Aurora Tour Guide & Photographer

Benefits
Employee discounts
Health insurance

About Borealis Basecamp
Borealis Basecamp is a northern lights-focused adventure resort in Fairbanks, AK. We provide a unique experience with sky-view igloos for viewing the aurora from the comfort of your bed.

Borealis Basecamp is part of Stellar Collection, a group of leading travel and tourism companies in Alaska. All brands under Stellar Collection share a purpose of

creating lifelong memories.

We are driven by a passion for sharing the wonder of Alaska with our guests and delivering outstanding customer experiences. We look for opportunities to exceed expectations and provide our guests with memories that they will tell their friends and family about and remember for the rest of their lives.

Position Details

Job Title: Aurora Tour Guide and Photographer

Location: Borealis Basecamp – Fairbanks, AK

Department: Adventures

Reports To: Adventures Manager

Employment Type: Full-time Seasonal

Season Start Date: August 2

Season End Date: April 12

Job Summary
The Aurora Tour Guide is responsible for leading off-road aurora viewing tours and/or nightly aurora portrait experiences for guests. You will also share the responsibility of giving a nightly Aurora Borealis presentation with the other photographers throughout the week. This role focuses on capturing high-quality guest photos under the northern lights while delivering an engaging and memorable experience.

Guides are expected to confidently interact with guests, provide direction for posing, monitor and have a strong understanding of aurora activity, and deliver professionally edited photos following each session. This role requires a strong balance of photography expertise and guest service skills.

This role will also be responsible for leading Aurora Viewing Tours in Borealis Basecamp’s customized Toyota Tundra Arctic Truck. You will greet guests and ensure they are appropriately geared up for the experience, give a safety briefing and overview of the tour experience, and operate the truck to safely get guests to the aurora viewing dome. Where you will entertain guests and take professional quality photos to be delivered to them following the tour. All team members at Borealis Basecamp are expected to maintain a team-first mindset, assist across departments when needed, and engage comfortably with guests from around the world.

Key Responsibilities

Professional delivery of an established Aurora Borealis presentation, grounded in science, on a nightly basis

Lead nightly aurora viewing and photography sessions for small groups

Monitor aurora activity and adjust timing and locations to optimize viewing and photo opportunities

Stage guests on igloo decks, near the arctic truck or at the aurora dome and provide direction for posing and positioning

Capture high-quality aurora portraits using professional camera equipment

Edit photos promptly and deliver completed images to guests using designated software systems

Communicate clearly and professionally with guests throughout the experience

Ensure a positive, engaging, and memorable guest experience

Maintain photography equipment and ensure proper care and storage

Support additional operations and perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Prior photography experience required; professional experience preferred

Proficiency operating DSLR cameras, tripods, flashes, and multiple lenses

Experience with photo editing software and basic computer systems

Valid driver’s license and ability to qualify for for-hire commercial insurance coverage (clean driving record and >26 years old)

Ability to obtain Wilderness First Responder certification. (Training offered in early August)

Strong verbal and written communication skills

Ability to work evening and overnight shifts (typically 5–6 days per week)

Ability to stand and remain active for extended periods (up to 8 hours)Ability to safely operate off-road vehicles, snowmobiles and UTVs

Preferred Skills

Experience in portrait or low-light
ight photography

Knowledge of astrotourism, the Aurora Borealis, night sky

Strong guest service and interpersonal skills

Creative eye for composition, lighting, and guest presentation

Experience working in tourism, hospitality, or remote environments

Ability to multitask and adapt in dynamic outdoor conditions

Experience guiding

Physical Demands

Ability to navigate uneven terrain in low-light conditions

Ability to work in extreme weather conditions, including Arctic cold

Ability to stand and work outdoors for extended periods

Ability to safely handle and transport photography 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.

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