Assistant Expedition Leader
Global
Field Staff – Field Staff Shipboard (Contract Positions) /
Contract /
On-site
WHO WE ARE
Lindblad Expeditions is the pioneer in the Expedition Travel space, from taking the first citizen explorers to Antarctica in 1966, to opening the Galapagos and Easter Island to tourism in 1967, to leading the first tourist expedition through the Northwest Passage in 1984, to launching our innovative partnership with National Geographic in 2004. Now taking nearly 25,000 guests per year to some of the world’s most remote and pristine locations on our fleet of 16 ships, we do whatever it takes to ensure our guests experience the “Exhilaration of Discovery”.
SUMMARY
This position supports the Expedition Leader by assisting with the coordination of shipboard and land operations, managing the field staff office and at times the ship’s reception desk, overseeing basic accounting of expedition funds, and inventorying and ordering expedition equipment, amongst other things. The Assistant Expedition Leader is also a key liaison between Lindblad Expeditions New York and Seattle offices, guests, and shipboard personnel.
The AEL should expect contract periods of approximately 4 - 6 weeks on, 4 - 6 weeks off, with varying hours (e.g. on duty before breakfast, after dinner, on call all other). It is essential that this person have excellent social skills as they will be expected to dine with guests and work in a multi-national environment, while living in close quarters.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
The AEL must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The AEL will deal with guest requests and arrangements on a daily basis. Additional duties may be added or assigned at any time. This may include:
Customer Service
- Assisting the Expedition Leader with all guest-related logistics.
- Possessing excellent problem solving skills, the ability to make sound decisions quickly, and exercising good judgment.
- Communicating with land agents for confirmation of tour arrangements and special needs, often on a daily basis.
- Communicating with Lindblad Expeditions’ office personnel, hotel manager, or doctor regarding guest arrangements (e.g. cabin upgrades, special dietary needs & medical conditions).
- Communicating guest requests to the office in a timely manner and keeping the guest abreast of the situation.
- Answering daily communication/information requests from the office in a timely and efficient manner.
- Managing expedition gear and inventory and ordering supplies as needed.
- Being present in reception at appropriate times and responding to requests in a timely manner, as necessary.
- Making frequent announcements over the P.A. system and possessing general comfort with public speaking.
- Managing the staff office and keeping it tidy.
- Eating meals with guests and making an effort to dine with a variety of people over the course of each voyage.
Medical Evacuation
- The AEL is the key person in arranging medical evacuation for guests while they are on the ship. This person must be able to communicate the situation and collect information effectively for the office and the insurance company, while liaising with the Captain, EL, and Doctor for patient needs and appropriate means of transportation off the ship. The AEL may be required to escort the guest to the hospital or spend time away from the ship to secure a safe and reliable evacuation.
Promotions/Sales
- The AEL must be familiar with the company philosophy and various programs offered by Lindblad Expeditions. She/he must be able to address and field questions from guests regarding the various programs and assist guests with reservation procedures.
Guest Arrival/Departure
- Supervises group airport transfer, individual guest transfers, luggage transfer and general departure arrangements.
Expedition Accounts/Petty Cash
- Responsible for administering the disbursement and accounting of funds to land agents, guides, and paying miscellaneous land fees.
Conservation/Sustainability
- Should become familiar with Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic’s conservation and sustainability programs and be able to discuss the particular efforts in any itinerary where scheduled.
Zodiac Operations
- Oversees loading of guests into Zodiacs for shore excursions. Familiarity with Zodiacs and ability to drive a strong preference. If proficient, may be asked to act as driver of Zodiacs, as directed by Expedition Leader.
Safety
- Participates in on-board safety training, meetings, and drills, including abandon ship and fire drills. Participates in shore-based training as required by the Company. Must be very familiar with the Field Staff Handbook.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS
- Bachelor’s degree or four years of work experience in hospitality related industry.
- Previous management experience is highly desirable.
- Two years minimum customer service background.
- Personal computer experience: Word, Excel, Microsoft Office.
- 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.
What we offer:
Salary for this contract position: $278 daily rate
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.
