Job Title: Flathead Lake Boat Tour Operator & Guide
Location: Flathead Lake, Montana - Polson, Montana
Position Type: 1099 Independent Contractor (Flexible Hours), Potential Part Time/Full Time
Timeframe: Operation from June to September 2025.
*If your resume does not show boating experience or credentials, please include a short cover letter outlining your boating experience and why you’d be an ideal fit for the position. Thanks!
Job Description:
We are seeking highly skilled, experienced, and personable boat operators for an exciting opportunity to guide private boat tours on the beautiful Flathead Lake. As a Boat Tour Operator & Guide, you will be responsible for navigating the boat in sometimes challenging environments (marinas, lake chop, etc), ensuring the safety of all passengers, and providing an engaging, informative, and enjoyable experience. This position is ideal for individuals who enjoy working outdoors, have a passion for boating, and excel at customer service.
Key Responsibilities:
- Safely operate boats on Flathead Lake, including in potentially challenging environments, ensuring safe navigation at all times.
- Lead informative and engaging boat tours, sharing insights about the local area, wildlife, and history of Flathead Lake with passengers.
- Provide exceptional customer service, addressing passenger needs and questions to enhance their tour experience.
- Ensure the boat is properly maintained, cleaned, and stocked for each tour (with the assistance of the owner/manager).
- Monitor weather and water conditions to ensure the safety of passengers and the boat.
- Assist passengers with boarding and disembarking from the boat.
- Manage tour schedules and timing, keeping a smooth and efficient flow of operations.
- Ensure compliance with all safety regulations and boating laws.
Required Qualifications:
- Extensive experience operating boats. Experience on Flathead Lake is ideal but not required.
- Strong understanding of boating safety protocols, regulations, and emergency procedures.
- Ability to navigate Flathead Lake safely and efficiently.
- Outstanding communication skills and the ability to interact with a wide variety of people.
- Experience in customer service, with a positive, friendly, and professional demeanor.
- Ability to work independently and manage schedules to ensure smooth daily operation.
- Current CPR and First Aid certification. Can be completed after hire, but before first day.
- Current Boating License (State). Further education preferred, but not required with experience.
- Ability to lift and move up to 50 lbs.
Additional Information:
- Pay Structure: Base pay starts at $25 per hour, but with tips, the average rate is approximately $50 per hour, with potential to exceed $75 per hour depending on the tour.
- Hours: Flexible, ranging from 2 to 20 hours per week, with an average of 10+ hours per week. Work is available at the contractor's convenience.
- 1099 Independent Contractor Status: This is a 1099 position, offering significant flexibility in scheduling.
- Potential for Full-Time: For the right candidate, there is an opportunity to transition into a full-time position.
- Boat Information: We operate on a 21ft Tritoon/Pontoon, equipped with a 115 hp outboard. Easy to operate and maneuverable while offering excellent stability.
Why Join Us?
- Flexible hours with the ability to choose work based on your availability.
- A supportive, friendly environment with a focus on providing top-tier experiences for visitors to Flathead Lake.
- A fantastic opportunity to earn a competitive wage, with a high potential for tips.
- The chance to work in one of the most beautiful outdoor settings in Montana.
- As a tour operator myself, I can guarantee you'll meet amazing people and have awesome conversations. I have developed lasting relationships with folks that have joined for tours.
How to Apply:
Please submit your resume and a brief cover letter outlining your boating experience and why you’d be an ideal fit for the position. We look forward to hearing from you!
Flathead Lake Boat Tours is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
Job Types: Part-time, Contract, Temporary
Pay: From $25.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Flexible schedule
- Relocation assistance
Work Location: In person
