Yurt Marine Naturalist
The Marine Naturalist will work out of the Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies’ Yurt on the Spit at the Homer Harbor. Primary responsibilities will be scheduling, planning, and leading full-day Sea to Tree Tours (~7 hours) and boat-based Living Ocean Tours (3-4 hours) with visitors of all ages. These tours are offered Thursday-Monday*, for groups of 2-9 people. Program structure is well-developed and supported, but provides opportunities for creativity and flexibility. As the program schedule requires, they will also lead one hour Creatures of the Dock Tours in the Homer Harbor, and occasionally assist with youth programs based out of the Yurt/Harbor, such as SPIT Kids and Day Camp activities at the beach. The Naturalist will greet visitors, answer questions, help them with bookings, and encourage people to explore Kachemak Bay through tours, activities, and CACS events.
*External factors such as weather or trends in tourism may affect the frequency of these tours.
This position reports to the Yurt Coordinator and PBFS Coordinator.
Position runs from May 26 – September 1, 2026 (end date negotiable).
Pay is $19.00/hour with shared housing provided ($22.00/hour without housing)
Core Duties:
Lead engaging and informative Living Ocean Tours for visitors of all ages. Communicate clearly with boat captains, oyster farmers, Peterson Bay Field Station staff, and guests to facilitate the tour schedule.
Lead engaging and informative Peterson Bay Day Tours for visitors of all ages, including guided exploration of terrestrial and marine coastal ecosystems. Communicate clearly with boat captains, Peterson Bay Field Station staff and guests to facilitate the tour schedule.
Lead daily Creatures of the Dock Tours (hands-on exploration of organisms living in the harbor) for visitors of all ages as tour schedule requires. Adjust tours to fit the interests, needs, and/or abilities of the group and the day’s weather.
Ensure safety of visitors while on tours and set group guidelines that are respectful of the other individuals working at the Homer Harbor.
Additional Duties:
Perform front-facing customer service duties including but not limited to: Collecting program fees, answering questions, performing basic administrative tasks, and selling promotional items. Represent Coastal Studies to the public in a professional and friendly manner.
Provide photos, stories, and participant testimonials for advertising and grant reporting. Opportunity to help develop social media posts and marketing materials.
Assist with weekly SPIT Kids (ages 6-10) program once a week. Assist with other youth programs as scheduled, including CACS Day Camp (ages 7-9).
Maintain CACS program supplies and perform daily/weekly cleaning of the Yurt.
We are a staff that works as a team and adapts to our communities’ needs; therefore this position may work on additional programs and duties as mutually agreed upon.
Training & Mentorship:
Required participation in paid naturalist training at the Peterson Bay Field Station and Homer at the start of the summer, which will include training on natural sciences, interpretation, and the cultures of Kachemak Bay. Additional opportunities offered throughout the summer for paid professional development in specific areas related to your work.
Qualifications:
First Aid/CPR Certification required.
Knowledge of—or strong interest in learning more about—basic intertidal and marine ecology, oceanography, and history and culture of the Homer area.
Ability to work both collaboratively and independently, particularly in organizing and planning tours. Working collaboratively includes skills for providing and receiving feedback.
Strong communication skills, including the ability to communicate clearly with co-workers, boat captains, and tour partners, communicate science concepts in an age-appropriate way, and make visitors feel welcome in unfamiliar environments.
Good organizational skills and ability to keep track of multiple tasks and responsibilities.
Experience or demonstrated desire to facilitate experiential, place-based, fun, and inclusive learning experiences for all ages.
Willingness to learn on the job and adapt to changing circumstances (such as weather, group needs, etc.)
Commitment to CACS’s work towards justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion in our programs. Dedication to our vision of healthy ecosystems, engaged and connected communities, and inspired environmental stewards.
Demonstrated good judgment and risk management experience in dynamic outdoor settings.
Valid drivers license preferred.
We’ve left our list of desired qualifications flexible in recognition of the many forms of knowledge and experience that can exist both within and outside of typical employment or academic pathways. If you are passionate about the work and think you could do it well, please apply!
Our application form will ask for a 1-page résumé, a 1-page cover letter describing your desire to work with Coastal Studies as an organization, and a short-answer question asking you to describe your interest in the specific position. If you have questions about our application process, please navigate back to our Employment page and explore the FAQ.
