Full-Time

Chief Mate

National Geographic Sea Bird

Posted on 8/15/2025

Lindblad Expeditions

Lindblad Expeditions

501-1,000 employees

Premium expedition travel with National Geographic

Compensation Overview

$303 - $373/hr

Seattle, WA, USA

In Person

Category
Aerospace Engineering (1)
Required Skills
Customer Service
Excel/Numbers/Sheets
Requirements
  • Experience operating port-to-port in Southeast Alaska, the Snake and Columbia Rivers, in the Gulf of California, Mexico, Costa Rica and Panama (including the Panama Canal), Belize, Guatemala, Colombia.
  • Mate experience on passenger-carrying vessels, including supervisory responsibility and social interaction with guests.
  • Excellent crisis management skills; ability to act quickly with confidence while exercising sound judgement.
  • Ability to perform voyage planning and navigational calculations.
  • Strong time management skills; able to handle multiple tasks, set priorities, and meet deadlines.
  • Good customer service skills: professional demeanor, ability to use necessary levels of tact and courtesy.
  • Personal computer experience: MS Windows applications, and Excel spreadsheet experience.
  • USCG Mate or Master 100 GRT or Greater, Near Coastal required.
  • STCW Basic Safety Training (BST) within last 5 years required.
  • STCW Crisis Management and Human Behavior (CMHB) required.
  • STCW Crowd Management (CM) required, can be obtained during onboarding.
  • STCW Vessel Security Officer (VSO) Certificate required.
  • Radar Observer (RO) endorsement required.
  • Valid USCG Medical Card per STCW standards (2 years) required.
  • Current First Aid/CPR/AED certification required, can be obtained during onboarding.
  • Valid TWIC card required.
  • Valid US Passport required.
Responsibilities
  • Assumes command of the ship in the event the Captain becomes incapacitated.
  • Acts as vessel’s Security Officer, Safety Officer, and Medical Officer.
  • Inspects the vessel for overall cleanliness, including engine room, deck areas, crew quarters, windows and exterior hull.
  • Prepares vessel for and attends all U.S. Coast Guard annual dry docks and inspections. Assists with annual USCG COI inspections.
  • Assists with onboard USCG drug and alcohol testing.
  • Works in conjunction with other departments regarding projects aboard the vessel.
  • Maintains professional demeanor with guests, crew, staff, agents, officials and the public.
  • Participates in guest activities and public relations such as recaps, dining with guests, etc. as directed by the Captain.
  • Maintains deck supply inventories and requisitions.
  • Exhibits an aptitude and enthusiasm for training and managing inexperienced crewmembers.
  • Trains deck force in skills needed to perform docking, anchoring, watch duties, security and routine ship maintenance.
  • Directs the deck force and handles communications between bridge, crew and dock personnel during docking procedures.
  • Supervises crew engaged in cleaning and maintaining deck, superstructure, and bridge of ship.
  • Reviews and updates watch and duty work lists.
  • Evaluates and documents the performance of the deck force as directed in performance appraisal guidelines.
  • Assumes responsibility for bridge navigation and deck watch during specified periods. Determines geographical position of the ship, using all available means such as GPS, radar ranges, visual observations, depth sounders, etc.
  • Makes necessary entries in navigation and radio logs.
  • Handles the vessel (as directed by the Captain) in docking, anchoring, piloting, en route, in close quarters and open sea conditions.
  • Navigates vessel to ensure avoidance of marine hazards such as reefs, outlying shoals, shallow waters, etc. using aids to navigation such as lights, lighthouses, and buoys.
  • Complete pilotage logs for trips completed in Alaska, British Columbia, and on the Columbia and Snake Rivers to meet pilotage requirements and stand watch unsupervised.
  • Operates crane for lowering inflatable boats, kayaks, gangways and other expedition gear.
  • Drives inflatable boats as needed.
  • Assists with loading guests, staff, and crew in and out of inflatable boats.
  • Follows company safety and pollution prevention policies and procedures and requests supervisory assistance/guidance when necessary.
  • Directs crew in emergency drills. Plans and conducts onboard safety training and drills as directed by the Captain, including fire, abandon ship, man security flooding and medical emergencies.
  • Organizes gangway watch as directed by the duty schedule.
  • Maintains and administers vessel preventive maintenance plan and safety training program.
  • Ensures deck crew are trained in the use of personal protective equipment.
  • Participates in company and shore side training as required by the company.
  • Maintains familiarity and compliance with the ISM and ISPS Codes and requirements as well as USCG, Transport Canada, and Health Canada requirements.
  • Ensures compliance with the company Safety Management System including Emergency Response activities.
  • Ensures compliance with all Vessel General Permit regulations.
  • Completes all necessary Bridge log entries and maintains Company’s electronic preventative maintenance program records. Completes Investigation and Non-Conformity Reports as necessary.
  • Responsible for the Vessel Security Plan and participating in regular security audits. Prepares and maintains a record of Declarations of Security.
  • Acts as Medical Officer for all guests, crew and staff medical needs. Liaison with ship’s doctor on voyages. Liaison with Seattle Office for crew medical issues. Assists with emergency medevacs.
  • Maintains first aid kits and medical supplies on board.
  • Maintains the ship’s medical and G.I. logs per CDC VSP and Health Canada requirements.
  • Completes all guest, crew and staff injury/illness reports. Assists Captain with ensuring injured/ill guests and crew medical treatment. Follows all regulations pertaining to GI outbreaks onboard.
  • Ensures proper handling and disposal of biohazards. Complete, submit and maintain record of Investigation Reports.
  • Supervises Deckhands in daily vessel operations including vessel maintenance, boat operations, docking, undocking and anchoring.
  • Supervises Boatswain in maintenance and operations of vessel’s rescue and inflatable boats.
  • Trains deck team, assigns and directs work, monitors performance, encourages and addresses performance issues with deck crew, addresses complaints and resolves problems.
Desired Qualifications
  • STCW Advanced Firefighting (AFF) Certification preferred.
  • STCW Medical Person in Charge (MedPIC) preferred.
  • GMDSS Restricted Operators License preferred.
  • STCW Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats Other than Fast Rescue Boat (PSC) preferred.

Lindblad Expeditions partners with National Geographic to offer premium expedition travel focused on marine exploration, conservation, and sustainable tourism. The company sells educational voyage packages that include guided tours, lectures, and exclusive access to remote locations, with guests traveling onboard ships equipped with kayaks, snorkeling gear, and underwater cameras. Trips feature interactions with scientists and naturalists to provide hands-on learning and field research opportunities. The main difference from competitors is its formal educational program and conservation emphasis, powered by the National Geographic partnership and a strong commitment to sustainable tourism, rather than generic sightseeing. The company aims to give adventure travelers, nature enthusiasts, and educational travelers immersive experiences that advance conservation, science communication, and responsible exploration of pristine environments.

Company Size

501-1,000

Company Stage

IPO

Headquarters

New York City, New York

Founded

1979

Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • Record 2025 revenue of $771M grows to $800-850M guided for 2026 with 4-5% yield increases.
  • Increased Natural Habitat stake by 5% on March 3, 2026, expands ecotourism portfolio.
  • Fleet grows via two Galápagos ships and Greg Mortimer charter, boosting guest nights 4.5-5%.

What critics are saying

  • Disney agent bookings surge 35% creates dependency; Disney demands exclusivity within 12 months.
  • Ecuador revokes Galápagos permits on new ships, eliminating high-yield itineraries by 2027.
  • 7% $675M notes breach covenants if 2026 EBITDA misses $130M, forcing asset sales by 2027.

What makes Lindblad Expeditions unique

  • Lindblad Expeditions partners exclusively with National Geographic since 2004 for educational voyages.
  • Fleet of 12 small ships with capacities under 160 enables access to remote destinations worldwide.
  • Pioneered kayak use and specialized tools for immersive Galápagos and Antarctica expeditions since 1979.

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Benefits

Health Insurance

401(k) Company Match

Long-Term Disability

Life Insurance

Vision Insurance

Dental Insurance

Flexible Spending Account/Flexible Spending Account

Pre-Tax Commuter Benefit

Paid Holidays

Floating Holiday Options

Unlimited Paid Time Off

Paid Vacation

Parental Leave

Sick Leave

Pet Insurance

Company News

TravelPulse
Mar 26th, 2026
National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions launches summer savings offers.

National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions launches summer savings offers. Image: The National Geographic Endurance moored off the coast of Iceland. (Photo Credit: National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions) by Laurie Baratti Last updated: 4:50 PM ET, Thu March 26, 2026 Travelers who are still looking to lock in their summer travel plans just got a new way to save, especially if an expedition-style trip is on their radar. National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions just rolled out a couple of limited-time deals designed to make its bucket-list vacations a little more doable. Celebrate 60 years of Exploration offer. The first offer includes a $1,000 air credit on select 2026 sailings, as long as travelers book by April 15, 2026, and arrange flights through the company. The eligible itineraries span a pretty wide range, taking passengers to places like Alaska, Japan, Europe, Greece, Greenland, Norway and the Arctic. Itineraries that are eligible for the Air Credit offer include: A Celebration of Family Exploration offer. The second deal is all about families. Called "A Celebration of Family Exploration," it offers up to 50 percent off fares for kids 18 and under on select summer 2026 departures, with a booking deadline of April 30, 2026. Onboard, younger travelers can take part in the National Geographic Explorers-in-Training program, which includes hands-on activities like looking at plankton under a microscope, building ice cream sundae "glaciers" or doing other fun, themed projects tied to their destination. Featured itineraries that qualify for the offer include:

Yahoo Finance
Mar 11th, 2026
Lindblad Expeditions founder sells $493K in shares, representing 0.26% of holdings

Sven-Olof Lindblad, founder and 10% owner of Lindblad Expeditions Holdings, sold 28,002 directly-held shares in an open-market transaction valued at approximately $493,000, according to an SEC Form 4 filing. The sale represents 0.26% of his direct holdings, significantly below his recent median sell size of 130,641 shares and median transaction proportion of 1.14%. Following the sale, Lindblad retains over 10.7 million directly held shares valued at approximately $193.9 million. Lindblad Expeditions offers expedition cruises and adventure travel experiences under multiple brands. The company reported $771 million in revenue over the trailing twelve months but posted a net loss of $34.65 million during the same period.

Bitget
Mar 3rd, 2026
Lindblad Expeditions increases Natural Habitat stake by 5% in ecotourism push

Lindblad Expeditions Holdings has increased its stake in Natural Habitat by 5%, according to documents filed with the US Securities and Exchange Commission. The transaction was completed on 3 March 2026. The acquisition strengthens Lindblad Expeditions' strategic investment position in Natural Habitat. The move reflects the company's confidence in the ecotourism and adventure travel market and its commitment to expanding its presence in the sustainable tourism sector.

Yahoo Finance
Feb 26th, 2026
Lindblad Expeditions posts record $771M revenue, guides 2026 EBITDA to $130–140M

Lindblad Expeditions reported record 2025 results with revenue of $771 million (up 20%) and adjusted EBITDA of $126.2 million (up 38%), achieving a 16.4% margin. Net leverage improved to approximately 3.1x from 4.6x the previous year. The expedition cruise operator announced strong forward momentum, with booked revenue for 2026 already exceeding full-year 2025 totals. Management guided 2026 tour revenue between $800–850 million and adjusted EBITDA of $130–140 million, forecasting available guest nights up 4.5–5% and yields rising 4–5%. Growth drivers include expanded distribution channels, with Disney agent bookings up 35% and online bookings up 52%, plus fleet expansion through acquisitions including two Galápagos ships and a three-year charter of the Greg Mortimer.

Yahoo Finance
Feb 26th, 2026
Lindblad Expeditions beats revenue expectations with $183.2M in Q4, up 23.3% year on year

Lindblad Expeditions reported fourth-quarter revenue of $183.2 million, beating analyst estimates of $167.7 million and marking 23.3% year-on-year growth. The cruise and exploration company's adjusted EBITDA of $14.15 million exceeded expectations by 42.5%. However, the company posted a GAAP loss of $0.45 per share, missing analyst estimates by 38%. Full-year revenue guidance of approximately $825 million aligns with analyst expectations, whilst EBITDA guidance of $135 million for 2026 falls slightly below estimates of $136.8 million. Founded in 1979, Lindblad offers expedition cruises to remote destinations in partnership with National Geographic. Despite strong historical growth, analysts expect revenue growth to decelerate to 6.8% over the next 12 months, suggesting potential demand headwinds ahead.

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