Shoreline Sightseeing is a family-owned company that has been around since 1939! We dedicate ourselves to the growth and development of both the company and our employees. We are currently the largest fleet in Chicago, with 11 touring vessels divided between our Lake and River Department. Additionally, we have 6 water taxis available to transport you to your desired destinations.
Just something about working outside in a lively environment makes the job that much more enjoyable! Who doesn’t like to be outside on a nice summer day!
This job is great for high school students who have free time on their days off or weekends. This opportunity is also great for college students who are on summer break. Also ideal for anyone looking for a unique experience outside the typical office job.
We are now in our 83rd season and have expanded immensely since the start! Therefore we are currently accepting applicants for three positions: captains, deckhand, and sales team members. Whether you are looking for a part-time or full-time position we have both.
Deckhands
We need deckhands for boat tours this summer. If you enjoy working on boats, this position is perfect for you! We encourage applicants who have no relevant boating experience, and we will teach you everything you need to know! If you do have experience and or would like to gain sea time in hopes to become a captain, do apply!
Some of the daily deckhand jobs include assisting the captain in whatever he or she may need help with or ask of. Morning and closing duties will consist of clean up and during the day sweeps of the vessel after each tour. A huge part of the job is to ensure a safe environment and maintaining passengers.
The deckhands report to his or her senior and or the Captain on duty. The company brings on each new hire and trains them for a period of time. After training, you will learn safety rules, how to check the engine room, handle lines, and be a good crew member!
To qualify for the deckhand position, you need to be a U.S. Citizen. You also have to pass a pre-employment and random drug tests as required by U.S. Coast Guard rules.
Captains
We are always accepting applications for licensed Captains! In this role you are held responsible for safely navigating the vessel on Lake Michigan and the Chicago River.
Training will take place to familiarize yourself with a new vessel, procedures, and knowing of all equipment and its location. As a captain, you have a crew that looks up to you as the vessel security officer.
Sales Team Members
If you’re prone to getting sea sick or just don’t like being on a boat, this is the better position for you. This position is on land and physical as you are on your feet for long periods and walking a short distance to different locations. You are the first face that customers see and greet them. Maintaining a positive attitude while conversating is important to create a pleasant experience for the customer.
Same availability specifics goes for the sales team as the deckhands. Summer brings in a lot of foot traffic for Navy Pier and our company, so we require some weekend availability.
Some of your daily tasks would include creating a welcoming environment to allow for questions and answers that customers might have.
Greeters should know about Shoreline and have general knowledge of Chicago which will come in hand. Giving directions to customers, what time boarding starts, what beverages and snacks are available on board for purchase, etc.
What Comes Next After Applying
If you are interested and have applied successfully, we are excited to look over your application! Feel free to have any questions or concerns ready for your interview, we would be more than happy to answer those for you.
Keep an eye out for an email from our recruiting specialist. They will be in contact with the email you have provided in the application. From there they will provide a day and time to set up for an in person interview! Prepare for only one round of interviews.
As a reminder, you will not be thrown out by yourself right off the bat! Every new hire must go through the training that we provide. This is to ensure we give you the knowledge to succeed for yourself and the customers, also what to expect!
