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Purser
Wailuku, HI, USA
USD 16.2+ / hour
Posted on Aug 15, 2026
Are you great with people, passionate about the environment and seeking a relaxed, fun workplace, and wish to be a part of something bigger? We’d love to hear from you at PacWhale Eco-Adventures!
Position: Purser, Seasonal Full Time, Non-exempt
Location: On-site at Ma'alaea 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 they've just experienced.
Key Responsibilities:
- Learn and maintain working knowledge of vessel systems, safety requirements and procedures; participate in vessel drills and comply with PWF's 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 Maui's 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 day's 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 (Ho'omau) - 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 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..