Expedition Leader (M/F) - Seagoing

, , Portugal

Mystic Cruises is a leading expedition ocean cruise line that offers an intimate and eco-friendly way to explore some of the most breathtaking destinations in the world. We provide a five-star service that brings our guests up close and personal with the beauty of nature, from Antarctica to the Arctic region, Northern Europe to the Mediterranean. Our ships are designed to sail into landmark cities and small, exclusive ports that larger vessels cannot reach, providing our guests with unforgettable experiences.

At Mystic Cruises, we are committed to environmental sustainability and have implemented innovative technologies on our ships to minimize our impact on the environment. We also believe in the value of our employees and encourage them to share their thoughts and ideas, fostering a culture of creativity and innovation.

If you are passionate about travel, committed to sustainability, and eager to contribute your ideas to a team that values collaboration and innovation, then Mystic Cruises might be the perfect place for you. We are looking for talented individuals who want to be a part of our DNA and help us continue to provide exceptional experiences to our guests. Together Cruising the World! Come join us!

This job opportunity will be performed in Atlas Ocean Voyages’ expedition ship, World Navigator.

Job Description The Expedition Leader manages all activities during Atlas Ocean Voyages’ expeditions. They oversee the safety of the Atlas Ocean Voyages staff and passengers to ensure a seamless operation for all. The EL will work with the Core Team to provide leadership and guidance during challenging decisions. Working with the Expedition Team, the EL will manage all Zodiac, safety, bear safety, firearm handling and glacier operations to provide a safe experience for passengers during onshore excursions.

The Expedition Leader will work with the Cruise Director to synchronize the onboard and onshore programming. They will communicate any changes to the itinerary made to the Cruise Director to provide necessary information to the passengers and staff. The Expedition Leader Works closely with the Captain, bridge staff and Assistant Expedition Leader to determine the best itinerary for the expedition while managing all challenges that may arise. The EL has exemplary leadership, team building, management, and customer service skills. He/she 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. The Expedition Leader communicates all zodiac cruising and onshore excursion information to the passengers in a clear and friendly manner.

General Duties

Manage a team of expedition guides effectively and professionally, ensuring smooth cooperation with the captain, crew, and hotel department

Organize and execute passenger activities safely and effectively

Manages programming and scheduling for off vessel excursions, and communicates this to the guests and crew in an easy to understand, timely and well documented manner

Assignment of Duties - Operations office team will provide a preliminary duties list that the CD and EL can modify based on trip needs

Ensures all activities follow safety policies put in place by the vessel’s officers and from within Atlas Ocean Voyages’ Standard Operating Procedures.

In conjunction with the Cruise Director – the EL oversees the execution of the daily program

Responsible for the delivery of timely departures/arrivals, safe and informative excursions, professional and educational interpretation in the field, zodiac operation and firearms maintenance

Supervises, trains, schedules, coaches and formally evaluates all expedition staff

In conjunction with the Assistant Expedition Leader manages all administrative tasks assigned to the Expedition department including: Maintaining permit requirements, bike, bear, and zodiac safety orientations, completing the expedition daily report, reporting to the Atlas Ocean Voyages/Mystic Cruises operation department in Porto

Liaise with the ship’s Captain, Safety Officer and Boatswain to safely, effectively and efficiently load and unload passengers into zodiacs

Communicates with the vessel’s officers and Atlas Ocean Voyages’ operations regarding routing, destinations, embarkation/disembarkation, changes in itinerary and other special circumstances

Oversees the scouting of potential landing sites

Maintains professional demeanor with guests, crew, staff, agents, officials, and the public

Maintains communication with the AOV/MC office and updates changes to the schedule and program

Works with the Captain and bridge staff to discuss ice movement, tide and other circumstances related to the ships navigation

Communicates with Cruise Director and gangway team to relay necessary information from shore to ship

Compile and send the Post Visit Reports (PVR) and any other operational forms necessary to the relevant entities

Ensure all equipment required for the excursions is prepared & loaded / offloaded, properly cleaned and maintained and bio-secured if operating in an area that it requires

Elaborate / fill out daily toolbox chat with relevant data (i.e. coordinates, wind/swell conditions, etc…)

In the Arctic region, ensure that Firearm Maintenance and Safety Protocols are strictly followed to the highest standards

Socialize with guests on a regular basis with special care given to dining with different guests

Head the department

Post-visit report to all stakeholders

Liaise and cooperate with third parties ashore: local communities, stakeholders, and suppliers

Full budget and reporting responsibility for the onboard department

Liaise and provide strong guidance to onboard management when it comes to above duties

Identify and carry-out training needs in the team

Represent Atlas Ocean Voyages in industry organization working groups and committees

Safeguard compliance with industry guidelines and regulations

Convey insights about destinations, its history, culture, nature and wildlife in a credible but easy and entertaining way

Qualifications Qualifications

At least two seasons of experience as an expedition leader on expedition cruise ships (two seasons in the Arctic and two seasons in Antarctica) or the equivalent of four seasons as an assistant expedition leader and/or guide/lecturer on expedition cruise vessels larger then 150 passengers

In-depth knowledge of the area around Svalbard, Greenland, Northwest Passage, Falkland Islands, South Georgia, and the Antarctic Peninsula

University degree in relevant subjects to the Arctic and Antarctica

STCW Basic Safety Training Certificate

First Aid Certificate (WFR + CPR & AED) Minimum

Security Awareness Certificate

Marine Medical Certificate

Small-Vessel Proficiency Certificate (RYA Powerboat Level 2 or equivalent)

Possession and Acquisition License (or international equivalent)

Rifle handling and polar bear protection experience

Fluency in the English language

Senior Polar Guide certification (PTGA) or equivalent

Your Profile

Previous experience in similar role or demonstrated experience in the Expedition Cruise Industry

Good administration & organization

Proactive problem solving

Teamwork and good communication

Well organized, efficient and positive

A leader

Understand guest needs

Time management

Reliable and pressure resistant

Proactive in upholding Atlas Ocean Voyages standards of excellence

Enthusiastic team member

Marine Radio Operator’s license or equivalent

Small boat license

Wilderness First Responder Certificate or equivalent

Professional Skills

Strong leader, team player and an inspiration to others

Ability to structure complex tasks

Good communicator, knowledgeable about expedition operations

Works well under pressure

Smart, presentable, friendly and excellent people skills

English speaking and writing to a high standard

Ensure compliance with company policies and standards.

Make sure the product delivered lives up to the product AOV promises.

Ensure compliance with all AECO/ IAATO and local regulations.

Promote safe working practices and procedures among passengers and guides.

Overall, control the effective and safe management/delivery of the travel product AOV sells to its passenger

Additional Information Mindset and Values

Be well groomed and of professional personality and focused on delivering 100% satisfaction

Adhere to schedules, always setting good standards as a member of the shore side team

Be willing to travel regularly to various Atlas Ocean Voyages offices and vessel

Communication & Coordination

Report to Captain and coordinate with Staff Captain, Cruise Director and Hotel Manager as needed

Leadership

Lead by example

Work with the Assistant Expedition Leader providing training and mentorship to the Expedition Team

Ensure a positive working environment

Guidelines and Regulations

Implement Standard Operating Procedures & STAR Service Standards within the department.

Ensure appropriate appearance and clothing according to the updated Grooming Standards.

For work in Polar Regions: have passed the appropriate and most recent field staff online assessment of IAATO/AECO.

The company reserves the right to change/extend this job description if necessary, at any point of time during her/his employment.

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