Job Title: Guest Services Specialist
Location: Detroit River / Detroit Riverwalk
Season: Late April through September
Part-time, seasonal
Weekend, evening, and holiday availability required
Position Overview
Detroit Charter Company is seeking an enthusiastic, professional, and customer-focused Guest Services Specialist to serve as the first point of contact for guests visiting our Detroit Riverwalk location.
Based at our Riverwalk ticket booth, this role is responsible for welcoming guests, answering questions about our sailing experiences, assisting with reservations, selling public charters and retail merchandise, and ensuring every guest receives exceptional service from their very first interaction.
Beyond assisting existing guests, the Guest Services Specialist will actively engage with Riverwalk visitors, introduce them to Detroit Charter Company's experiences, and help convert interest into memorable adventures on the water.
The ideal candidate is outgoing, enjoys meeting new people, is comfortable initiating conversations with the public, and takes pride in creating exceptional guest experiences.
Core Responsibilities
Guest Services
- Welcome guests visiting the Detroit Charter Company ticket booth.
- Proactively engage with Riverwalk visitors and introduce them to Detroit Charter Company's sailing experiences.
- Answer questions regarding sailing experiences, schedules, pricing, special events, and Detroit waterfront attractions.
- Recommend experiences based on each guest's interests.
- Deliver a professional, friendly, and knowledgeable first impression of Detroit Charter Company.
- Build genuine conversations with prospective guests and confidently convert inquiries into reservations whenever possible.
Ticketing & Reservations
- Sell public sailing experiences using RocketRez.
- Process reservations, modifications, and guest check-ins.
- Assist guests with waivers and reservation questions.
- Process customer transactions using the point-of-sale system.
- Maintain accurate reservations and guest records.
- Actively contribute to ticket sales by engaging guests and recommending Detroit Charter Company experiences.
Retail & Merchandising
- Sell Detroit Charter Company apparel and merchandise.
- Maintain organized and attractive retail displays.
- Restock merchandise and assist with inventory counts.
- Keep merchandise areas clean, organized, and guest ready.
Waterfront Operations
- Assist guests with directions to boarding locations.
- Communicate with captains and crew regarding guest arrivals when needed.
- Assist with opening and closing the ticket booth each day.
- Keep the ticket booth, surrounding guest area, and promotional displays clean, organized, and inviting throughout the day.
Qualifications
- Previous customer service experience required.
- Previous experience using a point-of-sale system and processing customer transactions.
- Comfortable learning reservation software (RocketRez experience is a plus).
- Comfortable using computers, tablets, and web-based software throughout the workday.
- Excellent verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Comfortable working outdoors in varying weather conditions.
- Reliable, punctual, and able to work independently.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in hospitality, tourism, attractions, guest services, retail, or event operations.
- Previous sales experience or experience recommending products or services to customers.
- Experience using reservation or ticketing software.
- Interest in Detroit, the Detroit River, local attractions, or the boating community.
- Ability to remain calm and provide excellent service during busy periods.
Work Schedule
- Seasonal position operating throughout the summer season.
- Weekend, evening, and holiday availability required.
- Schedules vary based on charter demand, special events, and weather.
Compensation
- Compensation is $15–$20 per hour, based on experience.
- Complimentary Detroit Charter Company sailing experiences may be available based on scheduling and operational availability.
- Employee discounts on Detroit Charter Company merchandise.
Professional Standards
This is a uniformed, guest-facing position and often serves as a visitor's first interaction with Detroit Charter Company.
Team members are expected to maintain a clean, professional appearance while providing exceptional hospitality and representing the company with enthusiasm, courtesy, and professionalism at all times.
Employment Status
- Seasonal, at-will employment.
- Employment contingent upon completion of onboarding paperwork and training.
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Temporary, Seasonal
Pay: $15.00 - $20.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Flexible schedule
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
Application Question(s):
- Do you have previous customer service experience?
- Do you have experience operating a point-of-sale (POS) system?
- Have you previously worked in hospitality, tourism, retail, or guest services?
- Are you comfortable working outdoors throughout the summer season?
- Are you available to work weekends, evenings, and holidays?
- Have you ever used reservation software such as RocketRez, FareHarbor, or a similar booking platform?
- Describe how you would approach someone walking past our ticket booth who seems interested in our boats but hasn't stopped to ask a question.
- What interests you about working for Detroit Charter Company?
Experience:
- Hospitality: 1 year (Preferred)
Shift availability:
- Day Shift (Preferred)
- Night Shift (Preferred)
Ability to Commute:
- Detroit, MI 48226 (Required)
Work Location: In person
