Sailor / Guide (M/F)

Escales Polaires; Tromsø; On-site; NOK 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension compensation

Paid leave indemnity

End-of-season bonus

Training support

Job summary

Escales Polaires, based in Tromsø, Norway, is hiring a Marine Guide for its adventure cruises focusing on the Arctic. The role involves leading shore excursions, ensuring passenger safety during zodiac operations, and maintaining onboard hospitality. Ideal candidates will possess naturalist knowledge, speak fluent French, and have experience in demanding environments. This freelance position offers competitive pay and opportunities for career progression within an adventurous, dynamic team.

Qualifications

• Fluent in French and preferably operational in English.
• Experience working in remote or demanding environments.
• Ability to lead and engage a group in outdoor activities.

Responsibilities

• Conduct presentations and lead shore excursions.
• Ensure safety during zodiac operations and passenger disembarkation.
• Maintain cleanliness and assist with ship maintenance tasks.

Skills

Naturalist knowledge

Fluent French

Driving a rigid inflatable boat / zodiac

Shooting training (hunting permit or FFTir licence)

Listening and adaptability skills

Energy, good humour

Experience in demanding environments

Education

CFBS (or equivalent)

Maritime certificate for deckhand or higher

Job description

Join Escales Polaires, a French company specialising in adventure cruises in the Arctic.

We operate small exploration vessels (24–30 m) that navigate along the Norwegian coasts and around Spitsbergen. Our ambition is simple: to offer authentic, human-scale adventures where every detail matters.

On board, the guide is not just a companion: they are the living link between the polar environment and the passengers. They provide insight, understanding, and feelings. They ensure safety, engage, and create unforgettable moments — in the tundra as well as on the zodiac.

You will join the crew of the Tarmo or the Isbjørnen II, within a small, versatile, and committed team.

"On board, every outing is a discovery. Every landing, a new page."

Your Role: The Soul of the Adventure

This position combines naturalist animation, field safety, and life as a sailor. In a small crew, your versatility, sense of teamwork, and passion make all the difference.

Animation & Education (main role)

• Presentation and facilitation of shore excursions
• Naturalist and cultural commentary tailored to the group
• Clear briefings before each activity
• Management of group dynamics
• Visual documentation: photos & videos of the stay

Safety & Zodiac Operations

• Launching, recovery and operation of the zodiac
• Passenger disembarkation and "zod cruise" (in tandem with captain)
• Constant vigilance on passenger behaviour
• Management of weapons and ammunition in Svalbard
• Role of shooting reference: storage, maintenance, protocols

Life On Board & Hospitality

• Cleanliness of cabins and bathrooms according to schedule
• Setting up alternating breakfasts
• Maintenance of exterior decks (rinsing, snow clearing)

Navigation & Ship Maintenance

• Participation in port manoeuvres and anchoring
• Assisting the captain on the bridge as needed
• Engine rounds (checks, greasing)
• Maintenance of facilities between cruises
• Safety drills and instructions on board

Activity Seasons

You will join the team to cover our three seasons of adventure.

AUTUMN / WINTER

WINTER / SPRING

SUMMER

Period

Mid-October → early December 2.5 months

Program

Orcas, Whales and Northern Lights — departure / arrival Tromsø

Expeditions to Spitsbergen (Svalbard Islands)

Employment Conditions

Place of work Tromsø Region (Norway) + Svalbard Islands

Contract Freelance position (possibility of progression to permanent contract under ENIM scheme)

Rotational Possibility of rotation

Start of the post Season 2026 subject to availability

Remuneration Competitive salary + collective profit-sharing

Advantages Pension compensation, paid leave indemnity, end-of-season bonus, training support

Expenses covered Travel expenses from home / ship (boarding and disembarking)

Social regime Contract under social regime fully covered by the shipping company

Compliance MLC compliant certified vessel

Profile required

We are primarily looking for a personality, not just a guide. Someone capable of leading an outing in the snow while keeping the group safe — and returning to the ship with the same energy to welcome passengers for dinner.

Skills & Training

• CFBS (or equivalent) required
• Maritime certificate for deckhand or higher
• Shooting training (hunting permit or FFTir licence)
• Up-to-date medical examination
• Driving a rigid inflatable boat / zodiac
• Naturalist knowledge (appreciation of Arctic fauna)
• Fluent French — operational English strongly desired
• Experience in demanding environments (sea, mountains, remote…) appreciated
• Sense of hospitality and sincere service
• Team and crew spirit
• Organisation and field rigor
• Listening and adaptability skills
• Sense of observation and pedagogy
• Energy, good humour on a daily basis
• Ability to live in confined spaces

These elements are directly derived from our human project: friendliness, authenticity, and operational excellence.

What we are not looking for

• "Lone guide" profiles disconnected from the crew
• Rigid individuals or those who are not adaptable to conditions
• Lack of rigor regarding safety or regulations
• Absence of a sense of service and community
• Difficulty working in confined spaces

Evolution and long-term vision

Our ambition is to grow the company with the people who make it up. The position of Marine Guide opens several pathways depending on your profile and aspirations.

• Fleet reference guide — supervision of animation standards and passenger experience
• Development of nautical skills (bridge, advanced certificate) with training funding
• Field safety manager — coordination of Svalbard procedures
• Participation in the manning and preparation of new vessels

We invest in your professional development from 6 months of seniority: nautical training, naturalist training, advanced safety or management.

Is this for you?

This position is for you if…

You enjoy sharing what you observe around you. You are comfortable with the unexpected, the cold, and working as part of a team. Safety is second nature to you. And you find as much satisfaction in preparing for a landing as in experiencing it.

It is not for you if…

You are looking for a classic guide position on a fixed itinerary. If life in a small crew, confined spaces, or strict regulations are a problem for you, this position will not be fulfilling.

"Being a marine guide at Escales Polaires is above all about participating in a human adventure. Polar nature is meant to be shared — it is not kept to oneself."