ISPL

Lead Bear Safety

Icy Strait Point LLC

place Hoonah, 99829

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Telehealth, Hybrid (Remote and Onsite)

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Other Behavioral, Mental, or Healthcare Field

BEAR SAFETY LEAD

Position Title: Lead Bear Safety Officer

Location: Icy Strait Point, Hoonah, Alaska
Reports To: Tour Operations Manager
Category: Seasonal | Non-Exempt

Salary Range: (DOE)

Position Summary

The Lead Bear Safety Officer is responsible for ensuring the safety of guests and staff during excursions conducted in bear country. This role accompanies guides and guests on tours, maintains constant situational awareness for wildlife activity, and implements bear deterrence and response protocols when necessary. The Lead Bear Safety Officer carries deterrence tools and a firearm as a last-resort safety measure and is expected to demonstrate exceptional judgment, discipline, and professionalism at all times. This position also serves as a leader and trainer for tour crews, fostering a strong culture of safety, preparedness, and teamwork in remote and challenging environments.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Accompany guides and guests on excursions conducted in bear country, maintaining continuous vigilance for bear activity.Monitor guest behavior and positioning to ensure safety protocols are followed at all times.Implement bear deterrence techniques to prevent unsafe wildlife encounters.Carry and, if necessary, safely deploy a firearm as a last-resort measure when deterrence efforts are unsuccessful and human life is at risk.Demonstrate consistent safe firearm handling, storage, and operational practices.Carry a large first aid kit into bear country and provide first aid and first responder services as needed.Serve as the primary on-site safety authority during tours and field operations.Train, mentor, and lead guides and tour crew members on bear safety procedures, situational awareness, and emergency response.Model calm, professional decision-making under pressure and in emergency situations.Complete and document safety briefings, incident reports, and post-tour debriefs as required.Support the development of a positive, safety-focused work environment.Other duties as assigned to support safe tour operations.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

Ability to carry up to 50 lbs, including safety equipment and first aid supplies.Ability to hike a minimum of 5 miles per day on uneven terrain.Ability to stand and remain alert for extended periods throughout the day.Excellent vision, depth perception, and situational awareness required.Work performed outdoors in all weather conditions, including rain, cold, and variable coastal environments.Long workdays in remote locations without immediate access to medical services or facilities.Exposure to wildlife, rugged terrain, and environmental hazards.

Qualifications

Demonstrated experience working in bear country or remote wilderness environments.Proven competency in bear deterrence methods and wildlife safety protocols.Excellent firearm proficiency, accuracy, and strict adherence to safe firearm practices.Ability to successfully complete and demonstrate competency through required firearm and safety evaluations.Current First Aid and CPR certification required; Wilderness First Responder (WFR) or higher strongly preferred.Strong leadership, communication, and training skills.Ability to remain calm, decisive, and professional in high-stress situations.Must meet all legal requirements for carrying and operating a firearm.

Icy Strait Point is a Native-owned and operated enterprise and offers Native Preference under P.O. 93-638. Applicants must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States.