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Purser
Pacific Whale Foundation incorporated
Wailuku, HI, USA
Posted on Feb 24, 2026
Come work for one of Hawai’i’s Best Places to Work in 2024!
Are you great with people, passionate about the environment and seeking a relaxed, fun workplace? If so, we’d love to hear from you!
Position: Purser, Seasonal Full Time, Non-exempt
Location: On-site at Ma'alaea Harbor, Maui HI
Pay: Starting at $16.20/hour based on skills/experience + commission and tips
About Us:
Pacific Whale Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit committed to our mission of protecting the ocean through science and advocacy. Since 1980, we have made a significant impact on marine environments and wildlife across the Pacific region, including Hawaii, Japan and Australia. Our mission is to inspire environmental stewardship and promote ocean conservation.
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 Staff Manager. Working at the direction of the Captain and the Vessel Staff 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, saleable item bank and reconciliation. The Purser delivers high quality service and other crew duties as needed to ensure an outstanding passenger experience.
Key Responsibilities:
- Maintain knowledge of vessel systems and safety procedures; participate in drills and comply with USCG-required Substance Abuse Policy
- Ensure passenger safety through vigilance, lifeguarding, and first aid
- Assist with docking, mooring, line handling, and essential crew duties
- Deliver exceptional guest service with professionalism and strong program knowledge
- Provide food and beverage service and oversee thorough cleanup
- Perform daily vessel cleaning and maintenance as assigned
- Accurately reconcile boat bank daily
- Promote PWF’s mission, vision, and values; inspire passenger engagement
- Stay current on PWF marine research, conservation, and education programs
- Support guest check-in, waivers, reservations, supply management, laundry, and related administrative tasks (including FareHarbor training and cross-training)
- Maintain vessel supplies through daily ordering
- Demonstrate core values of transparency, respect, and integrity
- Attend dry dock
- Perform other duties as assigned
Qualifications:
- High school diploma or GED; marine science degree preferred
- Experience in food service, retail sales or general customer service
- Experience working on boats (preferred)
- First Aid/CPR, Lifeguard, Oxygen and AED certifications, and Maui Bar Card holder required within 3 months of hire
- Lifeguarding experience (preferred)
Why Join Us?
The work you do with Pacific Whale Foundation directly supports our mission to protect the ocean and promote environmental stewardship. This is more than just a job—it's an opportunity to contribute to meaningful change while enjoying a rewarding and supportive work environment.
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 HRDepartment@pacificwhale.org.
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, Hawai’i bar card, and TB clearance..