Espaço Talassa is a whale watching company based in Lajes do Pico, Pico Island, Azores — founded in 1989, with over 30 years of cetacean observation, research, and responsible tourism. We’re a passionate, multicultural team and we’re looking for people who share our respect for the ocean and Azorean nature.
About the Place
Lajes do Pico is where the last whalers became the first whale watchers. The men and women who once hunted sperm whales are now living witnesses to one of the most profound transformations in ocean conservation — and Espaço Talassa grew out of that story. Whale watching here isn’t a tourist product bolted onto a pretty coastline. It’s a continuation of a culture, a way for this community to stay connected to the sea after hunting ended in 1984.
Every day at sea is different. Sperm whales rise to breathe, dolphins run alongside the bow, and the ocean shifts between calm and alive in minutes. Working here means being part of that — not just watching it from shore. Follow us on Instagram to see what we mean: @espacotalassa.
Why Work With Us
Open Position
What you’ll do
- Support the head chef in daily prep and service
- Two days a week, cover the kitchen as lead cook during the chefs’ days off
- Keep the kitchen organised, clean and running smoothly throughout service
Schedule
Who we’re looking for
- Experience in a professional kitchen is a plus — not a requirement
- A team player who thrives in the pace of a busy seasonal restaurant
- Available to work on Pico Island — accommodation provided for candidates coming from off-island
Compensation
- Salary according to experience, in line with Portuguese regional minimum wage
- Lunch included on every working day
- Staff discounts on all Espaço Talassa products and at Bistrot Whale’come
What you’ll do
- Clean and prepare guest rooms and common areas to a high standard
- Change linen, restock amenities and report any maintenance issues
- Work closely with the front desk to coordinate room readiness and check-in times
Who we’re looking for
- Previous housekeeping experience is a plus — not a requirement
- Detail-oriented, reliable and comfortable working independently
- Available to work on Pico Island — accommodation provided for candidates coming from off-island
Compensation
- Salary in line with Portuguese regional minimum wage
- Lunch included on every working day
- Staff discounts on all Espaço Talassa products and at Bistrot Whale’come
Spontaneous Applications
Don’t see a current opening that fits? We’re always happy to hear from people who want to be part of the Espaço Talassa team. Send us your CV and we’ll keep it on file for the next opportunity.
Internships
We welcome students for internships and training placements through programmes such as Eurodysseia, Erasmus+, or L/T traineeships. Fields include marine biology, environmental tourism, hotel and catering, multimedia, and communications. Durations are flexible — you’ll get real hands-on experience in ecotourism and the chance to grow within the company. A full scholarship is available for selected candidates.
Recruitment Policy
Employment is governed by Portuguese labour law, with salaries adjusted according to each candidate’s experience. Priority is given to Azorean applicants whenever possible. Non-residents are provided with accommodation on Pico Island. English is required for all customer-facing roles — our visitors come from all over the world and English is the primary language of our operation. Portuguese is spoken internally but is not a requirement to apply.
Send us your CV — that’s all we need to get started. A short cover letter telling us why you’re interested is optional, but very much appreciated. We’ll get back to you within a few days.
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