Purser
Lahaina, HI - USA
Job Summary
Are you great with people passionate about the environment and seeking a relaxed fun workplace and wish to be a part of something bigger Wed love to hear from you at PacWhale Eco-Adventures!
Position: Purser Seasonal Full Time Non-exempt
Location: On-site at Maalaea Harbor and/or Lahaina Harbor Maui HI
Pay: Starting at $16.20/hour based on skills/experience commission and tips
What We Offer:
- Competitive pay with potential earnings through commission sales and tips
- Comprehensive benefits including PTO health insurance and 401(k) for eligible employees
- Free ecotours
- A fun relaxed workplace environment
Role Overview:
The Purser reports directly to the Vessel Operations and Crew Manager. Working at the direction of the Captain and the Vessel Operations and Crew Manager the Purser is responsible for assisting in the safe navigation and proper operation of the vessel ensuring a safe environment for all passengers. The Purser is also responsible for the preparation display and serving of all food and beverage supply inventory management and replenishment and saleable item bank reconciliation and reporting. The Purser delivers high-quality service and other crew duties as needed to ensure an outstanding passenger experience. The ideal Purser is a genuine host at heart bringing the spirit of Hawaiian hospitality to every interaction - someone who makes guests feel welcomed and cared for and inspired to protect the place theyve just experienced.
Key Responsibilities:
- Learn and maintain working knowledge of vessel systems safety requirements and procedures; participate in vessel drills and comply with PWFs Substance Abuse Policy as required by the USCG.
- Ensure passenger safety through constant situational awareness lifeguarding and administering appropriate first aid.
- Handle lines assist with docking mooring and other essential crew duties.
- Ensure each passenger receives outstanding service by providing a friendly environment which includes greeting and acknowledging every person and exhibiting the utmost professionalism.
- Provide all food and beverage service in compliance with food handling safety standards.
- Maintain all food preparation and service areas through thorough cleaning sanitation and ensuring readiness for daily operations.
- Maintain vessel supplies through timely ordering.
- Perform daily maintenance and cleaning of vessel as assigned by Captain.
- Manage point-of-sale operations including processing and reconciling sales and ensure all sales equipment and technology are properly functioning maintained and ready for daily operations.
- Assist in a variety of duties including checking guests in for trips wrist banding signing waivers supply management and collection laundry and assisting with reservations questions as needed.
- Share the spirit of Hawaiian hospitality and a genuine passion for Maui creating a welcoming experience that inspires passengers to become advocates for protecting this place.
- Stay current on all PWF marine research conservation outreach and education programs and inspire passengers to take action.
- Attend dry dock.
- Other duties as assigned.
General Requirements:
- A genuine host at heart with natural warmth and a passion for sharing Hawaiian-style hospitality and Mauis spirit with every guest.
- Extensive hands-on experience in hospitality food and beverage service or guest-facing roles - in lieu of formal education.
- Working knowledge of Hawaiian hospitality traditions and the aloha spirit; may be gained through lived experience cultural practice or formal study.
- Familiarity with Native Hawaiian culture and place-based knowledge of Maui strongly preferred.
- Experience on the ocean and/or working on boats (preferred).
- Brings a can-do attitude and the flexibility of someone used to adapting to guests needs and the days changing conditions - able to shift gears quickly solve problems on the fly and keep the guest experience seamless.
- First Aid/CPR Lifeguard Oxygen and AED certifications Hawaii Food Handlers Certification and Maui Bar Card holder required within 3 months of hire.
- Lifeguarding experience (preferred).
Physical Requirements:
- Work long days (up to 12 hours) in hot/humid/wet environment aboard a moving vessel at sea.
- Bend and safely lift up to 35 lbs to a height of 3 feet and carry 30 feet.
- Team lift (with at least one other person) over 35 lbs.
- Ride on small transport vessel in rough bumpy seas; climb from small transport vessel onto main vessel in moving seas.
- Stand for extended periods on a moving vessel with periodic stepping/running/jumping
- Frequent bending and squatting.
- Climbing and crawling into/within/out of small spaces on the vessel.
- Lifting carrying throwing pulling coiling securing lines.
Why Join Us
This role sits at the heart of our mission to inspire and advance conservation for whales dolphins and the ocean.
Our core values include:
Embracing Reciprocal Responsibility (Kuleana) - We take responsibility for reciprocal interactions with the ocean the land the communities and each other and hold ourselves accountable for the outcomes of our actions.
Interact with Humility and Compassion (Aloha) - Through empathy integrity and mutual respect we create and nurture a culture of belonging and collaboration.
Persevere with Wisdom and Creativity (Hoomau) - We persevere with innovation guided by the pursuit of knowledge to uplift our communities and protect the ocean for generations to come.
Pacific Whale Foundation is an equal opportunity employer.
Pacific Whale Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to the principles of equal employment opportunity and comply with all applicable federal state and local laws. We do not discriminate on the basis of race color religion sex sexual orientation gender identity or expression age national origin ancestry disability genetic information marital status arrest and court record domestic or sexual violence victim status reproductive health decision-making credit history or any other protected category under federal state or local law.
We welcome and encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds and are committed to fostering an inclusive respectful and equitable workplace.
If you require reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process please contact us at .
All applicants are subject to a background check and pre-employment drug testing and must be able to comply with DOT/USCG random drug testing requirements. Within 30 days of employment must obtain CPR/First Aid certification oxygen/AED certification lifeguard certification Hawaii bar card and TB clearance..