Aurora Tour Guide & Photographer

Borealis Basecamp•Fairbanks, AK

9d•$20•Onsite

About The Position

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.

Requirements

Prior photography experience required; professional experience preferred
Proficiency operating DSLR cameras, tripods, flashes, and multiple lenses
Experience with photo editing software and basic computer systems
Valid 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 skills
Ability 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 UTVs

Nice To Haves

Experience in portrait or low-light/night photography
Knowledge of astrotourism, the Aurora Borealis, night sky
Strong guest service and interpersonal skills
Creative eye for composition, lighting, and guest presentation
Experience working in tourism, hospitality, or remote environments
Ability to multitask and adapt in dynamic outdoor conditions
Experience guiding

Responsibilities

Professional delivery of an established Aurora Borealis presentation, grounded in science, on a nightly basis
Lead nightly aurora viewing and photography sessions for small groups
Monitor aurora activity and adjust timing and locations to optimize viewing and photo opportunities
Stage guests on igloo decks, near the arctic truck or at the aurora dome and provide direction for posing and positioning
Capture high-quality aurora portraits using professional camera equipment
Edit photos promptly and deliver completed images to guests using designated software systems
Communicate clearly and professionally with guests throughout the experience
Ensure a positive, engaging, and memorable guest experience
Maintain photography equipment and ensure proper care and storage
Support additional operations and perform other duties as assigned