Licensed Expedition Staff

Lindblad Expeditions; Abbeyville (CO); On-site; USD 48,000 - 59,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Daily rate $286/day

Travel expenses paid

Job summary

Lindblad Expeditions seeks a United States Coast Guard licensed captain to operate inflatable small boats and support expedition operations aboard our vessels. The role involves safe navigation in cold and ice-filled waters, guest interaction, and close collaboration with Field Staff to ensure a seamless guest experience.

The position requires staffing long voyages with 6–8 weeks on itinerary blocks, strong social skills, and the ability to dine with guests while maintaining professional

Qualifications

• USCG Merchant Mariner Credentials of 25 tons or greater.
• CPR & First Aid Certified.
• Four years of work experience in related industry with safe inflatable boat handling.
• Full mobility and ability to lift up to 50 pounds; capable of hikes and long days on voyages.

Responsibilities

• Safely shuttle guests and drive inflatable boat excursions for up to 5 hours in varied conditions.
• Maintain and inventory Field Staff gear and assist with equipment preparation.
• Provide AV support and contribute to guest experience on and off ship.
• Represent Lindblad Expeditions and engage with guests in a multinational environment.

Skills

USCG license

Public speaking

Strong communicator

Multitasking

Problem-solving

Team player

Self-starter

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.
• Some itineraries may have additional required credentials or trainings.

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.

What we offer

• Daily rate for this contract position: $286/daily
• Travel Expenses Paid

Communication Skills

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.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this position, this person is frequently required to sit, talk and hear.This person will also be required to write and type.Occasionally required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms. The physical demands per position are described in the Job Analysis sheet and are available to all applicants upon request.

COMPENSATION STATEMENT

Lindblad Expeditions determines the pay for contracts and positions using local, national, and industry-specific survey data. We evaluate external equity and the cost of labor/prevailing wage index in the relative marketplace for jobs directly comparable to jobs within our company. Our posted daily range is based on national data and may be refined for a candidate's region/town/cost of living.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER STATEMENT

At Lindblad Expeditions, we simply could not do our work without the diverse kaleidoscope of humanity that creates and delivers our remarkable offerings across the planet. As a Company that respects and celebrates the inherent diversity in the places we explore, we recognize the need to mirror that same diversity and all the interconnected perspectives within our organization. We are committed to building a community of different genders, races, ages, sexual orientations, chosen identities, and countries of origin where every person brings their whole self to work and whose skills, talents, and abilities are valued. We believe we can explore further and in a more meaningful way by actively creating a more diverse and inclusive organization where everyone feels they belong.

Lindblad Expeditions is an equal-opportunity employer. Individuals seeking a contract or employment at Lindblad Expeditions are considered without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, genetics, marital status, pregnancy, unemployment status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or veteran status.