Rail Operations Department consist of four two-story dome rail cars known as the “Wilderness Express”. We operate on the Denali Star Route attached to the Alaska Railroad locomotives and passenger cars traveling 350 miles between Anchorage and Fairbanks during the summer season (May-September). Our goal is to provide guests with first-class service while they travel on their scenic rail adventure through The Last Frontier. We are looking for hard-working, positive, and reliable applicants to join our team!
Position Summary – Rail Host Guide
The Rail Host Guide provides our guests a fully escorted tour while traveling on-board the Wilderness Express from the moment they approach our rail cars until they disembark at their destination. This job has two main functions, first being a “Host” and second a “Guide”. As the “Host” on-board they are responsible for seating guests in the dining room and helping to control the flow of each meal service, assisting with the operation of the elevator, while also finding time to assist guests with purchasing items from the gift shop. As a “Guide” they utilize a microphone to greet guests, inform them of important safety and operational procedures, then provide narration throughout the trip. Commentary given by Host guides includes everything from history of the area, information regarding plants and animals native to Alaska, interesting facts about the places and people of Alaska, as well as sharing fun jokes and stories about The Last Frontier. The Host Guide is involved in nearly all functions on-board and must maintain clear communication with other team members to successfully provide our guests with an enjoyable and unforgettable experience that is often the highlight of their trip! This position is demanding however it provides one of the best “office views” that you will ever have!
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Primary responsibilities of the Rail Host Guide include but are not limited to:
- Provide narration to groups of up to 80 guests on a broad range of Alaskan topics
- Educate guests on train safety and protocol
- Coordinate seating of guests in the dining room throughout meal services.
- Assist with bar service upstairs; delivering drinks, collecting empty glasses, restocking bar items, and completing sales transactions.
- Communicate with crew members about expected number of guests eating, special needs of guests, and estimated arrival times at depots.
- Advertise and sell gift shop items specifically related to the train experience.
- Promote teamwork and positive relationships with crew members, railroad personnel, and Tour
- Directors that accompany their guests on-board.
- Assist with additional duties as needed.
Minimum Qualifications
Candidates for the Rail Host Guide position must meet the following criteria in order to be considered as an applicant:
- 21 years of age prior to beginning of season
- Be a U.S. citizen or show proof of eligibility to work in the U.S
- Be able to work a FULL season (May-mid Sept)
- Be able to lift a minimum of 35 lbs
- Complete courses to obtain valid Anchorage Food Worker Card and Training for Alcohol Professionals Card (assistance provided by Wilderness Express).
- Able to complete 14 hour shifts spending a majority of time on your feet
- Comfortable and professional while presenting information to a diverse audience
- Previous Alaska experience preferre