Job Description

JOB SUMMARY  

The Expedition Guide is part of a cohesive team whose goal is to inspire guests and help them understand and appreciate the areas they visit during their cruise. The Guide is supervised by the Expedition Leader and Lead Guide and work in teams of 2-7 members, along with the full vessel crew. Primary responsibilities include guiding and interpretation, onboard presentations and narration, and behind the scenes daily maintenance and programmatic tasks. Topics range from geology, glaciology, and marine biology to cultural history and current issues in local destinations. The Guide leads groups of guests on hikes ranging from shore walks to route finding or bushwhacking, skiff tours, snorkeling, and paddle boarding, as well as whole and half day kayak trips. This position takes ownership of delivering an unforgettable vacation experience to guests through sharing their knowledge, guiding excursions, and exemplary customer service, with an emphasis on safety.  

ESSENTIAL DUTIES  

• Lead hiking and kayaking expeditions in remote wilderness settings with few or no defined trails, utilizing safety standards and route finding skills.  

• Work within a cohesive and cooperative team led by the Expedition Leader and Lead Guide, with heavy emphasis on communication and teamwork.  
• Confidently and competently lead groups of up to 20 guests in the field and on the water, and create an enjoyable experience for guests even when an excursion does not go as planned. Heavy emphasis on customer service, dynamic thinking and safety.  
• Demonstrable ability to utilize a GPS, and read navigational and topographical maps and software.  
• Provide in the field, hands-on interpretation, and thematic, formal onboard presentations that are integrated into a week-long interpretive program, and wildlife narration utilizing interactive tools such as maps, charts, guidebooks, power point, microscopes and spotting scopes to involve the guests.  
• Develop and deliver educational presentations covering environmental science, history, or other relevant topics to the itinerary as assigned by the EL for up to 90 guests.  

• Cultivate the guest experience by focusing on the observation of the surrounding geology, flora and fauna by encouraging passengers to spend as much time on deck exploring and experiencing the natural surroundings that may go unnoticed.  
• Participate in the behind the scenes daily maintenance and programmatic tasks that keep our gear and program running. These tasks will include, but are not limited to, photo editing, blogging, slideshow creation, gear stowage, repair, cleaning, and organization.  
• Proactively maintain the cleanliness, order and function of all Expedition tools, including kayaks, paddleboards, electronics and snorkeling gear.  
• Assist in general shipboard tasks during the operating season including loading of ship’s food stores, laundry, garbage, luggage, and helping the hotel staff with cleaning as needed.  
• Maintain a professional demeanor and appearance amongst crew and guests at all times, while living in a close community setting.  

Physical Demands / Work Environment  

• Covid-19 - Our crew and guests are fully vaccinated (including booster) prior to boarding the vessels. Masks and testing are also required.   
• 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 2-3 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.  

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.  

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS  

• Minimum one year of naturalist interpretation or environmental education in the field and formal presentations for groups of up to 90 participants.  
• Demonstrable written and verbal communications including interpretive materials and presentations development. Demonstrable ability to operate Microsoft Word, Excel, Power point, and photo editing software.  
• Minimum education of a Bachelor of Science in natural and/or cultural history, or other relevant field of study, or equivalent experience.  

• Minimum one year professional experience leading small groups in remote field settings and on the water.  
• Exceptional and demonstrable customer service and problem solving skills.  
• Strong preference for working in a team setting in remote environments.  
• Prior small ship cruise industry experience strongly preferred.  

Required Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:  

• Valid Passport  
• CPR / First Aid / AED  
• Wilderness First Responder (WFR) 
• MARSEC Card (Company provided) (1) 

• Wilderness First Aid (2) 
• Medical Certificate or Physical Examination Report (3)  
• STCW Crowd Management (Company provided) (3)       
• Security Awareness or VPDSD (Company provided) (3)     
• Costa Rica Guide Certification or Panama Guide Certification (4) 

1. Required on Safari Explorer Hawaii itinerary  
2. Acceptable for Safari Voyager in place of WFR  
3. Required for Safari Voyager  
4. Required for Safari Voyager - Only for native Costa Ricans and Panamanians for their country of origin  

Why work here

WHO WE ARE  

At UnCruise Adventures, we work together to support and build a brand that provides an enriching adventure travel experience that inspires 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, Columbia & Snake Rivers, Costa Rica & Panama, Belize, Galapagos, Hawaiian Islands, Mexico’s Sea of Cortes, and Pacific Northwest.  Every team member plays a major role in bringing the adventure to life.  When you join our team, you become an important part of our uniqueness.​ 

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