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Expedition Leader / Naturalist

Job Description

The Expedition Leader/Naturalist's job is to:

• Support the Captain and crew to ensure a smooth trip for our guests.

• Manage all guest programs - logistical and interpretive. LOGISTICAL: This includes effectively communicating and scheduling between yacht and vendors; communicating between yacht and corporate office; communicating with guests; scheduling land transportation for tours; ensuring all land tours are of excellent quality; understanding how to manage vendor conflicts; managing purchase orders and expense reports for job-specific purchases; ensuring the budget specifications for the Interpretive program are adhered to; ensuring that vendors provide smooth transfers to and from the yacht; providing a daily newsletter and schedule to guests; providing a digital photo disk to guests prior to their departure; working proactively with the Captain to troubleshoot any immediate contingency situations. INTERPRETIVE: This includes all Naturalist programs and materials. ELs must have the skills to create relevant, inspiring talks; provide well-written materials and audio/visual materials to support and enhance talks or topics; and narrate opportunistically as situations with cultural or natural significance arise. Books and videos are provided for guest viewing by ASC, but ELs often have personal libraries that they work with. ELs needing additional reference materials work cooperatively with Senior Interpretive Staff in the office to acquire those materials. All ELs will be supported by Captains and Senior Interpretive Staff.

  • Operate vessel tenders with guests aboard and give interpretive tours while in tender.
  • Help maintain and clean all recreational gear such as kayaks, paddles, life jackets, etc.
  • Guide snorkel operations and maintain snorkel equipment
  • Actively maintain a professional presentation to guests through dress and attitude.
  • Actively assist the crew in maintaining a neat, clean vessel.
  • Provide turn-down service to each guest’s stateroom during dinner.
  • Uphold company policies and procedures.

Qualifications:

  • B.A. or B.S., or equivalent self-study or certified coursework.
  • 3 years of Naturalist/Interpretive field experience.
  • Hold USCG license as Master of power driven vessels near coastal of at least 25 gross tons and have experience operating outboard powered rigid inflatable tenders.
  • 2 years experience working with groups and audiences, ie: public speaking.
  • 1 year of hospitality experience such as customer service, restaurant or hotel.
  • Outstanding organizational skills.
  • A strong sense of teamwork and an exceptionally accommodating personality.

Note: American Safari Cruises hires experienced Interpreter/Naturalists. Entry-level Interpreters are encouraged to gain 2 to 3 years of experience prior to applying with us. Preferred applicants have a degree in Natural Sciences or certified coursework in Natural Sciences, have worked on overnight vessels, and have a strong grasp on high-end customer service.

The lifestyle on board vessels is a uniquely challenging one involving very close quarters, little to no privacy, and shared washroom facilities. Work-days are long and demanding, so a sense of humor and an appreciation for one’s co-workers is a must.

Expedition Leaders will be required to guide, narrate and interpret each destination, including the California Wine Country, which focuses on local history, wine and art rather than nature.

If you are interested in this position please email or fax your resume to:

Email: jobs@amsafari.com
Fax: 206-283-9322

American Safari Cruises is an Equal Opportunity Employer