Deckhand
Reports to: Captain
Summary
The Deckhand plays a key role in delivering exceptional customer service, maintaining a safe and clean vessel, and supporting daily operations. Reporting directly to the Captain, the Deckhand ensures guest satisfaction, vessel readiness, and assists in emergency procedures and operational troubleshooting.
San Diego Whale Watch is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Reasonable accommodations will be made for qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions. This job description is not exhaustive and may be updated by management as needed to reflect company needs.
Qualifications
- High school diploma or GED
- CPR/First Aid certification preferred
- Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs
- Must pass pre-employment and random drug testing per SDWW policy
Skills & Attributes
- Passion for customer service and positive guest experiences
- Strong communication and people skills
- Dependable, friendly, enthusiastic, and team-oriented
- Organized, proactive, and self-motivated
- Able to work flexible hours, including weekends and holidays
- Willingness to learn and take feedback constructively
- Committed to a clean, professional appearance per company dress code
Essential Responsibilities
Customer Service Excellence:
- Provide outstanding guest interactions from boarding to disembarkation
- Greet passengers warmly and engage in friendly, informative small talk
- Assist seasick passengers with empathy and professionalism
- Answer passenger questions about marine life, the tour, and vessel operations
- Be an enthusiastic ambassador of San Diego Whale Watch
- Communicate guest feedback to management, along with suggested solutions
Safety & Emergency Readiness:
- Maintain situational awareness and ensure passenger safety at all times
- Assist with crowd control, boarding, and disembarking
- Demonstrate proficiency in vessel safety drills and emergency procedures
- Respond quickly and effectively in emergency scenarios
- Pass the Skills Test within the first two weeks of employment (line tying, emergency response, fire
system, etc.)
Vessel Cleanliness & Maintenance:
- Ensure the vessel is clean and presentable at all times
- Clean railings, seats, mats, walkways, and restrooms
- Perform regular hourly restroom checks
- Hose down surfaces and prepare the boat for the next cruise
- Remove trash during and after each trip
Operational Support:
- Assist the Captain in monitoring vessel systems and basic troubleshooting
- Tie and untie lines properly
- Learn and assist with basic wildlife education for guests
- Support other team members once primary duties are complete
- Take initiative in identifying and resolving minor issues or alerting the Captain with a solution
- Assist with maintenance tasks as needed