History Cruise Tour Guide & Deckhand (Part-Time)

Key Responsibilities

• Aid the captain with safety procedures, including docking and disembarking, and provide a clear safety briefing.
• Welcome guests with enthusiasm and provide professional customer service.
• Share historical facts and stories about the Cumberland River and Nashville’s development.
• Prepare the boat for cruises by loading supplies and maintaining a guest-ready environment.
• Collaborate with the captain and crew to manage smooth cruise operations.
• Think on your feet to address guest needs and contribute to an enjoyable experience.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum age: 18 years.
• Comfortable working outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and perform physically demanding tasks.
• Familiarity with boats and maritime operations is a plus but not required.
• Positive, cooperative attitude with the ability to work unsupervised.
• Must obtain a TABC server permit, background, and AED/CPR certification if hired.

Why Join Us?

• Gain unique experience in the tourism and maritime industries.
• Flexible scheduling for part-time seasonal work (March through December).
• Competitive pay with significant tip opportunities.
• Access to team perks, including discounted tickets and water activities.
• Fun, team-oriented atmosphere where every day is an adventure!

What We Offer

• Compensation: Starting at $15 an hour + 75% of all boat tips.
• Uniform: (1) Shirt and hat provided.
• Schedule: 1-2 days a week, some weekends and holidays required.
• Perks: Access to rental boats and Pontoon Saloon tickets at discounted rates (21+ activity) after 90 days of employment.
• Growth Opportunities: Gain sea service hours for captains school and experience in the maritime and hospitality industries.

About Pontoon Saloon

The Pontoon Saloon® offers Nashville’s #1 river cruise experience — a floating party boat on the Cumberland River perfect for bachelorette parties, birthdays, and private events. We launched our first tours in the spring of 2017, welcoming thousands of people for the first time to the Cumberland River from the Nashville Riverfront. We expanded in 2021 with the addition of our purpose-built marina just 2 miles from Riverfront giving us easy access to millions of visitors to Nashville and also our own marina to operate tours year-round. We also expanded with a second vessel, the Pontoon Saloon II, with added capabilities geared toward amazing corporate events. In 2024, we launched our Family Friendly brand - Nashville Water Taxi. Offering daily history tours and services to and from all Gamedays & Concerts at Nissan Stadium.

Team Culture

Our staff enjoys good times, teamwork, and making sure our customers have a unique experience in Nashville. With a focus on safety and hospitality, we continue to deliver a 5-star experience and hope that you, too, want to be a part of a growing company!