Licensed Expedition Staff

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 and Field Staff team as a United States Coast Guard (USCG) licensed captain, driving inflatable small boats (with outboard engines) and supporting expedition operations. The driver is responsible for navigating safely in cold waters, sometimes surrounded by ice, and also in warm waters, sometimes around swimmers. This position is also responsible for providing assistance to the operation and guest expereince off ship and on board. The position should expect to work 6-8 weeks at a time with varying hours each day, based on the itinerary. The position is responsible for supporting a safe environment for our guests and staff, and 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. ### ESSENTIAL DUTIES - The position must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Additional duties may be added at any time. - Safely shuttle guests, staff, and crew to shore and drive inflatable boat excursions for up to 5 hours at a time in varied weather conditions. - Provide small boat assistance to the undersea program. - Assist with preparation of inflatable boats and crane-lowering and lifting of boats and gear; adhere to instruction provided by ship officers. - Be prepared to serve in an instructor/assessor capacity regarding inflatable boat operators. - Assist with landing site risk assessment & documentation. Develop landing notes for recurring locations. - Assist with operations such as hiking, small boat tours, kayak, stand up paddleboard, snorkel, cross country ski, snowshoe operations, as well as coach tours, cultural/culinary/historical tours or other planned activities in the voyage itinerary. - Maintain, clean, and inventory all Field Staff related gear such as snorkel gear, kayaks and stand up paddle boards. Manage expedition equipment inventories, track damaged gear and coordinate replacement requests with the Assistant Expedition Leader. - Serve as Audio Visual support for all recaps and presentations. - Respond to on board and in-the-field requests in a timely manner and remain highly visible to guests throughout the voyage. - On more culturally-focused itineraries, accompany guests ashore with local guides, and act as the representative of Lindblad Expeditions. Monitor quality control of these excursions and report any concerns to Expedition Leader or Assistant Expedition Leader. - 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. - Consistently represent Lindblad Expeditions with integrity and professionalism. - 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 for 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, and managing guest media transfers, 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 venue. - Participate in physically demanding settings in diverse weather conditions and varying temperatures, which may include operation of inflatable boats for several hours per day, hiking over uneven terrain for distances of three miles or more, or other support on excursion. - 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. ### ELIGIBILITY FOR CONTRACT - CPR & First Aid Certified (higher level of training preferred). - United State Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credentials of 25 tons or greater. - Four years of work experience in related industry and demonstrated expertise in safe inflatable boat handling, including operating vessels with outboard engines in varied conditions. - Full mobility of all limbs, the ability to 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. - 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.