WHO WE ARE
Lindblad Expeditions is a true pioneer in Expedition Travel. From taking the first citizen explorers to Antarctica in 1966, opening the Galapagos and Easter Island to tourism in 1967, leading the first tourist expedition through the Northwest Passage in 1984, and launching our innovative partnership with National Geographic in 2004, we're now taking almost 30,000 guests a year to some of the world’s most remote and pristine locations on our fleet of 20 ships, and are committed to ensuring our guests experience the “Exhilaration of Discovery”.
SUMMARY
This position is responsible for delivering the best possible guest experience by providing inspired leadership for guests and staff while upholding the guiding principles of Lindblad Expeditions. The Expedition Leader should expect contract periods a minimum of 4-6 weeks at a time with varying hours each day, based on the itinerary.
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The Alaska focused Expedition Leader supports the expedition as the primary communicator, manager and coordinator of all guest and staff-related expedition activities for our voyages. For this role, we are looking for candidates with extensive expertise specifically in Alaska, and can only consider applicants who meet the following Specific Subject Matter Expertise requirements indicated below. Please do not apply if you do not meet these requirements.
Must be eligible to work in the US.
At least five years of experience in Alaska in the expedition cruise industry.
Availability May - August 2026.
Demonstrated experience managing a team in the field.
Demonstrated experience running operations in bear habitat.
Experience driving zodiacs with guests preferred.
Significant and relevant field experience. Prior experience on expedition ships strongly preferred.
Bachelor’s degree or four years of work experience in related industry.
In-depth knowledge of destination.
Understanding of and passion for natural history and/or history & culture.
Excellent communication skills, strong communicator to individuals and groups, and a confident, lively speaker.
Excellent leadership abilities, demonstrates confidence and competence, makes guests feel they are in good hands.
Has a coach mentality. Knows when to be a coach and when to be a player.
Inspires a highly motivated team and delivers results.
Recognizes the collective value of the team and supports that premise always.
Is calm, unflappable, and adaptive to an ever-changing environment.
The Expedition Leader must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Additional duties may be added or assigned at any time.
Acts as the primary communicator, manager and coordinator of all guest and staff-related expedition activities.
Acts as primary liaison between the office and field, implementing the company’s initiatives.
Gives or coordinates all briefings and announcements to keep guests informed and confident in the leadership of the voyage.
Represents interest of the guest experience to Captain and department heads.
Collaborates with the Captain, Officers, and Crew to ensure safe operations and the best possible expedition.
Reports back to the office on the status of relationships with our destinations, suppliers, partners.
Reports back to office about the guest’s perspective and experiences.
Effectively deals with challenging guests and challenging situations.
Coordinates and ensures quality of presentations, recaps, and field interpretation.
Manages expedition staff to make sure guests are receiving the best possible service.
Acts as a role model for the expedition staff and consistently represents Lindblad Expeditions with integrity and professionalism.
Provides guidance and feedback to the expedition staff, making sure they adhere to established principles and policies and addressing issues as they arise.
Discusses feedback with each individual staff member.
Consults with Field Staff Director about staff feedback.
Represents expedition staff’s interests to ship’s officers and Lindblad office.
Writes daily programs, voyage reports, debriefing reports, and staff feedback forms.
Communicates with Field Staff & Expedition Operations Departments about problems during expeditions and makes recommendations for solutions.
Communicates with appropriate office personnel during emergencies.
Represents Lindblad Expeditions to any visitors, authorities, press, conservation organizations, or others.
Promotion/Sales- Should be familiar with the company philosophy and various programs offered by Lindblad Expeditions and 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, but not a requirement.
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 the Company. Must be very familiar with the Field Staff Handbook.
