Expedition Leader

Summary for Expedition Leader

The Expedition Leader is our guests' constant companion on every aspect of a voyage—both aboard the vessel and ashore. This position works closely with the captain and hotel manager to ensure success, safety, and unsurpassed guest services on every voyage. EL should constantly and consistently interact with and guide guests. Individuals in this position must know the vessel’s location and direction at all times. The Expedition Leader develops an entertaining and accurate narration and delivers pre-planned activities.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities for Expedition Leader

• Show a strong customer service mindset and sense of elevated hospitality when interacting with guests and crew.
• Develop and deliver educational presentations that exemplify a passion for Alaska.
• Frequent public announcements to inform guests of location along the route and note points of interest (lighthouses, historical sites, etc.).
• Coordinate with shore-based vendors to ensure seamless and well-planned port calls.
• Present information during run times and deliver formal presentations of educational programs (often after dinner). Focus topics to include Alaska Native culture, local history, industry, fishing, timber, and company history.
• Oversee and schedule educational presentations and other activities onboard.
• Work closely with the captain to coordinate various types of active exploration of the vessel, including kayaking, hikes, and DIB excursions.
• Communicate with the Captain, Hotel Manager, and the hospitality crew to maintain schedule.
• Actively monitor guest response to programming and activities and create plans to improve guest service.
• Administrative duties include supervising the public bulletin board, distributing turndown letters and travel logs, and tracking the travel schedule.
• Report back to the Director of Guest Experience.
• Understand and respect guests' many political and environmental points of view.
• Ensure that the material presented does not marginalize any traveler.
• Assist other ship departments when possible or as assigned by the Captain or management.
• Follows prescribed hours set forth by the vessel’s daily roster.
• Maintain awareness of basic safety rules, workplace safety, and respect for the environment.

• Develop an understanding of cruise geography and vessel itinerary.
• Ability to provide education in glaciology, geography, flora & fauna, topography, history, geology, culture, and marine biology of the areas our vessels travel.
• Deliver frequent and timely running narration on the microphone and in front of small groups.
• Actively assist in locating wildlife or other points of interest to share with guests.
• Guide hiking and kayaking expeditions.
• Accompany guests during meals as frequently as possible.
• Assemble the contents of the “Welcome Aboard” binder in staterooms.
• Deliver evening turndown letters.
• Organize expedition gear, including rain gear and boots.
• Maintain a public information board that includes the planned itinerary for the week, daily schedule, and other pertinent interpretive material.
• Clearly and consistently verbally communicate the day’s schedule to guests.
• Assist other ship departments as needed or as assigned by the Captain or other managers.
• Follows prescribed hours set forth by the vessel’s daily roster.
• Special projects may be assigned as required by the business.

Minimum Qualifications for Expedition Leader

• BS or higher degree or equivalent experience in natural resources, marine biology, environmental education (or policy), botany, forestry, environmental geography, anthropology, history, or other related field of study preferred
• USCG-approved, unexpired first Aid/CPR Certification
• Strong communication skills: verbal, non-verbal, and writing skills, as well as the ability to communicate written technical information.
• Interpersonal skills with the ability to manage situations where issues must be resolved satisfactorily.

• Strong technical knowledge, communication, and organizational skills.
• Effective problem-solving skills.
• Must be experienced at multi-tasking and remain flexible in a demanding and fast-paced environment.
• Microsoft Office experience.
• Valid US driver’s license and a clean driving record.
• Must pass a security background check and DOT drug test.

Preferred Qualifications for Expedition Leader

• Experience in tourism and/or cruise industries.

Traits and Characteristics for Expedition Leader

To deliver world-class experiences guided by the following Alaska Native cultural values safely and sustainably.

Embrace Traditional Alaska Native Cultural Values that include Humility and pride, Respect for all people, including oneself, Respect for nature, Humor, Patience, Strength, and Holding each other up.

Follow & Deliver Core Values:

• Safety First: We prioritize our guests and team members' safety and well-being, ensuring secure and enjoyable experiences.
• World-Class Employment: We strive to be a world-class place of employment, valuing hard work, mentorship, a sense of ownership, and opportunities for career growth.
• World Class Guest Services: We are committed to exceeding guest expectations, delivering world-class experiences that showcase our hospitality and the beauty of Alaska.
• Collaborative Professionalism: Embracing collaboration within our organization with a professional spirit, understanding that amidst laughter and play, our dedication to excellence and integrity remains unwavering.

• Community Collaboration: Actively choosing to partner with neighbors and the community across Alaska, making a conscious effort to support local businesses and create social and economic opportunities through meaningful cooperation beyond our organization.
• Sustainability at our core: We are dedicated to sustainable operations for future generations.
• Curiosity & Innovation: We encourage a culture of curiosity and innovation, striving to be early adopters in technology and staying ahead in our commitment to continuous improvement.
• Integrity- Driven Decisions: Integrity guides every decision we make, ensuring transparency, honesty, and ethical conduct in all aspects of our operations.
• Cultural Respect & Sharing: We deeply celebrate and honor our Alaska Native heritage, fostering intergenerational connections, embracing family values, and contributing to the cultural richness of our communities.

Environmental Conditions for Expedition Leader

The environmental conditions are those that an employee may be subject to while performing the essential functions of this job.

• May include ambient inside temperature, ambient inside lighting, ambient to loud noise levels, all weather conditions, and occasional use of required protective clothing, including raingear and life preserver.

Physical Demands for Expedition Leader

The physical demands are representative of those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing or other communication capabilities permit the employee to communicate well with other employees and the public.
• Sufficient vision or other powers of observation which permit the employee to use a computer screen and process numeric data
• Sufficient manual dexterity permits employees to operate a computer keyboard and access files.
• Sufficient personal mobility and physical reflexes permit employees to move about in a ship throughout tight spaces.
• Ability to walk on uneven deck surfaces, crossing from vessel to vessel.
• Occasionally required to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Must be physically able to work a typical workday of an average of 12 hours per day, seven days a week.
• Physically able to climb a 7-foot vertical ladder and fit through a 28-inch escape hatch.

Work Environment for Expedition Leader

The work environment characteristics described here represent those encountered by an employee while performing the essential functions of this job.

• May be required to travel as needed.
• Frequent interaction with other departments
• When onboard, the crew stays in shared quarters with little privacy and constant vibration and engine noise, often for extended periods.
• Due to the remote locations of vessel routes, internet connectivity is limited.
• This is a fast-paced and dynamic work environment with a diverse workforce.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule to include weekends and holidays during the tour season.
• Must adhere to AM Owner Group, & Affiliated Companies, and the United States Coast Guard Consortium Drug & Alcohol Policies & Procedures