Hybrid Field Staff Operations Manager

at Lindblad Expeditions

• Job title: Field Staff Operations Manager
• Job type: Full Time
• Experience level: Lead
• Salary: $80,000 - $85,000 per year
• Degree requirement: Bachelor's Degree
• Location requirements: Hybrid, Seattle, United States

About the role

• Field Staff Operations Manager overseeing polar operational needs and managing expedition operations. Position requires travel for training and mentoring Expedition Leaders in polar regions.

Responsibilities

• Manage all Field Staff-based Polar Operations, such as:
• Oversee the need for and use of new polar operations equipment (i.e. cross-country skis, snowshoes, kayaks, firearms).
• Develop and implement training as needed for activities such as firearms, hiking, kayaking, cross-country skiing, bear safety, etc.
• Manage the firearms program and Weapon’s Masters.
• Work with Marine Operations and Compliance to create and disseminate pertinent guidelines, protocols, and Zodiac trainings to the fleet.
• Help create safety videos for polar ship operations.
• Assist Field Staff Coordinators to understand and disseminate information about polar destination requirements and training.
• 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.

Requirements

• 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.

Benefits

• 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