Reindeer Handler & Guide
Fairbanks
Reindeer Handler & Guide
Full Time • Fairbanks
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: Reindeer Handler
Location: Borealis Basecamp – Fairbanks, AK
Department: Adventures
Reports To: Adventures Manager
Employment Type: Full-time Seasonal
Employment Type: Full-time Seasonal
Season End Date: August 2
Season End Date: April 13
Job Summary
The Reindeer Handler is responsible for the daily care, training, and handling of the reindeer herd while supporting guest-facing activity experiences. This role combines animal care with guest engagement to deliver safe, informative, and memorable experiences.
Success in this role requires strong situational awareness, comfort working outdoors in extreme conditions, and the ability to interact confidently and professionally with guests.
All Adventures Team staff work a rotating schedule providing coverage at the Adventure Desk approximately 1 day per week.
Adventure Desk Duties: Greet guests as they enter the adventure center, check them in and ensure all applicable waivers are signed, outfit guests into proper fitting gear, sanitize gear as it is returned, sell merchandise and tours from the adventure desk, clean desk, and maintain a tidy building for guests, communicate accurate availability for all tours to guests.
Key Responsibilities
- Care for reindeer herd, including feeding, cleaning, and maintaining enclosures
- Build and maintain trust-based relationships with animals through daily handling and training
- Assist with veterinary care and monitor the health and well-being of the herd
- Maintain cleanliness and organization of livestock areas and facilities
- Track and manage inventory of feed, supplies, and equipment
- Lead engaging and educational guest tours involving reindeer
- Provide accurate information about reindeer, Alaskan wildlife, and local environment
- Assist with activities desk operations as needed
- Support additional operations and perform other duties as assigned
Qualifications
- Prior experience working with livestock or reindeer required
- Ability to obtain Wilderness First Responder certification (Company sponsored training available in early August)
- Ability to communicate confidently and engage with guests
- Ability to safely operate an ATV or snowmobile
- High school diploma or equivalent preferred
- High level of situational awareness and safety mindset
- Willingness to work in outdoor Arctic conditions daily
Preferred Skills
- Knowledge of Alaskan wildlife, environment, and history
- Experience in guiding or leading tours
- Strong interpersonal and storytelling skills
- Experience in remote or seasonal environments
- Ability to multitask between animal care and guest service responsibilities
Physical Demands
- Ability to stand and work on feet for extended periods (up to 8 hours)
- Ability to navigate uneven terrain in low-light conditions
- Ability to work in extreme weather conditions, including Arctic cold
- Ability to lift, carry, and position up to 50 lbs
- Ability to safely handle animals and operate motorized 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.
Compensation: $20.00 per hour
Welcome to Borealis Basecamp, the ultimate adventure workplace! Located outside Fairbanks, Alaska, we are anything but a typical resort. Our domed igloos and cube-shaped accommodations give guests an unforgettable front-row seat to the Northern Lights and we need fun, energetic, and dedicated people to help make that magic happen.
Every day is different. You could be helping guests gear up for a thrilling dog sled ride or snowmobile tour, sharing your love of the aurora, or helping someone capture the perfect photo. Reindeer walks, and amazing excursions are just the beginning. Every activity is a chance to create memories that last a lifetime and every team member plays a key role.
We have opportunities across multiple departments where you can make an impact. Housekeepers keep rooms spotless, servers make every meal unforgettable, guides lead epic adventures, and front desk agents make every guest feel at home. Every role matters and every person helps bring the Borealis Basecamp experience to life.
Our team is close-knit, supportive, and full of energy. We work hard, have fun, and celebrate every success whether it is a guest seeing the Northern Lights for the first time, a flawless dinner service, or keeping Basecamp running smoothly. If you love adventure, meeting amazing people from around the world, learning new skills, and being part of a team that makes magic every day, Borealis Basecamp is the place for you.
Borealis Basecamp is not for everyone and that’s what makes it special. The ideal candidate is adventurous, self-motivated, and excited about living and working in a remote Alaskan environment. This is a place for people who seek experiences, not distractions.
Borealis Basecamp is not for everyone and that’s what makes it special. The ideal candidate is adventurous, self-motivated, and excited about living and working in a remote Alaskan environment. This is a place for people who seek experiences, not distractions.
Our best team members are “aurora chasers” at heart, people who will step outside at 2:00 am to catch the Northern Lights, who enjoy being unplugged from the noise, and who find energy in nature, not nightlife. If you rely heavily on constant Wi-Fi, city life, or a busy social scene, this may not be the right fit.
Instead, we’re looking for individuals who are dependable, positive, and ready to be part of a hardworking, close-knit team where everyone contributes.
Join us and make this season unforgettable for our guests and for yourself.
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