Expedition Leader - Seagoing

Job Description

The Expedition Leader manages all activities during Atlas Ocean Voyages’ expeditions. They oversee the safety of the Atlas Ocean Voyages staff and passengers to ensure a seamless operation for all. The EL will work with the Core Team to provide leadership and guidance during challenging decisions. Working with the Expedition Team, the EL will manage all Zodiac, safety, bear safety, firearm handling and glacier operations to provide a safe experience for passengers during onshore excursions.

The Expedition Leader will work with the Cruise Director to synchronize the onboard and onshore programming. They will communicate any changes to the itinerary made to the Cruise Director to provide necessary information to the passengers and staff. The Expedition Leader Works closely with the Captain, bridge staff and Assistant Expedition Leader to determine the best itinerary for the expedition while managing all challenges that may arise. The EL has exemplary leadership, team building, management, and customer service skills. He/she manages program safety policy and procedures, and is well versed on destination topics including, history, culture and natural surroundings. The EL has a solid background in interpretive program development, group outdoor adventure leadership skills, and cooperative management skills. The Expedition Leader communicates all zodiac cruising and onshore excursion information to the passengers in a clear and friendly manner.

General Duties

• Manage a team of expedition guides effectively and professionally, ensuring smooth cooperation with the captain, crew, and hotel department
• Organize and execute passenger activities safely and effectively
• Manages programming and scheduling for off vessel excursions, and communicates this to the guests and crew in an easy to understand, timely and well documented manner
• Assignment of Duties - Operations office team will provide a preliminary duties list that the CD and EL can modify based on trip needs
• Ensures all activities follow safety policies put in place by the vessel’s officers and from within Atlas Ocean Voyages’ Standard Operating Procedures.
• In conjunction with the Cruise Director – the EL oversees the execution of the daily program
• Responsible for the delivery of timely departures/arrivals, safe and informative excursions, professional and educational interpretation in the field, zodiac operation and firearms maintenance
• Supervises, trains, schedules, coaches and formally evaluates all expedition staff
• In conjunction with the Assistant Expedition Leader manages all administrative tasks assigned to the Expedition department including: Maintaining permit requirements, bike, bear, and zodiac safety orientations, completing the expedition daily report, reporting to the Atlas Ocean Voyages/Mystic Cruises operation department in Porto
• Liaise with the ship’s Captain, Safety Officer and Boatswain to safely, effectively and efficiently load and unload passengers into zodiacs
• Communicates with the vessel’s officers and Atlas Ocean Voyages’ operations regarding routing, destinations, embarkation/disembarkation, changes in itinerary and other special circumstances
• Oversees the scouting of potential landing sites
• Maintains professional demeanor with guests, crew, staff, agents, officials, and the public
• Maintains communication with the AOV/MC office and updates changes to the schedule and program
• Works with the Captain and bridge staff to discuss ice movement, tide and other circumstances related to the ships navigation
• Communicates with Cruise Director and gangway team to relay necessary information from shore to ship
• Compile and send the Post Visit Reports (PVR) and any other operational forms necessary to the relevant entities
• Ensure all equipment required for the excursions is prepared & loaded / offloaded, properly cleaned and maintained and bio-secured if operating in an area that it requires
• Elaborate / fill out daily toolbox chat with relevant data (i.e. coordinates, wind/swell conditions, etc…)
• In the Arctic region, ensure that Firearm Maintenance and Safety Protocols are strictly followed to the highest standards
• Socialize with guests on a regular basis with special care given to dining with different guests
• Head the department
• Post-visit report to all stakeholders
• Liaise and cooperate with third parties ashore: local communities, stakeholders, and suppliers
• Full budget and reporting responsibility for the onboard department
• Liaise and provide strong guidance to onboard management when it comes to above duties
• Identify and carry-out training needs in the team
• Represent Atlas Ocean Voyages in industry organization working groups and committees
• Safeguard compliance with industry guidelines and regulations
• Convey insights about destinations, its history, culture, nature and wildlife in a credible but easy and entertaining way

Qualifications

Qualifications

• At least two seasons of experience as an expedition leader on expedition cruise ships (two seasons in the Arctic and two seasons in Antarctica) or the equivalent of four seasons as an assistant expedition leader and/or guide/lecturer on expedition cruise vessels larger then 150 passengers
• In-depth knowledge of the area around Svalbard, Greenland, Northwest Passage, Falkland Islands, South Georgia, and the Antarctic Peninsula
• University degree in relevant subjects to the Arctic and Antarctica
• STCW Basic Safety Training Certificate
• First Aid Certificate (WFR + CPR & AED) Minimum
• Security Awareness Certificate
• Marine Medical Certificate
• Small-Vessel Proficiency Certificate (RYA Powerboat Level 2 or equivalent)
• Possession and Acquisition License (or international equivalent)
• Rifle handling and polar bear protection experience
• Fluency in the English language
• Senior Polar Guide certification (PTGA) or equivalent

Your Profile

• Previous experience in similar role or demonstrated experience in the Expedition Cruise Industry
• Good administration & organization
• Proactive problem solving
• Teamwork and good communication
• Well organized, efficient and positive
• A leader
• Understand guest needs
• Time management
• Reliable and pressure resistant
• Proactive in upholding Atlas Ocean Voyages standards of excellence
• Enthusiastic team member
• Marine Radio Operator’s license or equivalent
• Small boat license
• Leisure Skipping Course D5LA (preferential)
• Wilderness First Responder Certificate or equivalent

Professional Skills

• Strong leader, team player and an inspiration to others
• Ability to structure complex tasks
• Good communicator, knowledgeable about expedition operations
• Works well under pressure
• Smart, presentable, friendly and excellent people skills
• Excellent computer & Microsoft Office experience (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, etc)
• English speaking and writing to a high standard
• Ensure compliance with company policies and standards.
• Make sure the product delivered lives up to the product AOV promises.
• Ensure compliance with all AECO/ IAATO and local regulations.
• Promote safe working practices and procedures among passengers and guides.
• Overall, control the effective and safe management/delivery of the travel product AOV sells to its passenger

Additional Information

Mindset and Values

• Be well groomed and of professional personality and focused on delivering 100% satisfaction
• Adhere to schedules, always setting good standards as a member of the shore side team
• Be willing to travel regularly to various Atlas Ocean Voyages offices and vessel

Communication & Coordination

• Report to Captain and coordinate with Staff Captain, Cruise Director and Hotel Manager as needed

Leadership

• Lead by example
• Work with the Assistant Expedition Leader providing training and mentorship to the Expedition Team
• Ensure a positive working environment

Guidelines and Regulations

• Implement Standard Operating Procedures & STAR Service Standards within the department.
• Ensure appropriate appearance and clothing according to the updated Grooming Standards.
• For work in Polar Regions: have passed the appropriate and most recent field staff online assessment of IAATO/AECO. 
• The company reserves the right to change/extend this job description if necessary, at any point of time during her/his employment.