Whale Watching Guide | Naturalist
Come and join one of the world's leading responsible whale watching companies. Learn more about our environmental work, sustainable development, cetacean research and anti-whaling work by visiting our web and social media sites.
Naturalist opportunities are available at two of our companies, a great opportunity to gain further training and experience on your presentation, customer service and species identification skills.
Elding Whale Watching Reykjavik - www.elding.is
Reykjavik is the Capital City situated in South West Iceland. The main species encountered are: humpback and minke whales, white-beaked dolphins and harbour porpoises. Naturalists will be guiding with a sound system on a variety of vessels with passenger capacities of upto 200. Shifts are set up on a 2-2-3 work day system, switching between guiding and working behind the onboard cafeteria.
Most guides are needed for the high season (May - August), Some positions available earlier and winter season positions may also be available. English is the main language spoken on our tours but bilingual guides are an advantage.
Whale Safari - www.whalesafari.is
Whale Safari is also situated in the Capital City of Reykjavik, operating on smaller rigid inflatable boats (RIBS) with capacities of 12 passengers on suspension seating. Guiding is performed one to one with more of a personal touch. Guides need to be physically fit, sociable and knowledgeable, they also need to be willing to help out in the ticket office and other areas of operation if tours are cancelled.
At least 5 naturalists are needed for the high season, June - August. The operation season is between mid April to the end of October thus some positions are needed to be filled earlier and after the high season also. English is the main language spoken on these tours.
MUST HAVE BEFORE ARRIVAL
• Passport from an EEA or Schengen country or Icelandic ID number (Kennitala).
• STCW95/10 A-VI/1 Basic Safety Training (5 day training that include: Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities, Personal Survival Techniques, Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting and First Aid)
• STCW95/10 A-V/2 Crowd and Crisis Management (2 day training).
This is mandatory to have in Iceland by the Icelandic Transport Authority. However, not necessary for the application stage.
IMPORTANT/DESIRABLE
• A strong interest and knowledge in marine science specifically cetaceans and birds.
• A good knowledge of conservation issues related to marine life.
• Confidence to narrate and interact with others.
• Must be a quick learner, adaptive, hard working, outgoing, teamplayer and generally a very positive person (finding beauty in the little things)
• Be able to work calmly and politely under pressure and sometimes in stressful situations.
• Not easily susceptible to seasickness
• Good spotting skills.
• Photography skills are highly desirable.
• Willingness to work long hours outdoors in unfavorable weather.
• Sailing experience and rope skills are desirable.
ELDING’S RESEARCH - www.eldingresearch.com
Since 2007, Elding’s guides and interns have been researching the cetaceans we encounter on our tours to better our understanding. By joining us you would get some training in our research and aid us in the photo identification and matching of the individuals we encounter. Some individuals are seen annually for 14 years. Our celebrity whales and dolphins. Come and get to know them too.
HOW TO APPLY:
Please send your C.V. indicating languages, copies of your STCW certifications, education, experience and details for at least 2 references. C.V. should not be more than 2 pages.
Please send it to Megan Whittaker (megan@elding.is) by 20th February. Interviews taken at the beginning of March.