Reindeer Handler & Guide

Adventures

Reindeer Handler & Guide

$20.00 / hour + tips

Fairbanks

The Reindeer Handler is responsible for the daily care, training, and handling of the reindeer herd while supporting guest-facing activity experiences. This role combines animal care with guest engagement to deliver safe, informative, and memorable experiences.

Success in this role requires strong situational awareness, comfort working outdoors in extreme conditions, and the ability to interact confidently and professionally with guests.

All Adventures Team staff work a rotating schedule providing coverage at the Adventure Desk approximately 1 day per week.

Adventure Desk Duties: Greet guests as they enter the adventure center, check them in and ensure all applicable waivers are signed, outfit guests into proper fitting gear, sanitize gear as it is returned, sell merchandise and tours from the adventure desk, clean desk, and maintain a tidy building for guests, communicate accurate availability for all tours to guests.

Key Responsibilities

Care for reindeer herd, including feeding, cleaning, and maintaining enclosures

Build and maintain trust-based relationships with animals through daily handling and training

Assist with veterinary care and monitor the health and well-being of the herd

Maintain cleanliness and organization of livestock areas and facilities

Track and manage inventory of feed, supplies, and equipment

Lead engaging and educational guest tours involving reindeer

Provide accurate information about reindeer, Alaskan wildlife, and local environment

Assist with activities desk operations as needed

Support additional operations and perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Prior experience working with livestock or reindeer required

Ability to obtain Wilderness First Responder certification (

Company sponsored training available in early August

)

Ability to communicate confidently and engage with guests

Ability to safely operate an ATV or snowmobile

High school diploma or equivalent preferred

High level of situational awareness and safety mindset

Willingness to work in outdoor Arctic conditions daily

Preferred Skills

Knowledge of Alaskan wildlife, environment, and history

Experience in guiding or leading tours

Strong interpersonal and storytelling skills

Experience in remote or seasonal environments

Ability to multitask between animal care and guest service responsibilities

Physical Demands

Ability to stand and work on feet for extended periods (up to 8 hours)

Ability to navigate uneven terrain in low-light conditions

Ability to work in extreme weather conditions, including Arctic cold

Ability to lift, carry, and position up to 50 lbs

Ability to safely handle animals and operate motorized equipment

Compensation & Benefits

End-of-Season Bonus

A $1.50 per hour bonus is paid for every hour worked throughout the season to employees who complete the full season. Employees who leave prior to April 12 are not eligible for this bonus.

Employee Housing

On-site housing is available for $10.50 per day. Rooms are double or triple occupancy. Amenities include shared common areas with TV, Wi-Fi, dining space, and an exercise area.

Housing also includes private bathrooms, laundry facilities, staff-prepared lunch and dinner, and a self-serve continental breakfast (oatmeal, cereal, fruit, etc.).

Pre-Employment Requirements

Borealis Basecamp is committed to maintaining a safe and professional work environment. All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check conducted by a third-party provider.

Employees may be subject to drug testing conducted by a third-party provider, including pre-employment, random, reasonable suspicion, and post-incident testing, in accordance with company policy and applicable law.

Reports To:

Adventures Manager

Employment Type:

Full-time Seasonal

Season Start Date:

August 2

Season End Date:

April 12

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