Aurora Tour Guide & Photographer Job at Borealis Basecamp in Fairbanks

BenefitsEmployee discountsHealth insuranceAbout Borealis BasecampBorealis Basecamp is a northern lights-focused adventure resort in Fairbanks, AK. We provide a unique experience with sky-view igloos for viewing the aurora from the comfort of your bed.Borealis Basecamp is part of Stellar Collection, a group of leading travel and tourism companies in Alaska. All brands under Stellar Collection share a purpose of creating lifelong memories. We are driven by a passion for sharing the wonder of Alaska with our guests and delivering outstanding customer experiences. We look for opportunities to exceed expectations and provide our guests with memories that they will tell their friends and family about and remember for the rest of their lives.Position DetailsJob Title: Aurora Tour Guide and PhotographerLocation: Borealis Basecamp – Fairbanks, AKDepartment: AdventuresReports To: Adventures ManagerEmployment Type: Full-time SeasonalSeason Start Date: August 2Season End Date: April 12Job SummaryThe Aurora Tour Guide is responsible for leading off-road aurora viewing tours and/or nightly aurora portrait experiences for guests. You will also share the responsibility of giving a nightly Aurora Borealis presentation with the other photographers throughout the week. This role focuses on capturing high-quality guest photos under the northern lights while delivering an engaging and memorable experience.Guides are expected to confidently interact with guests, provide direction for posing, monitor and have a strong understanding of aurora activity, and deliver professionally edited photos following each session. This role requires a strong balance of photography expertise and guest service skills.This role will also be responsible for leading Aurora Viewing Tours in Borealis Basecamp’s customized Toyota Tundra Arctic Truck. You will greet guests and ensure they are appropriately geared up for the experience, give a safety briefing and overview of the tour experience, and operate the truck to safely get guests to the aurora viewing dome. Where you will entertain guests and take professional quality photos to be delivered to them following the tour. All team members at Borealis Basecamp are expected to maintain a team-first mindset, assist across departments when needed, and engage comfortably with guests from around the world.Key ResponsibilitiesProfessional delivery of an established Aurora Borealis presentation, grounded in science, on a nightly basisLead nightly aurora viewing and photography sessions for small groupsMonitor aurora activity and adjust timing and locations to optimize viewing and photo opportunitiesStage guests on igloo decks, near the arctic truck or at the aurora dome and provide direction for posing and positioningCapture high-quality aurora portraits using professional camera equipmentEdit photos promptly and deliver completed images to guests using designated software systemsCommunicate clearly and professionally with guests throughout the experienceEnsure a positive, engaging, and memorable guest experienceMaintain photography equipment and ensure proper care and storageSupport additional operations and perform other duties as assignedQualificationsPrior photography experience required; professional experience preferredProficiency operating DSLR cameras, tripods, flashes, and multiple lensesExperience with photo editing software and basic computer systemsValid driver’s license and ability to qualify for for-hire commercial insurance coverage (clean driving record and >26 years old)Ability to obtain Wilderness First Responder certification. (Training offered in early August)Strong verbal and written communication skillsAbility to work evening and overnight shifts (typically 5–6 days per week)Ability to stand and remain active for extended periods (up to 8 hours)Ability to safely operate off-road vehicles, snowmobiles and UTVsPreferred SkillsExperience in portrait or low-lightight photographyKnowledge of astrotourism, the Aurora Borealis, night skyStrong guest service and interpersonal skillsCreative eye for composition, lighting, and guest presentationExperience working in tourism, hospitality, or remote environmentsAbility to multitask and adapt in dynamic outdoor conditionsExperience guidingPhysical DemandsAbility to navigate uneven terrain in low-light conditionsAbility to work in extreme weather conditions, including Arctic coldAbility to stand and work outdoors for extended periodsAbility to safely handle and transport photography equipmentCompensation & BenefitsEnd-of-Season BonusA $1.50 per hour bonus is paid for every hour worked throughout the season to employees who complete the full season. Employees who leave prior to April 12 are not eligible for this bonus.Employee HousingOn-site housing is available for $10.50 per day. Rooms are double or triple occupancy. Amenities include shared common areas with TV, Wi‑Fi, dining space, and an exercise area.Housing also includes private bathrooms, laundry facilities, staff‑prepared lunch and dinner, and a self‑serve continental breakfast (oatmeal, cereal, fruit, etc.).Pre‑Employment RequirementsBorealis Basecamp is committed to maintaining a safe and professional work environment. All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check conducted by a third‑party provider.Employees may be subject to drug testing conducted by a third‑party provider, including pre‑employment, random, reasonable suspicion, and post‑incident testing, in accordance with company policy and applicable law.#J-18808-Ljbffr