Human Resources Department
We might be biased, but we can't think of a better place to work than Argosy Cruises. There is no other business in Seattle where you will learn more, feel more challenged to stretch and grow both physically and mentally, and have more FUN than with US.
Here at Argosy, one of our common sayings is "We sell fun, and we have fun doing it." From front office to out on the water, we're all about showing people a good time on Puget Sound and around the city of Seattle -- from narrating tours to 300+ out-of-towners, serving drinks on a swanky private charter, assisting newcomers with directions to more waterfront fun, and always engaging our guests so they get the most out of their time with us, no one does FUN better.
Meet our Human Resources TEAM! And why not JOIN our Team: We are currently hiring for both seasonal AND full-time positions. Find all our job listings here.
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Meet Captain Duran Larsen, Director of HR
Argosy Cruises Team Member since 1982
Hometown: Poulsbo, Washington
HR Director Duran Larsen joined Argosy over 30 years ago as new crew with no prior boating experience. Fast forward now and not only is Duran still with Argosy, he's a captain, the Director of Human Resources for the company, and the driving force of the Employee Training Team.
Duran was a Comparative History of Ideas major at the University of Washington, He later ran a small neighborhood restaurant with his wife in Wallingford from 1989-1994. Duran lives on a "gentlemen's farm" of three acres in Poulsbo, with his family.
Meet Alyssa Schmeck, HR Administrator
Argosy Cruises Team Member since 2013
Hometown: Monroe, Washington
Alyssa Schmeck came on to Argosy first as Boat Crew, then as Guest Services, and then left Argosy for a short stint in the outside working world...and then came right back to Argosy again as our HR Administrator. She grew up in Monroe, Washington, has a degree in Accounting and Human Resources from the University of Washington. One of her cats is named John Snow.
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What makes Argosy such a unique place to work?
Duran: So many Argosy alumni over the years that I have talked to, they will always say, "That was the best job I ever had." It's almost like being at camp. You're having fun, you're helping people have fun...I think that has a lot to do with the longevity of the people around here. The work is so engaging.
I also think that this environment promotes becoming friends with your coworkers in a way that a lot of other places don't fit that mold.
That's one of the things I've always liked about this job: It can be really hard work. But it's fun at the same time. It's FUN to work hard and work as a team. To celebrate together afterword. There's something really satisfying about that kind of work.
Alyssa: There's something here at Argosy that makes it an attractive place to work for every group. Learning to do the narrations, learning to work with so many different kinds of people...these are things that attract many different people with different backgrounds. You're working with people who aren't like you, and you're learning so much from them. Hardcore boat folks, theater majors, teachers, people passionate about people, or history...you name it.
We have crew get-togethers every season like our Holiday Party, Halloween Party, our annual Ski Trip, and others that come and go as each year progresses.
What type of person makes a good Argosy Cruises team member?
Duran: There's this cliché we like to use: "We like to hire the smiles and train all the rest." And what does that mean? It's looking for people who have people skills and are fun. They can really engage the customer.
Alyssa: I tell people we're looking for "positive jacks-of-all-trades."
How does the hiring process work?
Alyssa: The application process is pretty simple and standard, and doesn't take long to complete. People can even apply on their phones. Then we look at those applications and decide who we want to bring in for an in-person interview with two members of the Training Team. After that, we let them know within a couple days if we'd like to have them come in for Orientation and Shadow Training.
[Learn more about employment at Argosy Cruises here.]
What is your favorite part of working for Argosy and being an integral part of on-boarding new hires?
Duran: The most satisfying thing with being involved in the training, and the hands-on part if it, is seeing people develop. Watching people move past their fears and anxieties -- "I can't tie up a boat!" "Public speaking is tough!" -- and get the tools and experience to succeed here, which they carry with them wherever they go after Argosy.
And to see people who never would have thought of it become captains! "I can become a captain?! This is a path?"
Alyssa: I think I fall under that umbrella of people who have gained a lot of confidence since working here. I didn't struggle a lot when I first started. But I NEVER would have been able to do public speaking. Hated it. And now I can speak in front of 300 people, and even shrug it off when I make a mistake. That's my favorite part of it: I never would have been able to gain that confidence if it weren't for working here.