David Jones is a Cashier and Server at the Riverboats at the Gateway Arch. He takes a lot of pride in his job to provide a fun experience for visitors from all over the world who come to see the St. Louis Riverfront.

Q: What’s your favorite part about your job at the Riverboats at the Gateway Arch?

A: Where do I begin? My favorite part really would have to be my coworkers. This really is the best environment to make friends at the Riverboats because it’s a team effort. Everyone works together to make the boats run well for our visitors. Teamwork is very important and it really helps with building friendships and partnerships.

Q: What’s your most memorable experience while working at the Riverboats?

A: If I can only pick one, it would have to be when I was training on my first day on board the Becky Thatcher. It was the first time I had ever served food before and fortunately it was a training experience. The team coordinator was focused and engaged with what everyone was doing. It was a great team effort and we were able to run a great cruise that all the guests enjoyed. It really helped me build confidence in other shifts.

Q: What’s different about being a server on the Riverboat versus a server at a typical restaurant?

A: It’s definitely a very easy position, especially compared to traditional restaurants. There, you may have to memorize tables and complex menus, whereas here on the Becky Thatcher it’s prepaid and set menus. And the only thing you’re really taking orders from guests are drinks and maybe desert.

Q: What’s something at work that makes you smile?

A: The overall atmosphere. It’s always great seeing people out and about and enjoying themselves and creating memories here in St. Louis. Being able to contribute to the well-being of the city by being part of the Riverboats is a very positive experience.

Q: How to do you feel about being a face of the Riverboats at the Gateway Arch?

A: It’s a true honor because there are only a few opportunities to represent important historic landmarks not just here in St. Louis but in the state of Missouri. The Mississippi River has a very rich history that few other places have in this country. So to be able to help other people experience the Mississippi River is a huge honor.

Q: What is your favorite cruise?

A: I like the private cruises the most. You never know what you’re going to get with a private cruise. They can be small, and intimate, where you’re able to engage with the passengers more, and your just able to do more with making that night special for them. And then the next night it could be a huge party with 200 people and it’s just constant energy that just doesn’t stop from beginning to end.

If you’d like to join the Riverboats at the Gateway Arch crew, head to riverboatstljobs.com to apply today! New BSD employees are eligible for a $500 hiring incentive! To qualify, employee must be on time for all shifts and maintain 15.5 hours per week. Employees receive $150 on first and second paychecks and $200 on their third paycheck (payment dates may vary depending on start date).