Field Staff Operations Manager at Lindblad Expeditions

Seattle, Washington, United States

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Not SpecifiedCompensation

Mid-level (3 to 4 years), Senior (5 to 8 years)Experience Level

Full TimeJob Type

UnknownVisa

Travel, Tourism, Expedition TravelIndustries

Requirements

BA/BS degree preferred
Background in the expedition travel industry strongly preferred
Experience as expedition leader in polar regions strongly preferred
Experience working aboard LEX expedition vessels preferred
General knowledge of natural and human history of the places to which National Geographic – Lindblad Expeditions travels
Ability to read, write, and comprehend policies, legal guidelines, correspondence, and memos in English
Ability to effectively communicate both in writing and orally with a professional demeanor, building relationships over long distances
Ability to communicate performance expectations clearly
Proficient computer skills in the Windows operating system

Responsibilities

Oversee the operational needs and tools for Field Staff and create systems and protocols for managing expedition operations
Directly manage the Expedition Equipment Specialist and work with them and the Expedition Development (Product) team to innovate and improve operations
Spend 70–100 days per year traveling to ships, training staff, and mentoring Expedition Leaders, while occasionally filling in as Expedition Leader (1–2 trips per year)
Oversee need for and use of new equipment (e.g., cross-country skis, stand-up paddleboards, kayaks)
Develop and refine protocols for activities like cross-country skiing, bear safety, stand-up paddleboarding (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 all shipboard equipment is properly maintained, inventoried, and 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
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 (e.g., voyage documentation expectations, marketing questions, information boards)
Review weekly digital comment cards and adjust expedition operations appropriately
Regularly host debriefs with expedition leaders and provide feedback to field staff
Act as liaison and Lindblad staff representative for IAATO and AECO; communicate all updates to the department, including Expedition Leaders and staff
Frequently visit ships to provide mentorship and/or training for Expedition Leaders and other Field Staff and build rapport with Ship’s officers and crew
Report to the Director of Field Staff

Skills

Key technologies and capabilities for this role

Operations ManagementStaff TrainingEquipment ManagementProtocol DevelopmentSafety TrainingZodiac DrivingRifle TrainingCross-Country SkiingStand-Up PaddleboardingBear SafetyExpedition LeadershipMarine Operations

Questions & Answers

Common questions about this position

Is this a full-time position?

Yes, this is a full-time employment position.

Does this role require travel?

Yes, the Field Staff Operations Manager will spend 70–100 days per year traveling to ships, training staff, and mentoring Expedition Leaders, while occasionally filling in as Expedition Leader.

What are the main responsibilities of this role?

The role involves overseeing expedition equipment needs, developing protocols for activities like cross-country skiing and zodiac driving, implementing training for Field Staff, managing the Expedition Equipment Specialist, and traveling to ships for mentorship.

What is the reporting structure for this position?

This position directly manages the Expedition Equipment Specialist and reports to the Director of Field Staff.

What experience makes a strong candidate for this role?

Strong candidates will have expertise in expedition operations, equipment management, safety protocols for remote travel activities, training development, and experience in polar regions given involvement with IAATO and AECO.

Lindblad Expeditions

Specialized marine expedition travel company

About Lindblad Expeditions

Lindblad Expeditions offers specialized travel experiences focused on marine expeditions that prioritize conservation and sustainable tourism. Their trips are designed for adventure travelers and nature enthusiasts who seek educational experiences in remote natural environments. Guests can engage with scientists and naturalists, enhancing their understanding of the ecosystems they explore. The company’s fleet includes advanced exploration tools like kayaks and underwater cameras, allowing for in-depth exploration of marine life. Unlike competitors, Lindblad Expeditions emphasizes educational voyages in partnership with National Geographic, providing unique insights and access to pristine locations. The goal is to create memorable travel experiences that foster a deeper appreciation for nature and promote conservation efforts.

New York City, New YorkHeadquarters

1979Year Founded

$82.7MTotal Funding

IPOCompany Stage

Education, Consumer GoodsIndustries

501-1,000Employees

Benefits

Health Insurance

401(k) Company Match

Long-Term Disability

Life Insurance

Vision Insurance

Dental Insurance

Flexible Spending Account/Flexible Spending Account

Pre-Tax Commuter Benefit

Paid Holidays

Floating Holiday Options

Unlimited Paid Time Off

Paid Vacation

Parental Leave

Sick Leave

Pet Insurance

Risks

Increased competition in the expedition cruise market challenges Lindblad's market position.

Expansion into the Amazon River region may lead to operational challenges.

New executive leadership could cause strategic shifts or instability during the transition.

Differentiation

Lindblad Expeditions partners with National Geographic for unique educational travel experiences.

The company offers state-of-the-art exploration tools for marine expeditions.

Lindblad focuses on conservation and sustainable tourism in remote natural environments.

Upsides

Growing interest in sustainable tourism aligns with Lindblad's conservation-focused offerings.

The rise of experiential travel benefits Lindblad's educational and adventure voyages.

Multi-generational travel trends create opportunities for family-oriented expedition packages.

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