Field Based Assistant Expedition Leader- High Arctic Experience Required

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 Leader as they deliver a thematic, and well-executed guest experience by providing inspired leadership, and operational and administrative support for guests and staff while upholding the guiding principles of Lindblad Expeditions. The Field Based Assistant Expedition Leader (AEL) assists with the coordination of expedition and land operations, manages the Field Staff shipboard spaces, oversees basic accounting of expedition funds, and ensures the ships have all necessary expedition equipment. This position may also assist in the field assisting with safe operations. The AEL is also a key liaison between Lindblad Expeditions’ New York and Seattle offices, guests, and shipboard personnel. The position is responsible for upholding Field Staff policies and procedures on board with the oversight of the Expedition Leader and the Field Staff Manager. The position should expect varying hours each day, based on the itinerary. It is essential that this person has excellent social skills as they will be expected to dine with guests and work in a multi-national environment, and live in close quarters. ------------------------------------------- For the Field Based Assistant Expedition Leader role, we are looking for candidates with expedition ship expertise **specifically in High Arctic regions (Svalbard, Greenland and Arctic Canada), and can only consider applicants who meet the requirements indicated under Eligibility for Contract.** ### ESSENTIAL DUTIES - The position must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Additional duties may be added at any time. - Customer Service – Facilitate guest requests and arrangements daily. - Assist the Expedition Leader with all guest-related logistics, including disembarkation for operations. - Communicate with land agents for confirmation of tour arrangements and special needs, and with Lindblad Expeditions’ office personnel, hotel manager, or doctor regarding guest arrangements (e.g. cabin upgrades, special dietary needs & medical conditions). Also communicate all guest requests to the office in a timely manner and keeping the guest abreast of the situation. - Answer daily communication/information requests from the office in a timely manner. - Be present in the Mud Room/Basecamp, lounge, dining room, or reception at appropriate times and responding to requests in a timely manner, as necessary. - Eat meals with guests and make an effort to dine with a variety of people over the course of each voyage. - Medical Evacuation- The position is the key person regarding facilitation of a medical evacuation for guests while they are on the ship. - The position must communicate the situation and collect information effectively for the office and insurance company, while liaising with the Captain, Expedition Leader, Doctor, and Shoreside team for patient guest needs and appropriate means of transportation off the ship. - The AEL may be required to escort or assign a staff member to escort the guest to the hospital or spend time away from the ship to secure a safe and reliable evacuation. - Guest Arrival/Departure- Supervise group airport transfers, individual guest transfers, luggage transfer, and general departure arrangements. - Create and communicate staff berthing assignments for each voyage and oversees the voyage daily staff duty sign-ups. - Edit daily programs. - Oversee the Basecamp Coordinator (BCC) role, which manages gear inventory, expeditions accounts, and expedition spaces onboard. - Assist expedition operations by driving Zodiacs, manage beach landings, lead hikes, occasionally offer interpretation, and act as a point person for staff in the field. - Collect and archive landing records. - Write and submit post-voyage AECO and IAATO reports. - Assist Expedition Leader with voyage planning and safety awareness. ### ELIGIBILITY FOR CONTRACT - A minimum of at least 150 days of expedition ship experience operating in High Arctic regions (Svalbard, Greenland and Arctic Canada). - Significant and relevant experience; prior experience on expedition ships strongly preferred. - Bachelor’s degree or four years of work experience in related industry. Previous management experience is highly desirable. Two years minimum customer service background. - Computer experience with Microsoft Office. Experience with other computer management programs preferred. - Must be able to handle multiple tasks at one time with keen attention to detail. - 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 is calm under pressure. Comfortable with public speaking. - Is calm, unflappable, and adaptive to an ever-changing environment. Must be able to handle multiple tasks at one time with keen attention to detail. - Possess excellent problem-solving skills, the ability to make sound decisions quickly, and exercises good judgment. - 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 zodiacs for several hours per day, hikes over - uneven terrain for up to 3 miles, and kayaking up to 3 miles. - First Aid & CPR (higher level of training preferred). - Some itineraries may have additional required credentials or training. - Strongly preferred - small boat driving experience. - Strongly preferred - Merchant Mariner Credential of 25 tons or greater, RYA certificate, or equivalent. - Strongly preferred - Experienced and adaptable in diverse geographic regions. ### REQUIRED FOR CONTRACT - Promotion/Sales- The position must become familiar with the company philosophy and various programs offered by National Geographic - Lindblad Expeditions. They should be able to address and field questions from guests regarding the various programs offered. - Conservation/Sustainability- The position should become familiar with National Geographic- Lindblad Expeditions conservation and sustainability programs and be able to discuss the efforts in any itinerary where scheduled. - Inflatable Boat Operations- The position should be prepared to assist with many aspects of inflatable boat operations for shore excursions. Familiarity with inflatable boats, such as Zodiacs, and ability to drive is a strong preference. If a US-citizen, a USCG license to drive inflatable boats is preferred. - Safety- The position should be prepared to participate in on-board safety training, meetings and drills, including abandon ship and fire drills. Will also participate in shore-based education as required by the Company.