Field Staff Operations Manager
: Job Details :

WHO WE ARE

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”.

ROLE OVERVIEW

The Field Staff Operations Manager plays a crucial role in overseeing the operational requirements and tools essential for our Field Staff, focusing on developing systems and protocols to enhance our expedition operations. This position directly supervises the Expedition Equipment Specialist and collaborates closely with both this individual and the Expedition Development (Product) team to drive innovation and continuous improvement in our operations.

Reporting directly to the Director of Field Staff, the Field Staff Operations Manager will dedicate 70 to 100 days annually traveling to ships, training staff, and mentoring Expedition Leaders, while also stepping in occasionally as an Expedition Leader.

ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES

• EXPEDITION OPERATIONS / Manage all Field Staff-based Operations such as:
• Oversee need for and use of new equipment (i.e. cross-country skis, stand-up paddle-boards, kayaks)
• Develop and refine protocols as needed for activities like cross-country skiing, bear safety, stand-up paddle-boarding (SUP), zodiac driving, and rifle training (Arctic only).
• Develop and implement operations-based training for Field Staff.
• Work with Marine Operations and Compliance to disseminate guidelines and protocols to the fleet.
• Help create safety videos for ship operations.
• Assist Field Staff Coordinators to understand and disseminate information about destination requirements and training.
• Act as Field Staff Department liaison for all vessels for shipyard.
• Manage 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.
• Work with IT to ensure all staff computers and cell phones are updated, functioning, and stored properly onboard.

• ADMINISTRATIVE
• Work with Field Staff Logistics Manager and Field Staff Manager on all Field Staff Handbook updates and changes.
• Communicate with shoreside teams on staff-related concerns (voyage documentation expectations to staff, marketing questions, information boards etc.).
• Review weekly digital comment cards, and adjusts expedition operations appropriately.
• Regularly hosts debriefs with expedition leaders and provides feedback to field staff.
• Act as liaison and a Lindblad staff representative for IAATO and AECO; communicate all IAATO and AECO updates to the department, including Expedition Leaders and staff.
• Frequently visit the ships to provide mentorship and/or training for Expedition Leaders and other Field Staff and build report with Ship's officers and crew.
• May fill in as Expedition Leader on 1 – 2 trips per year.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• 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 – LindbladExpeditions 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
• This is a hybrid role, requiring someone to work onsite in our Seattle, New York, or Orlando offices Tue/Wed/Thu each week.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• 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
• Familiarity with AECO/IAATO
• Professional experience operating in brown and black bear habitat
• Inventory and gear management experience
• Experience working within Outlook, SharePointand OneDrive

$75,000 - $83,000 a yearThis role is eligible for a 7.5% annual bonus, based on performance.

OUR 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

Communication Skills

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.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

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.

COMPENSATION STATEMENT

Lindblad Expeditions determines the pay for positions using local, national, and industry-specific survey data. We evaluate external equity and the cost of labor/prevailing wage index in the relative marketplace for jobs directly comparable to jobs within our company. Our posted salary range is based on national data and may be refined for a candidate's region/town/cost of living.

For new hires, we strive to make competitive offers allowing the new employee room for future growth. Salaries will be based on the applicant's location, level of experience, education, and specialized knowledge and skills. An employee/candidate with a stronger skill set will receive higher pay.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER STATEMENT

At Lindblad Expeditions, we simply could not do our work without the diverse kaleidoscope of humanity that creates and delivers our remarkable offerings across the planet. As a Company that respects and celebrates the inherent diversity in the places we explore, we recognize the need to mirror that same diversity and all the interconnected perspectives within our organization. We are committed to building a community of different genders, races, ages, sexual orientations, chosen identities, and countries of origin where every person brings their whole self to work and whose skills, talents, and abilities are valued. We believe we can explore further and in a more meaningful way by actively creating a more diverse and inclusive organization where everyone feels they belong.

Lindblad Expeditions is an equal opportunity employer. Individuals seeking employment at Lindblad Expeditions are considered without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, genetics, marital status, pregnancy, unemployment status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or veteran status.

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