EXPEDITION – Lead Guide

Viking has grown to be The World’s Leading River Cruise Line, with double-digit growth in recent years. With the launch of its ocean fleet in 2015, the company has also become the leader in small ship ocean cruising. With operational headquarters in Basel, Switzerland, Viking provides destination-focused itineraries designed for experienced travelers who have an interest in geography, culture and history. Each journey includes a shore excursion in every port, and an exclusive Viking Culture Curriculum program that provides deep immersion in the destination through performances of music and art, cooking demonstrations, informative port talks and carefully selected guest lecturers.

Viking currently operates a fleet of more than 80 vessels, state-of-the-art ships that have received numerous accolades since their launch from industry experts and travelers alike. Viking was voted the #1 River Cruise Line by Condé Nast Traveler in their 2018 Readers’ Choice Awards, and for the third year in a row, has been named the #1 Ocean Cruise Line* by Travel + Leisure readers in the World’s Best Awards 2018.

PURPOSE OF POSITION

Viking Expeditions is a new arm of Viking Cruises to deliver expedition cruises in destinations previously not operated by Viking Cruises. We are currently building two bespoke expedition vessels, designed to be the perfect platform for delivering expeditions. Each vessel operates a fleet of Milpro Mk5 zodiacs, two offshore 13m Special Operations Boats, two U-boat Worx Cruise 7 submersibles, and a fleet of kayaks.  The vessels will also operate as credible, rigorous research platforms, with a 40sqm wet-lab onboard, a range of scientific instrumentation, and with resident field scientists year-round.  Viking expeditions are partnering with a suite of academic institutions, notably Cambridge University’s Scott Polar Research Institute, US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory (NOAA GLERL), Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA) to collaboratively deliver a comprehensive research program. 

The Lead Guide is a very dynamic and versatile role where being proactive is the key to be successful. While engaged in off-ship activities, the Lead Guide will be required to lead interpretative zodiacs cruises and walks amongst other activities, on board the ship mingling with guests and sharing experiences and knowledge for a better enjoyment and understanding of the great locations we operate.

Your Responsibilities

Professional Skills

• Strong leader, team player and an inspiration to others
• Field savvy
• Ability to structure complex tasks
• Good communicator, knowledgeable about expedition operations
• Works well under pressure
• Smart, presentable, friendly and excellent people skills
• Good computer & Microsoft Office experience (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, etc)
• English speaking and writing to a high standard
• Previous experience as an Expedition Guide in the Viking Expeditions destinations

General Duties

• Lead the team of General Naturalists, Expedition Guides in off-ship operations by providing training and mentorship
• Advise the Assistant Expedition Leader
• Deliver outdoor guiding, e.g., leading interpretative walks, hikes or zodiac cruises
• Both on board and off the vessel, provide the best guest experience
• Deliver daily recaps, as appropriate
• Mingle and interact with guests in public spaces as often as possible
• Assist with Embarkation and Disembarkation logistics and duties as necessary
• Assist in any other general duties assigned by the Assistant Expedition Leader

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 expedition team
• Be willing to travel to various Viking offices and vessels

Communication & Coordination

• Report to the Assistant Expedition Leader

Leadership

• Be a role model to others and lead by example
• Ensure a positive working environment

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 Viking standards of excellence
• Enthusiastic team member
• Marine Radio Operator’s VHF license or equivalent
• Wilderness Advanced First Aid or equivalent / higher
• Small boat license (RYA Powerboat level 2 or equivalent) – advantageous
• Basic Fire Prevention & Fire Fighting
• STCW – Personal Survival Techniques
• STCW – Personal Safety & Social Responsibilities
• STCW – Elementary First Aid
• STCW – Crisis Management and Human Behavior
• STCW – Certificate of Proficiency in Security Awareness
• STCW – Crowd Management Training
• Valid Norwegian Medical Certificate

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.