Setting the standard for the passenger vessel industry since 1935
A TEAM THAT FEELS LIKE FAMILY
Some jobs just feel like a paycheck. This isn't one of them. Working at Wendella means being part of something bigger: sharing Chicago, supporting your crew, and positively impacting our city. It's fast-paced, rewarding, and full of views you won't find in an office.
Part of a Chicago tradition
Scenery that never gets old
A team that feels like home
open positions
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Join our team as a Deckhand, an essential part of ensuring the safe and enjoyable operation of our tour boats and Chicago Water Taxi. This role supports the captain, assists passengers, and helps maintain the vessel and dock areas. If you enjoy working outdoors and providing exceptional customer service, this is the job for you!
Key Responsibilities
• Assist with boarding and de-boarding passengers and greeting guests warmly.
• Secure the vessel and maintain cleanliness throughout operations.
• Perform dock duties, including bag screenings, security checks, and dock maintenance as well as restocking supplies.
• Lifting up to 50 lbs.
• Remain visible and interact with passengers during tours, cruises, and private events
• Participate in safety drills and emergency situations (e.g., person in the water, fire, etc.).
Qualifications & Requirements
• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• Must be a U.S. Citizen.
• Subject to pre-employment & random drug testing, including marijuana (per U.S. Coast Guard regulations).
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Should always be visible, interact with passengers, and be able to observe, remain stationary, or move about the vessel for up to 90 minutes.
• Possesses the capability to maintain watch in accordance with U.S. Coast Guard regulations.
• Friendly, enthusiastic, and hardworking with strong customer service skills.
• Foreign language skills are a plus.
• Marine/boating experience preferred but not required.
• Must be available to work during evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Ability to work outdoors with exposure to rain, snow, and extreme heat or cold.
• Successful candidates will be required to complete a pre-employment drug test (including marijuana/THC) and criminal background check prior to an offer of employment. Per U.S. Coast Guard regulations, all deckhands are subject to random drug testing, including marijuana/THC.
Compensation & Benefits
• $18.00/hour
• 401(k) with Employer Match
• Profit Sharing
• Medical/Eye/Dental Insurance
• First Aid/CPR Training
• DIVVY Bike Share Discounted Membership
• Complimentary Tour Tickets & Chicago Water Taxi rides -
As a Bartender aboard our tour vessels, you’ll provide guests with an exceptional experience by offering snack and beverage service and selling merchandise. This is a fast-paced, customer-facing role that requires multitasking, attention to detail, and physical stamina.
Key Responsibilities
• Prepare and serve beverages and snacks while maintaining a clean and organized bar area.
• Operate a computer-based sales system for transactions.
• Check IDs and ensure compliance with all alcohol service laws.
• Maintain and transport inventory, including kegs, cases of water, CO₂ tanks, soda bibs, and merchandise (up to 50 lbs).
• Perform inventory checks on bottles and merchandise.
• Restock supplies and assist with cleaning duties.
• Provide friendly, professional customer service in a high-volume environment.
Qualifications & Requirements
• Must be 21 years of age or older.
• Illinois BASSET certification required.
• Bartending experience preferred but not required.
• Strong customer service skills; friendly, enthusiastic, and hardworking.
• Foreign language skills are a plus.
• Flexible availability: evenings, weekends, and holidays are required.
• Ability to work long shifts, up to 14 hours.
Compensation & Benefits
• $17.00/hour + gratuity
• 401(k) with Employer Match
• Profit Sharing
• Medical/Eye/Dental Insurance
• First Aid/CPR Training
• DIVVY Bike Share Discounted Membership
• Complimentary Tour Tickets & Chicago Water Taxi rides -
As a Guest Service Ambassador (GSA), you’ll be the first point of contact for guests, ensuring every Wendella experience is positive and memorable. Positioned on our docks, GSAs assist with boarding, answer questions about tours and Chicago attractions, and help maintain smooth dock operations. This is a fun, outdoor role with heavy guest interaction—perfect for someone who enjoys working with people from around the world.
Key Responsibilities
• Greeting guests and providing information about Wendella tours, cruises, and Chicago Water Taxi.
• Answer general questions about Chicago, including directions and activity recommendations.
• Assist with boarding passengers, scanning tickets, and maintaining dock cleanliness.
• Transport supplies between docks and vessels (up to 50 lbs).
• Move between docks, frequently ascending/descending stairs.
• Support crew and ticket office with operational tasks as needed.
Qualifications & Requirements
• Must be 16 years of age or older.
• Must be a U.S. Citizen.
• Friendly, outgoing, hardworking, and enthusiastic.
• Customer service experience preferred, foreign language skills a plus.
• Flexible availability: evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions (rain, snow, heat, cold).
• Ability to stand for extended periods, often for several hours at a time.
Compensation & Benefits
• $17.00/hour
• 401(k) with Employer Match
• Profit Sharing
• Medical/Eye/Dental Insurance
• First Aid/CPR Training
• DIVVY Bike Share Discounted Membership
• Complimentary Tour Tickets & Chicago Water Taxi rides -
Wendella is looking for an enthusiastic and motivated Events Assistant to join our Private Events Department for the 2026 season. This is an exciting opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the events industry while working alongside a dynamic team. The ideal candidate will be available to work on-site 2–3 days per week and eager to learn all aspects of event planning and execution.
Key Responsibilities
• Support the Event Planner in coordinating and executing private events.
• Communicate with team members and clients to ensure all event details are met.
• Respond to inquiries via email and phone regarding potential events.
• Assist the marine crew with vessel setup prior to events.
• Perform light cleanup duties after events conclude.
• Provide on-site support during events, including guest interaction and occasional lifting of items.
• Work approximately 10–20 hours per week, 2-3 days (hours vary based on event schedule).
Qualifications
• Must be 21 years or older.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• College enrollment is not required.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Friendly, energetic team player with a positive attitude.
• Highly organized and able to manage multiple tasks effectively.
• Quick learner with an interest in supporting operational efficiency and workflow.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• Passion for the events industry; prior experience is a plus but not required.
Compensation & Benefits
• $18/hour; college credit available. -
Maintenance is responsible for assisting Captains and management in the safe operation of Wendella Facilities and Vessels. They are charged with carrying out those tasks that support the mechanical, electrical, propulsion and power plant elements of the Wendella fleet and facilities. They assist in ensuring the vessel functions safely in its role as a tour boat or Water Taxi.
This includes, but is not limited to, securing the vessel during docking, undocking and while underway, maintaining
vessel cleanliness, providing manpower for tasks as assigned, performing
security surveillance and assisting in providing the necessary manpower to
accomplish required preventative maintenance on Wendella equipment. Security
sweeps, janitorial duties, and other troubleshooting is required.Qualifications & Requirements:
– Must be at least 18 years old.
– Qualified as to sight, hearing, and physical condition to perform duties.
– Must be able to use a computer to complete work orders.
– Experience with boat a plus but not required.
– This is an entry level position that provides training, but prior diesel
engine, mechanical system or electrical experience preferred.PAY RATE: $20/hour
- 401K with Employer match
- Profit Sharing
- Medical/Eye/Dental Insurance
- First Aid/CPR Training
- DIVVY Bike Share Discounted Membership
- Complimentary Tour Tickets & Chicago
Water Taxi Rides