Expedition Leader - USCG Licensed

HIRING STATUS, 3/22: All Expedition Leader positions for the Alaska Summer sailing season are full. We still collect applications and interview well qualified candidates incase a position becomes available.

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ABOUT UNCRUISE 

At UnCruise Adventures, we work together to provide an enriching adventure experience while inspiring an appreciation of local cultures and the natural world. This means we kayak among icebergs, travel to hidden waterfalls, snorkel with sea lions, dive with manta rays, and share air with whales. Our destinations include Alaska, the Hawaiian Islands, & Baja California. 

  CREW PERKS 

• Heath care benefits (medical, dental, vision) 

• Rotation schedule (6-8 weeks sailing with 2-3 weeks off) 

• Room and board when scheduled 

• Travel stipend 

• Credential reimbursement (qualifications required) 

• Pro deals 

JOB SUMMARY  

The Expedition Leader (EL) manages all onboard programming and off-vessel activities as part of the larger Vessel Leadership Team. The EL manages the day-to-day activities, leads hikes, kayak trips, paddle boarding, interpretive presentations and skiff rides. The EL holds a USCG Captain’s License of 25 Tons or greater in order to operate skiffs with guests. This position requires exemplary leadership, teamwork, self-management, and customer service skills. The EL 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, and enjoys being the primary contact and coordinator for all guest needs.  

QUALIFICATIONS  

• Minimum two years of team management, leadership, and conflict resolution experience.  

• Minimum two years experience leading guests in the field on kayaking and hiking excursions.   

• Preferred or equivalent experience: Minimum education of a Bachelor of Science in natural resources, marine biology, environmental education or policy, botany, forestry, environmental geography, anthropology, history, or other related field of study. 

• Ability to self-manage and work independently. 

• Exceptional ability to multitask in an efficient and flexible manner while juggling a high number of logistics, and work cross departmentally to meet goals. 

• Prior small ship cruise industry experience strongly preferred.  

• Communication and writing skills that provide explanation of very complex or technical matters to people with little or no background in the area under discussion. 

• Polished social skills and maturity to communicate clearly, positively and calmly under stressful conditions to the Captain, crew, and guests. 

•  Interact at all times in a professional and tactful manner with guests, vendors, and crew. 

• Outstanding customer service mentality and practice. 

• Proficient user of computer systems, with the ability to utilize MS software and photo editing applications in a Windows environment. 

Required Certificates, Licenses, Registrations: 

• Valid Passport  

• CPR / First Aid / AED   

• Drug/Alcohol Test Specimen Collector (Company provided)  

• USCG 25T Masters License (1)  

• Wilderness First Responder (WFR) (2)  

• STCW Crowd Management (Company provided) (3)  

• STCW Crisis Management (Company provided) (3)  

• Security Awareness or VPDSD (Company provided) (3)  

• Medical Certificate or Physical Examination Report (3)   

• Costa Rica Guide Certification or Panama Guide Certification (4)  

• MARSEC Card (Company provided) (5)  

  (1) Inland license required for Alaska and the Safari Quest. Near Coastal License required for Baja and Safari Explorer Hawaii itineraries.  

(2) Required for Alaska, PNW, Hawaii, and Baja itineraries. Preferred for Belize and Costa Rica  

(3) Required for Safari Voyager  

(4) Required for Safari Voyager - Only for native Costa Ricans and Panamanians for their country of origin  

(5) Required on Safari Explorer Hawaii itinerary  

ESSENTIAL DUTIES: ONBOARD DURING SAILING SEASON 

• Safely operate a skiff while narrating local natural and/or cultural features to guests. 

• Manage programming and scheduling for off-vessel excursions, presentations, and mealtimes; communicate this to guests and crew in an easy to understand and well documented manner. 

• Communicate with the Vessel Leadership Team (VLT) regarding routing and off-vessel excursions, disembarkation/embarkation, mealtimes, docking and any onboard management issues. 

• Work well cross departmentally within a small team; assists with washing dishes, polishing silverware, vessel wash down, and other departmental needs. 

• Work closely with the Captain to coordinate any changes in schedule, route or special circumstances. 

• Remain well versed on company history, itineraries and vessels, and able to communicate this information to guests with ease and confidence. 

• Public speaking on topics related to destination’s history, culture, flora, and fauna. 

• Oversee execution of the daily plan including timely departures/arrivals, safe and informative excursions, professional and educational interpretation in the field, formal onboard presentations, behind the scenes programmatic tasks and gear maintenance. 

• Manage all administrative tasks including: forest service permit logs, daily itinerary updates and guest briefings, kayak and skiff safety orientations, etc.  

• Assist deck crew with lines and docking, standing watch, cleaning, vessel upkeep, and basic operations. 

• Ensure the timely delivery of all required paperwork to the Seattle office at the end of each voyage. 

• Maintain a current inventory of all resources aboard and requisition needed materials as appropriate. 

• Present the “Next Adventure” sales program during each trip with other VLT members. 

• Uphold company standards and policies, including meeting and/or exceeding guest expectations. 

• Maintain professional demeanor with guests, crew, staff, agents, officials, and the public at all times. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES: ON LAND WHILE NOT SAILING 

• Completes other tasks as agreed upon annually. 

ONBOARD ENVIRONMENT / PHYSICAL DEMANDS 

• Living Conditions- Crew live in close quarters with 4 to 8 crew per room depending on the vessel. Having your own room is not an option due to limited berthing. 

• Length of Work Shift- Physically able to work 12 hours per day, 7 days a week for 6 to 8 weeks at a time. Rotations off the vessel are usually 2 to 3 weeks. 

• Mobility- Frequent bending, reaching, twisting, kneeling, crawling, and pushing/pulling.  Must ascend and descend stairs and ladders, sometimes while carrying tools or objects. Able to stand or sit for long periods of time. 

• Handling/Strength- Able to handle, lift, and lower objects totaling 50 pounds between the ground/deck level to a height of about 4 to 6 feet, and able to repeat these movements.  Able to carry these objects up to 100 feet continuously for 20 minutes. 

• Environmental Conditions- Able to work in all weather conditions, around loud noise, in small spaces, and fit through a 28-inch wide hatch. 

BASE PAY 

• Summer season, $296 - $366 / day. Wage range is based on vessel placement. 

DISCLAIMER STATEMENT  

This job description is intended only to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by an employee in this position.  It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills or abilities required or persons so classified or assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

It is the policy of UnCruise Adventures not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, creed, religion, marital status, citizenship, the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, ancestry, national origin, or veteran status in its educational programs, activities, or employment as required by law.  

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