Cultural Specialist – Canadian Arctic

SPECIFIC EXPERTISE- ELIGIBILITY FOR CONTRACT

• Focus on experience in the field in the Canadian Arctic, with a strong preference for someone who is from the Canadian Arctic.
• Canadian Arctic subject matter expertise in natural history and culture are preferred.
• Ability to communicate the cultural story of the Canadian Arctic to guests in large and small audience groups.
• Creatively engages with guests and shares knowledge in ways that are personable, comfortable, and that inspire continued learning opportunities and discussion.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• The position must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Additional duties may be added at any time.  

• Consistently represent Lindblad Expeditions with integrity and professionalism.  

• Lead or assist with operations such as hiking, inflatable boat tours, kayak, stand up paddleboard, snorkel, cross country ski, and snowshoe operations, as well as coach tours, cultural/culinary/historical tours or other planned activities in the voyage itinerary. 

• Offer relevant and engaging in-the-field and on board interpretation to guests throughout the voyage.  

• Participate in evening recaps to highlight guests’ daily experiences.  

• Prepare several PowerPoint (or similar) presentations of 30-40 minutes in length, to highlight particular and relevant themes specific to the voyage.  

• Respond to on board and in the field requests in a timely manner and remain highly visible to guests throughout the voyage.  

• Mitigate guest concerns and complaints as best as possible and bring them to the attention of the Expedition Leader or Assistant Expedition Leader, as needed.  

• On more culturally-focused itineraries, accompany guests ashore with local guides, and act as the representative of Lindblad Expeditions. While ashore, position should monitor for quality control of these excursions and report any concerns to Expedition Leader or Assistant Expedition Leader.  

• Eat meals with guests and make an effort to dine with a variety of people over the course of each voyage.  

• Participate in on board duties related to the guest experience, such as monitor wildlife, clean Field Staff gear and spaces, deliver communications to guests, create on board educational materials, assist the NAT/CPI with photo collection at the end of a voyage, assist the AEL/BCC with duties (i.e., inventory, organization), capture and submit daily expedition photos, assist with luggage movement, support at hospitality suite or other off-ship venues.  

• Participate in physically demanding settings in diverse weather conditions and varying temperatures, which may include operation of inflatable boats for several hours per day, hike over uneven terrain for distances of three miles or more, manage snorkel activities in deep water, and/or lead kayak excursions.  

• 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.     

• Provide guest briefings on operations and/or locations with cultural sensitivity to ensure all persons ashore understand how to be a respectful visitor. 

ELIGIBILITY FOR CONTRACT

• CPR & First Aid Certified (higher level of training preferred). 

• Bachelor’s degree or four years of work experience in related industry.  

• Full mobility of all limbs and the ability to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and lift and/or move up to 50 pounds as needed. In the field, this position will participate in field excursions, including driving inflatable boats for several hours per day, hikes over uneven terrain for up to 3 miles, and kayaking up to 3 miles.  

• In-depth knowledge of destination and previous experience guiding or working in destination.  

• A team-player with excellent training skills and a proven educator.  

• Works well independently and is a self-starter.  

• Strong communicator with individuals and groups, even-tempered demeanor, and remains calm under pressure.  

• Must be able to handle multiple tasks at one time with keen attention to detail.  

• Possess general comfort with public speaking.  

• Possess excellent problem-solving skills, the ability to make sound decisions quickly, and exercise good judgment.  

• Strongly preferred - Experience driving vessels with outboard engines.  

• Strongly preferred - Merchant Mariner Credential of 25 tons or greater, RYA certificate, or equivalent.  

• Some itineraries may have additional required credentials or trainings.  

• Strongly preferred - Experienced and adaptable in diverse geographic regions.  

• Extensive past and present human cultural knowledge of destination.  

REQUIRED FOR CONTRACT

• Promotion/Sales- The position must become familiar with the company philosophy and various programs offered by National Geographic - Lindblad Expeditions. They should be able to address and field questions from guests regarding the various programs offered.  

• Conservation/Sustainability- The position should become familiar with National Geographic- Lindblad Expeditions conservation and sustainability programs and be able to discuss the efforts in any itinerary where scheduled.  

• Inflatable Boat Operations- The position should be prepared to assist with many aspects of inflatable boat operations for shore excursions. Familiarity with inflatable boats, such as Zodiacs, and ability to drive is a strong preference. If a US-citizen, a USCG license to drive inflatable boats is preferred.  

• Safety- The position 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 education as required by the Company.