Photo Specialist Guide
Since 1987, Frontiers North Adventures has hosted guests in and around the subarctic community of Churchill, Manitoba to dine beneath the northern lights, drift amongst beluga whales, and lock eyes with wild polar bears. As a Certified B Corporation™, our guiding foundation is our unwavering passion for Canada’s North — its extraordinary wildlife, wide-open landscapes, and the remarkable people and their customs.
Frontiers North Inc. (Frontiers North) is comprised of two business units: Frontiers North Adventures and Frontiers North Hospitality. In addition to our tours and activities we operate restaurants, accommodations, and a retail store in Churchill, Manitoba and our corporate head office is in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Our team is united by a shared vision of stewardship, ensuring we leave a positive impact on the people and environments we serve while delivering world-class experiences. Together, we are hosts.
We are currently recruiting versatile, adventure seeking Photo Specialist Guide for term position in Northern Lights Season!
JOB SUMMARY
The Photo Specialist Guide delivers exceptional experiences to Frontiers North Adventures’ guests by providing expert guidance on photography techniques and equipment while fostering an appreciation for Churchill’s unique landscapes, wildlife, and cultural heritage. This role combines the interpretive duties of leading tours and offering educational commentary with specialized instruction for guests interested in photography. The position requires adaptability to subarctic climates, ensuring safety, promoting sustainability, and contributing to reconciliation efforts with Indigenous communities.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Guest Experience, Education, and Photography Guidance
- Conduct and facilitate group meet-and-greets, creating a welcoming and informative atmosphere.
- Provide engaging commentary on Churchill's wildlife, landscapes, and Indigenous cultures, fostering a deeper appreciation for the area.
- Deliver professional instruction in wildlife and landscape photography, covering camera settings, composition, lighting, and advanced techniques tailored to various skill levels.
- Assist guests in using and troubleshooting photography equipment, ensuring they capture unique moments effectively.
- Accompany guests throughout their itineraries, including flights, train rides, Tundra Buggy® tours, and other scheduled activities.
- Provide spontaneous opportunities for unique experiences, such as northern lights viewings.
- Promote Frontiers North Adventures’ values of sustainability and reconciliation while fostering meaningful relationships with Indigenous communities.
- Collaborate with Polar Bears International (PBI) to educate guests on polar bear conservation and their sea ice habitat, using photography as an educational tool.
Photography Asset Management and Content Contribution
- Capture high-quality photographs for company use, including marketing and social media purposes.
- Assist guests in uploading, editing, and sharing photos, ensuring privacy and quality standards.
- Conduct post-tour follow-ups with guests to share images and maintain engagement.
Logistics and Collaborative Operations
- Follow standard operating procedures to maintain consistency and deliver high-quality guest experiences.
- Ensure all guests complete required documentation and waiver forms.
- Coordinate with Frontiers North Hospitality and other Churchill restaurateurs for group meal reservations and efficient service.
- Oversee luggage transfers and manage itinerary adjustments based on guest feedback.
- Collect guest feedback and prepare post-trip reports summarizing the tour experience and photo-focused activities.
SPECIFIC KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
- Post-secondary education and / or certification in photography with specialized training in wildlife and landscape photography, or an acceptable combination or education and experience.
- 3+ years of experience as a photo-specialist or interpretive guide in adventure tourism.
- Professional interpretive guide training and/or Interpretive Guide Association (IGA) certification is an asset.
- Must provide a portfolio demonstrating expertise in wildlife and landscape photography, showcasing a range of technical skills and artistic composition.
- Advanced knowledge of photography, including wildlife, landscape, and low-light / night photography (northern lights), DSLR and mirrorless cameras, lenses, and post-processing software.
- Wilderness First Responder (WFR) or equivalent first aid certification.
- Valid Driver’s Licence; Class 4 is an asset.
- Possession and Acquisition Licence (PAL) is an asset.
- Polar bear safety training (will be provided).
- Ability to effectively teach guests how to operate their cameras, including adjusting settings for optimal wildlife and landscape photography.
- Effective written and verbal communication skills in English; other languages are an asset.
- Demonstrated ability to use a computer.
- Knowledge of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Report and Calls to Action is required; previous Indigenous cultural awareness training is an asset.
- Commitment to Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).
- The ability to model behaviours that support a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment.
- Strong storytelling, interpersonal communication skills, and commitment to exceeding guest expectations.
- Ability to manage logistics and adapt to dynamic group needs.
- Knowledge of Churchill's unique wildlife, ecosystems, and cultural heritage is a strong asset.
- Must be able to work individually and as part of a team.
SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
- The ability to travel to Churchill, Manitoba several times a year and other locations by air and/or train is required.
- Northern, remote location only accessible by train or air travel.
- The work environment is diverse and dynamic, encompassing a variety of settings and conditions, including:
- On the Tundra: Spending extended periods standing in a moving Tundra Buggy®, navigating the unique and remote subarctic terrain.
- On the Water (summer tours only): Time spent in passenger tour boats on the Hudson Bay, exposed to changing weather and water conditions.
- Indoors: Engaging with guests in hotel conference rooms, restaurants during group meals, and occasionally in office settings for logistical coordination.
- The environment reflects the unique subarctic climate of Churchill:
- Winter: Frigid temperatures, often well below freezing, with strong winds and snow.
- Autumn: Cold temperatures with potential for high winds and snow.
- Summer: Mild temperatures, but with significant insect activity, including mosquitoes, black flies, and bulldog horseflies.
- This role requires adaptability, resilience, and comfort working in varying physical conditions and environments to ensure an exceptional guest experience.
- The ability to lift up to 50 pounds (23 kilograms), climb stairs, and stand for up to 12 hours with few opportunities to rest is required.
- Ability to carry personal photography equipment, including cameras, lenses, tripods, and related gear, while navigating diverse terrains and environments.
- Overtime will be required during evenings, weekends, and on holidays, especially during peak seasons.
- Must provide professional-grade photography equipment, including cameras, lenses, tripods, and accessories suitable for wildlife and landscape photography.
- Must be legally entitled to work in Canada
PERKS!
- Fantastic company discounts on and opportunities to experience Frontiers North Adventures tours and activities
- Great staff discounts at all Frontiers North properties (Tundra Pub, Tundra Inn, The Ptarmigan, Fifty-Eight North retail store)
- Company events
- Free gym access
- Free shared staff accommodations or generous Northern living premium
- Paid travel to Churchill, MB (conditions apply)
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Frontiers North Inc. is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is committed to creating an inclusive and respectful work environment for all our employees. Hiring and other employment decisions at Frontiers North are made based on merit and without regard to race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, sex, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, record of offences, age, marital status, family status, religion, or disability.
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