunity to join any day tour for free on a space available basis throughout the duration of their employment. Employees are also able to use equipment on their own such as SUPs, sit-on-top kayaks, and sea kayaks with the necessary training.

Housing

Staff are required to live on San Juan Island during the tenure of their employment. SJS/SJO will assist seasonal employees in finding summer housing by either renting a room to the employee in the company’s employee housing complexes or assisting in the process of finding a seasonal rental. SJS/SJO is dedicated to ensuring each seasonal staff member has a quality living situation during the duration of their employment.

Company Mission & Overview

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. 

San Juan Safaris and San Juan Outfitters are equal opportunity employers. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, veteran or disability status, or genetic information.