Cultural Specialist – Japan Focus

Job description

**WHO WE ARE** Lindblad Expeditions is a true pioneer in Expedition Travel. From taking the first citizen explorers to Antarctica in 1966, opening the Galapagos and Easter Island to tourism in 1967, leading the first tourist expedition through the Northwest Passage in 1984, and launching our innovative partnership with National Geographic in 2004, we're now taking almost 30,000 guests a year to some of the world’s most remote and pristine locations on our fleet of 20 ships, and are committed to ensuring our guests experience the “Exhilaration of Discovery”. **SUMMARY** This position supports the expedition as the expert and specialist in past and/or present human culture for particular regions and itineraries around the world based on subject matter expertise. Additionally, the position will work with the rest of the Field Staff in the delivery of the program and guest experience on a daily basis. The position should expect to work varying hours each day, based on the itinerary. The position is responsible for creating and presenting engaging presentations and recaps, lead guests on off-ship activities, provide in-the-field interpretation, and assist with general care of Field Staff equipment and spaces. It is essential that this person have excellent social skills as they will be expected to dine with guests and work in a multinational environment and live in close quarters. ------------------------------------------- The Japan focused Cultural Specialist supports the expedition as the expert and specialist in culture and natural history for our voyages. For this role, we are looking for candidates with expertise **specifically in Japan, and can only consider applicants who meet the following requirements noted in Specific Expertise- Eligibility for Contract.** ### SPECIFIC EXPERTISE- ELIGIBILITY FOR CONTRACT - Focus on experience in the field in Japan, with a strong preference for someone who is from Japan. - Japan subject matter expertise in natural history and culture are preferred. - Ability to communicate the cultural story of the Japan to guests in large and small audience groups. - Creatively engages with guests and shares knowledge in ways that are personable, comfortable, and that inspire continued learning opportunities and discussion. ### ESSENTIAL DUTIES - The position must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Additional duties may be added at any time. - Consistently represent Lindblad Expeditions with integrity and professionalism. - Lead or assist with operations such as hiking, inflatable boat tours, kayak, stand up paddleboard, snorkel, cross country ski, and snowshoe operations, as well as coach tours, cultural/culinary/historical tours or other planned activities in the voyage itinerary. - Offer relevant and engaging in-the-field and on board interpretation to guests throughout the voyage. - Participate in evening recaps to highlight guests’ daily experiences. - Prepare several PowerPoint (or similar) presentations of 30-40 minutes in length, to highlight particular and relevant themes specific to the voyage. - Respond to on board and in the field requests in a timely manner and remain highly visible to guests throughout the voyage. - Mitigate guest concerns and complaints as best as possible and bring them to the attention of the Expedition Leader or Assistant Expedition Leader, as needed. - On more culturally-focused itineraries, accompany guests ashore with local guides, and act as the representative of Lindblad Expeditions. While ashore, position should monitor for quality control of these excursions and report any concerns to Expedition Leader or Assistant Expedition Leader. - Eat meals with guests and make an effort to dine with a variety of people over the course of each voyage. - Participate in on board duties related to the guest experience, such as monitor wildlife, clean Field Staff gear and spaces, deliver communications to guests, create on board educational materials, assist the NAT/CPI with photo collection at the end of a voyage, assist the AEL/BCC with duties (i.e., inventory, organization), capture and submit daily expedition photos, assist with luggage movement, support at hospitality suite or other off-ship venues. - Participate in physically demanding settings in diverse weather conditions and varying temperatures, which may include operation of inflatable boats for several hours per day, hike over uneven terrain for distances of three miles or more, manage snorkel activities in deep water, and/or lead kayak excursions. - Using the English language, this person must have the ability to read, write, and comprehend policies, legal guidelines, correspondence, and memos. Must also possess the ability to effectively communicate--both in writing and orally--with a professional demeanor. - Provide guest briefings on operations and/or locations with cultural sensitivity to ensure all persons ashore understand how to be a respectful visitor. ### ELIGIBILITY FOR CONTRACT - CPR & First Aid Certified (higher level of training preferred). - Bachelor’s degree or four years of work experience in related industry. - Full mobility of all limbs and the ability to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and lift and/or move up to 50 pounds as needed. In the field, this position will participate in field excursions, including driving inflatable boats for several hours per day, hikes over uneven terrain for up to 3 miles, and kayaking up to 3 miles. - In-depth knowledge of destination and previous experience guiding or working in destination. - A team-player with excellent training skills and a proven educator. - Works well independently and is a self-starter. - Strong communicator with individuals and groups, even-tempered demeanor, and remains calm under pressure. - Must be able to handle multiple tasks at one time with keen attention to detail. - Possess general comfort with public speaking. - Possess excellent problem-solving skills, the ability to make sound decisions quickly, and exercise good judgment. - Strongly preferred - Experience driving vessels with outboard engines. - Strongly preferred - Merchant Mariner Credential of 25 tons or greater, RYA certificate, or equivalent. - Some itineraries may have additional required credentials or trainings. - Strongly preferred - Experienced and adaptable in diverse geographic regions. - Extensive past and present human cultural knowledge of destination. ### REQUIRED FOR CONTRACT - Promotion/Sales- The position must become familiar with the company philosophy and various programs offered by National Geographic - Lindblad Expeditions. 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