Field Staff Operations Manager, Polar

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”.

The Field Staff Operations Manager oversees the polar operational needs and tools for the Field Staff Department and works to create systems and protocols for managing our expedition operations in polar regions explored by primarily the Bluewater fleet. This position works in conjunction with the other members of the Field Staff Department and the Expedition Development team to innovate and constantly improve operations.  The Field Staff  Operations Manager will spend approximately 70 – 100 days per year traveling to ships, training staff, and mentoring Expedition Leaders, while occasionally filling in as Expedition Leader.  This position reports to the Director of Field Staff.

·       Manage all Field Staff-based Polar Operations, such as:

o   Oversee the need for and use of new polar operations equipment (i.e. cross-country skis, snowshoes, kayaks, firearms).

o   Develop and implement training as needed for activities such as firearms, hiking, kayaking, cross-country skiing, bear safety, etc.

o   Manage the firearms program and Weapon’s Masters.

o   Work with Marine Operations and Compliance to create and disseminate pertinent guidelines, protocols, and Zodiac trainings to the fleet.

o   Help create safety videos for polar ship operations.

o   Assist Field Staff Coordinators to understand and disseminate information about polar destination requirements and training.

o   Act as Field Staff Department liaison for all Bluewater vessels during shipyard.

·       Act as liaison and a Lindblad staff representative for IAATO and AECO, including serving on Working Groups and collaborating with Marine and Expedition Development.

·       Collaborate with the Expedition Equipment Specialist to ensure that all shipboard equipment is properly maintained and inventoried, and equipment is ordered efficiently.

·       Work with Expedition Development to identify innovative tools for exploration in polar regions.

·       Communicate all IAATO and AECO updates to the Field Staff Department, including both field and shoreside team members.

·       Communicate with shoreside teams on staff-related concerns (voyage operations and expectations, marketing information boards, etc.).

·       Review weekly digital comment cards and adjust expedition operations appropriately.

·       Regularly host debriefs with Expedition Leaders and provide feedback to field staff.

·       Frequently visit the ships to provide mentorship and/or training for Expedition Leaders and other Field Staff, and to build report with Ship’s officers and crew.

· Keep the Field Staff Logistics Manager and Field Staff Manager up to date with operational Field Staff Handbook needs.

·       Assist with the National Geographic Explorers-In-Training program or LEXU.

·       May fill in as Expedition Leader on 1 – 2 trips per year.

·       BA/BS degree or equivalent industry experience

·       Extensive experience in field operations within an expedition travel environment, including polar regions specifically Antarctica and polar bear habitat

·       Must have extensive experience driving zodiac

Must have comfort in the water and snorkeling

·       General knowledge of natural and human history of the places to which National Geographic – Lindblad Expeditions travels

·       Strong skills in time management, handling multiple tasks, setting priorities, and meeting deadlines

·       The ability to work independently, as well as with others, in a team environment

·       Proficient working in the Windows operating system

·       Using the English language, this person must have an ability to read, write, and comprehend policies, legal guidelines, correspondence, and memos.   Must also possess the ability to effectively communicate--both in writing and orally--with a professional demeanor, while building relationships over long distances. 

·       Experience in a leadership position in polar regions strongly preferred, and experience working aboard LEX expedition vessels preferred. 

·       In-depth knowledge of-and acquaintance with-Lindblad Expeditions field staff preferred.

·       Certified and experienced in rifle operations and operating in polar bear habitat

·       Familiarity with AECO/IAATO

·       Inventory and gear management experience

·       Experience working within Outlook, SharePoint and OneDrive

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, talk, and hear.  The employee will also be required to write and type.  The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and  lift and/or move up to 50 pounds as needed.  In the field, the employee will participate in field excursions, including driving zodiacs for several hours per day, hikes over uneven terrain for up to 3 miles, and kayaking up to 3 miles.

This job description is intended only to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by an incumbent in this position.  It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills or abilities required of persons so classified or assigned.

• Travel benefits for employees and their family 

• Voyage of Discovery trips for employees to travel as guests  

• Health insurance including Medical, Dental, Vision  

• 401(k) plan with employer match  

• Long-Term Disability, Life & AD&D Insurance

• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) to be used for out-of-pocket medical and dependent care  

• Pre-Tax Commuter Benefit  

• 7-8 Paid Holidays

• 2-3 Floating Holiday Options (pro-rated per start date)

• Up to 15 days of vacation (pro-rated per anniversary year)

• Parental Leave

• Sick/personal days per city & state ordinance

• Pet Insurance discount

Using the English language, this person must have the ability to read, write, and comprehend policies, legal guidelines, correspondence, and memos.   Must also possess the ability to effectively communicate--both in writing and orally--with a professional demeanor. 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, talk and hear.  The employee will also be required to write and type.  The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms.