General Overview
Chicago’s First Lady fleet consists of 8 Subchapter K and T vessels ranging from 60’ - 98’ in length, operating on the Chicago River and Lake Michigan. Chicago’s First Lady provides architecture tours and private events. Each Captain's primary responsibility is ensuring the safety of all passengers and crew. Captains must demonstrate leadership qualities among their crewmembers in order to ensure any emergencies can be handled quickly and efficiently. Captains must also demonstrate proficiency in helmsmanship, provide strong customer service skills, work well with others, and have a positive attitude.
As required by 46 CFR Part 16, all mariners are subject to pre-employment and random drug testing of controlled substances, which includes cannabis.
Captain position is seasonal with opportunity for work in the shipyard during the offseason.
Full time is preferred.
Scheduling changes week to week depending on tour and charter bookings.
Experience on twin screw, similar sized vessels in narrow channels is preferred.
Key Job Responsibilities
Minimum Requirements
Minimum Qualifications
Benefits
Wage
Please send resume and employment application to [email protected] and make sure to include "Captain - 100 Ton Master" in the subject line.
Immediate opening for March 2021!
The Human Resource Generalist is responsible for providing oversight and support for human resources functions of Chicago’s First Lady Cruises, including full-life cycle recruitment and onboarding, professional development, performance management, benefits administration, paid/unpaid leave oversight and occasional payroll responsibilities. This role reports to the Director of Human Resources and is a full time, year round position which is temporarily remote, but will be expected to return to an A-level downtown Chicago office tower. Docking laptop is provided.
Please send your resume and cover letter (required) to Amy Nachel at [email protected]. Note “Human Resource Generalist” in email subject line.
Chicago’s First Lady Cruises is proud to produce the best architecture boat tours in Chicago, as well as host private events on board. We are looking for an outgoing and detail-oriented person to join the Charter Sales Department. The full-time position involves working with corporate, social and wedding clients. Customer service is paramount! A “people person” will excel in this role. Client communication is normally by phone and email but there are many in-person interactions as well.
A typical day involves responding to private cruise inquiries, processing contracts, providing general information regarding public tours, preparing sales mailings, checking in private parties and helping with special projects as needed. We do not utilize cold-calling sales methods, but if you’re comfortable converting inquiries into confirmed business - this is the job for you!
This is an entry-level position, although previous experience is a plus. Our office is located in downtown Chicago, one block from our dock at Michigan Avenue and Wacker Drive. This position will mainly work from the office, with some dock time to help check in private parties in the afternoon and early evening during cruise season (March-November).
Please send your resume and cover letter (required) to Clare Agra at [email protected] Note “Charter Sales Coordinator” in email subject line.
Qualifications
The Senior Bar Supervisor leads the beverage service team, training and guiding staff on all service and preparation of beverages. This individual works directly with the Director of Bar Operations and fellow Bar Supervisor(s) to accomplish departmental goals, strategies, and objectives, while ensuring quality products, maximum guest satisfaction and meeting budgetary profit margins.
This a full-time position.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Job Specifications
To Apply: Please send resume to [email protected] and make sure to include "Senior Bar Supervisor" in the subject line.
The Ticket Office Supervisor will work directly under the Tour Sales Manager and Director of Tour Sales. This position helps manage and oversee the day to day operations of the Ticket Office Department within the scope of generally accepted procedures and practices. Our ideal candidate leads by example at all times and provides the highest level of customer service to all guests, hotel concierge, and groups. We’re seeking a quick learner and someone with leadership skills who can inspire the same in others. The role demands a leader with a sharp mind and the ability to coach, advise, and motivate the ticket office staff to create and maintain a high-performance sales force. Must have a positive attitude when addressing questions, complaints and training the ticket office staff. Must be able to work evenings and weekends.
Duties:
Skills & abilities:
To Apply: Please send resume to [email protected] and make sure to include "Group Sales Supervisor" in the subject line.
Ideal Start Date: ASAP
End Date: Flexible; early May
Hours: 15-20 hours/week
Pay: $13/hour
Location: Downtown Chicago
School Year: One must be currently enrolled in college and have a minimum status of Junior (strongly preferred, though exceptional applications may be considered for those of Sophomore status).
Job Description:
Reporting to the in-house Graphic Designer, interns will collaborate with marketing, sales, food & beverage, HR and other departments, participating in the conceptualization and execution of both customer-facing and internal artwork including signage, brochures, advertisements, sales collateral and more. Job responsibilities may include but are not limited to:
Desired Skills:
This position is ideal for a candidate who enjoys designing across a variety of mediums and applications from print to digital, taking interest in everything from wayfinding to advertising, print layout, typography and more. Photography skills a plus. Candidates with an interest in designing in an intimate corporate setting (rather than, or in addition to, an interest in working in an agency setting) are encouraged to apply.
To apply, please send your resume and link to website or portfolio to the attention of Corey McCafferty, Graphic Designer, at [email protected], subject line “Graphic Design Intern”. Please indicate your available start date and desired end date. Interviews to begin immediately. Portfolio/website may contain mix of school, personal and professional projects. Resumes submitted without a portfolio/website will not be considered.
Ideal Start Date: Flexible; mid-May to early-June
End Date: Flexible; late-August to mid-September
Hours: 32 hours/week, including occasional evenings & weekends
Pay: $14/hour
Location: Downtown Chicago
School Year: One must be currently enrolled in college and have a minimum status of Junior (strongly preferred, though exceptional applications may be considered for those of Sophomore status). Marketing or Communications studies preferred.
Job Description:
Seeking an individual who is passionate about Chicago and eager to learn. Interns will be exposed to a variety of marketing components while on the job including public relations, social media, advertising, partnerships, event planning and more. Job experiences and responsibilities may include but are not limited to:
Desired Skills:
This position is great for a candidate who likes to “be on the scene” and enjoys meeting new people. Candidates who are creative thinkers, entrepreneurial go-getters, excellent writers and detail oriented will be successful in this role. Outstanding organization skills and strong written and verbal communication abilities a must.
To apply, please send your resume and two writing samples attention to Melanie Mapes, Director of Marketing, at [email protected], subject line “Marketing Intern”. Please indicate your available start date and desired end date. Interviews to begin immediately. Resumes submitted without writing samples will not be considered.
If you love working outside and would like to work on Chicago’s waterways - we invite you to join our deck crew! No maritime experience necessary, we will train you to work aboard our U.S. Passenger Vessels. A good attitude, strong work ethic, and willingness to greet passengers is all you need.
Our boats provide architecture tours and host private events. Meet great friends and enjoy a summer working on the Chicago River and Lake Michigan! Work your way up through our training program to become a Senior Deckhand or even a Captain for those interested.
U.S. citizens only, per the U.S. Coast Guard. Must be 18 or older. Drug and background tests required.
Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) Card is required upon completion of your probationary period for this position. Morning, afternoon and evening shifts are available. Public transit reimbursement and year-round benefits available for full-time, year-round crew members. We also have part time shifts available.
To Apply: Please send resume and employment application to [email protected] and make sure to include "Deckhand" in the subject line.
If you would like to say more than "ahoy" and want to share your love of Chicago with our guests, a tour guide position is what will steer your ship. Maritime experience is welcomed, but not required.
The tour guide is primarily responsible for providing the tour commentary to passengers aboard Mercury Cruises' fleet as the tour travels through the Chicago River and onto Lake Michigan. They must memorize extensive factual history of Chicago and its architecture. They must have the ability to communicate effectively and speak clearly. They are required to interact in a professional manner with the public on a regular basis and must appear personable. The tour guides are marine crew and must be trained as deckhand as well as learn the tour. Acting skills a plus, but not required.
You must be 18 years or older. Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) Card is required for this position. We offer training for all U.S. Coast Guard / DOT required skills along with CPR and First Aid training.
To Apply: Please send resume and employment application to [email protected] and make sure to include "Tour Guide" in the subject line.
New to bartending and want to get a start in a fun industry? We train those with a willingness to learn!
Bartenders are responsible for serving all bar related items to guests aboard on our tours and private charters, departing from the Chicago Riverwalk. Part-time positions available for day or evening shifts. Please outline your experience for us, be 21 or older, Basset certified and have prior cash handling and POS experience. A positive attitude and great smile is a must! Please be prepared to pass a drug and background-test. Expect to also learn maritime skills. Fun times on Chicago’s waterways and meaningful friendships await. Apply today and don’t miss the boat! $12/hour plus tips. Several positions available.
Please send resume and employment application to [email protected] and make sure to include "Bartender" in the subject line.
If you love working independently, are 18 or older and have a positive attitude, we have the job for you! No bartender experience required. Working in the background of our on board bars offers a fun way to work outside in the hospitality industry.
Barbacks help ensure our boats have everything they need to run and quench the thirst of our patrons! Primary responsibilities include: restocking and replenishing bar inventory and supplies for each boat throughout the day, as well as other dockside duties as directed by your supervisor.
Meet friendly crew members and join a team of professionals who love to welcome visitors to Chicago. The position requires heavy lifting and pushing of up to 200 lbs at a time. No gym membership needed! Free daily workout guaranteed!
Early morning and evening shifts are available - full time or part time. No boating experience necessary. Don’t miss this chance for an entry level position - apply today!
To Apply: Please send resume and employment application to [email protected] and make sure to include "Barback" in the subject line.
Don’t like to be in one place too long? Join our team of friendly onboard beverage sales people and move from boat to boat selling canned and bottled beverages to our upper deck passengers.
You must be 21 or older, outgoing and energetic. This position requires lifting and carrying beverages just like at a ballpark, but is even more fun as you get to cruise past Chicago’s famous skyline while you work! Basic math is required to transact the sale and offer change. Full and part-time positions available for early morning or early evening shifts - never later than 8:00pm. The happier you are, the more tips you can make.
Basset Certification, as well as drug and background checks are required. Don’t delay - if you love people, fresh air and Chicago, you should join our crew today! No maritime skills required.
To Apply: Please send resume and employment application to [email protected] and make sure to include "Beverage Vendor" in the subject line.
The Podium Guest Service Ambassador is responsible for standing at street-level to greet potential guests and guests, while providing exceptional customer service.
This includes answering questions, providing product information, easing concerns, and ensuring that the patron leaves satisfied with your service. As the primary representative of our company, it is vitally important that all Guest Service Ambassadors be personable, attentive, charming and very conversational.
Other key job responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Additional Qualities and Duties:
To Apply: Please send resume and employment application to [email protected] and make sure to include "Podium Guest Service Ambassador" in the subject line.
A Guest Service Ambassador is responsible for warmly greeting our guests, the overall organization of passengers at the dock prior to their cruise and must be willing to create unforgettable memories for our guests.
They must be able to draw attention to our product through face-to-face contact with the public and answer any and all questions with a smile and an upbeat attitude. The primary function of a Guest Service Ambassador is to direct patrons to their proper departure docks and to expedite the lines in front of the ticket office windows. As a primary agent of our company at the point of sale, it is vitally important that they be personable, reliable and conversational. An excellent Guest Service Ambassador is one that is social, responsible and solves problems.
To Apply: Please send resume and employment application to [email protected] and make sure to include "Guest Service Ambassador" in the subject line.
A Ticket Agent is responsible for providing patrons with exceptional service while processing their transactions within a reasonable time frame. This includes, but is not limited to, answering questions, providing product information and resolving patron concerns - all while making sure the guest leaves satisfied with your service.
The ticket seller will utilize cash handling skills, perform credit card transactions and process tickets through Ticketmaster ticketing software. As a primary agent of our company at the point of sale, it is vitally important that a ticket seller be personable, charming and outgoing.
Other key job responsibilities
To Apply: Please send resume and employment application to [email protected] and make sure to include "Ticket Agent" in the subject line.
The goal of Dock Security is to help the company maintain excellent working conditions by keeping our faculty safe and problem-free.
Dock Security will be interacting with customers along the river walk. Therefore, knowledge of our services is necessary. The ideal candidate is personable with strong verbal communication and customer service experience.
To Apply: Please send resume and employment application to [email protected] and make sure to include "Dock Security" in the subject line.
The Access Management Agent’s primary responsibility is to collect and scan admission tickets from patrons at dock departures. They must greet every passenger attending boat rides. They thoroughly examine tickets to verify authenticity, using criteria such as color or date issued. They direct patrons to the ticket office to correct any problems they may have with their tickets. They maintain order and ensure adherence to safety rules.
Performance Responsibilities
Requirements
Physical Requirements
Working Conditions
To Apply: Please send resume and employment application to [email protected] and make sure to include "Access Management Agent" in the subject line.
The goal of the Dock Custodian is to help the company maintain excellent working conditions by keeping the facility clean, tidy, and safe for our guests and coworkers to enjoy.
Performance Responsibilities
Requirements
Physical Requirements
Working Conditions
To Apply: Please send resume and employment application to [email protected] and make sure to include "Dock Custodian" in the subject line.
The Night Crew will be working overnight from 9:00pm-7:00am. The Night Crew is responsible for cleaning outside the top deck of our vessels and keeping watch of our dock, boats and ticket office.
They must be able to work well with others and be comfortable working through the night. Spanish speaking is a plus, but not required.
Transportation Workers Identification Credential (TWIC) Card is required upon completion of probationary period
To Apply: Please send resume and employment application to [email protected] and make sure to include "Night Crew" in the subject line.
Experienced maritime crew members are capable of qualifying as a USCG Senior Deckhand. This position requires a higher level of training, proficiency and understanding of the complex working of the passenger vessel fleet. The USCG requires certain passenger vessels to be manned with a Senior Deckhand in order to ensure passenger safety, reliability and the operational readiness of the vessel and her crew. The transition from deckhand to senior deckhand creates a good foundation for future Captain training and establishes a career path for the professional mariner. Wage is equal to maritime experience level.
Please send resume and employment application to [email protected] and make sure to include "Senior Deckhand" in the subject line.
Entry level deckhands interested in learning life-saving and hospitality skills needed for part time work. No maritime experience required. We will train you to work aboard our U.S. Passenger Vessels. A good attitude, strong work ethic, and willingness to greet passengers is all you need. Tourism experience is a plus. Our boats provide architecture tours to the public and host private charter events. Meet great friends and enjoy a summer working on the Chicago River and Lake Michigan! Work your way up through our training program to become a Senior Deckhand or even a Captain, if interested. U.S. citizens only, per the U.S. Coast Guard. Must be 18 or older. Drug test and background check required. Masks mandatory per U.S. Coast Guard regulations. Morning, afternoon and evening shifts are available. We also have part time shifts available. Starting at $15/hour.
Please send resume and employment application to [email protected] and make sure to include "Deckhand" in the subject line.
Welcome aboard and help us grow our business!
We are looking for an Assistant Bar Manager. The manager will supervise the beverage service team, training and guiding staff on all service and preparation of beverages. This individual works directly under the Director of Bar Operations to accomplish departmental goals, strategies, and objectives, while ensuring quality product, maximum guest satisfaction and meeting budgetary profit margins. We are a drug-free workplace. Drug test, background checks and mask mandate apply. Join our team - we can’t wait to meet you. Wage commensurate with experience and dedication. Position available immediately and is a full time managerial position.
Please send resume and employment application to [email protected] and make sure to include "Assistant Bar Manager" in the subject line.
If you are ready to anchor your career and begin learning the ropes while making meaningful friendships along the way, don’t miss the boat and apply today!
Candidates should have flexible availability including evening and weekend shifts. You must be able to pass a background check and drug test as required by U.S. Coast Guard.
As ambassadors of Chicago, we have a passion and commitment to provide a superior level of service for our customers while defining the highest level of industry safety standards. We showcase Chicago as a world-class tourism and business destination. We seek to work together to maintain 5-star rankings and reviews on relevant travel websites and blogs for the world to view.
Our mission is to provide customers with a safe and pleasurable experience that consistently exceeds their expectations. Our professionally trained team is committed to showcase Chicago's magnificent architecture and skyline while cruising Chicago's waterways.
We are committed to promote trust, safety, consistency and reliability in all that we do. We value our customers, our staff and our volunteers. We must always provide value and a memorable experience for our clients.
We will meet all challenges in an ever changing industry, it’s essential that we, as individuals as well as a company, maintain the highest level of:
For more than 80 years, Chicago’s First Lady Cruises and its parent company, Mercury, Chicago’s Skyline Cruiseline, have been well-respected members of Chicago's tourism community and classic must-do Chicago experiences. Both cruise lines are fourth-generation family-owned and operated and their fleet of eight vessels carry passengers from around the world for sightseeing along Chicago's river and lakefront.
By day, Chicago's First Lady Cruises' hallmark tour is the award-winning Chicago Architecture Foundation Center River Cruise aboard Chicago's First Lady; by night, the luxury vessels transform into the ultimate Chicago venue for private parties, corporate events and weddings.
Complementing Chicago's First Lady Cruises' tour offerings, Mercury Cruises' family-friendly tours offer a myriad of specialty cruise experiences including their popular daytime and evening river and lake cruises, summer 3D Fireworks tours, an educational science cruise and the beloved Canine Cruise, Chicago's only cruise for dogs and their human companions.
From your very first interview to your continued employment, we want you to succeed! Keep reading for important information about the application process, interview tips and how to make a positive first impression.
Need to Know
Arriving for the Interview
Thank you for your interest in our company and we wish you the best of luck if you are selected for an interview.
Location
