Naturalist/Expedition Diver
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”.
This position acts as the secondary diver throughout the voyage and supports the expedition as a specialist in natural history for particular regions around the world. The naturalist/expedition diver will work with the rest of the field staff in the delivery of the itinerary on a daily basis.
The naturalist/expedition diver should expect contract periods a minimum of 3-5 weeks at a time with varying hours each day, based on the itinerary. A typical day may last 10-12 hours. The naturalist/expedition diver is primarily responsible for working with the undersea specialist as a highly qualified dive buddy. Additionally, this person is expected to act as a land- and ship-based naturalist, creating and presenting engaging presentations, recaps, and in-the-field interpretation, as directed by the expedition leader. 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.
This position is the entry-level diving position for the company. Depending on skills, experience, and performance in this role, the position may lead to the Undersea Specialist role in subsequent contracts.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
- Must meet or exceed all dive requirements as listed below.
- Acting as the primary dive buddy to undersea specialist, in the interest of creating a safe diving atmosphere.
- Assisting undersea specialist with interpreting marine and undersea environments to guests in an inspirational, informative, and meaningful manner.
- Experience with and responsible for cleaning and daily maintenance of dive gear used in undersea program, under guidance of undersea specialist.
- Assisting with any and all shore operations, as requested by expedition leader. Basic familiarity with land-based natural history in a particular destination would be expected.
- Responsible for filling out an accurate dive log at the end of each dive, in cooperation with undersea specialist.
- Participating in evening recaps to highlight guests’ daily experiences.
- Preparing 1-2 PowerPoint (or similar) presentations of 30-40 minutes in length, highlighting particular and relevant themes of the voyage.
- Writing the Daily Expedition Report one or more times during the voyage, to encapsulate the guests’ daily experiences.
- Responding to requests in a timely manner and being highly visible to guests throughout the voyage.
- Possessing general comfort with public speaking.
- Possessing excellent problem-solving skills, the ability to make sound decisions quickly, and exercising good judgment.
- Mitigating guest complaints as best as possible and bringing them to the attention of the expedition leader, as needed.
- Consistently representing Lindblad Expeditions with integrity and professionalism.
- Eating meals with guests and making an effort to dine with a variety of people over the course of each voyage.
Promotion/Sales
- The naturalist/expedition diver must be familiar with the company philosophy and various programs offered by Lindblad Expeditions. Should be able to address and field questions from guests regarding the various programs offered.
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
- Should be prepared to assist with many aspects of Zodiac operations for shore excursions. Familiarity with Zodiacs and ability to drive a strong preference. If a U.S. citizen, a USCG license to drive Zodiacs is preferred.
Safety
- 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 training as required by Lindblad Expeditions. Must be very familiar with the Field Staff Handbook.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS
- Familiarity and experience with underwater video capture, basic video editing, and computer skills is preferred but not required.
- Familiarity and experience with video microscopes, hydrophones, plankton tows, ROVs, and underwater camera systems to highlight the underwater realm is preferred but not required.
- In-depth natural history knowledge of destination.
- Adaptation to diverse geographic regions.
- Previous experience guiding or working in destination is preferred.
- 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.
- Bachelor’s degree or four years of work experience in related industry.
Dive Requirements
- Must submit a RSTC Medical Statement Participant Record signed by a physician prior to first contract.
- Must have minimum of Rescue Diver certification or higher, from a recognized recreational dive organization (e.g. PADI, NAUI, SSI).
- Must have a minimum of 50 logged dives, but a great deal more is preferred. Must provide copy of log book, preferably in Excel format.
- Must have proof of 10 dives (minimum) within the last 12 months.
- Must have extensive dive experience in a variety of conditions and regions.
- Upon hire, must obtain DAN membership and coverage and provide proof of renewal annually. Must also obtain and maintain current certification in Oxygen Administration.
Dive Requirements for Cold Water and Polar Diving
- Must have Dry Suit Specialty certification.
- Must have a minimum of 20 logged Dry Suit dives, but a great deal more are preferred.
- Must have proof of 5 dry suit dives (minimum) within the last 12 months.
- Must have cold water dive experience, verified by a Letter of Recommendation indicating cold water experience, completed by: a certified dive instructor, a current and insured Dive Master, OR a Lindblad Undersea Specialist in good standing with the company.
What We Offer
- Target base salary for this role based on experience and vessel: $288 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.
