EXPEDITION - Specialist in Ornithology - Antarctica

Viking (NYSE: VIK) was founded in 1997 and provides destination-focused journeys on rivers, oceans and lakes around the world. Designed for curious travelers with interests in science, history, culture and cuisine, Chairman and CEO Torstein Hagen often says Viking offers experiences For The Thinking Person™.

Viking has more than 450 awards to its name, including being rated #1 for Rivers, #1 for Oceans and #1 for Expeditions by Condé Nast Traveler in the 2023 and 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards. Viking is also rated a “World’s Best” for rivers, oceans and expeditions by Travel Leisure. No other travel company has simultaneously received the same honors by both publications .

PURPOSE OF POSITION

Expedition is a new leg of Viking, offering expedition cruises to destinations that Viking has not previously explored. The Specialist is a senior and role onboard Viking’s expedition vessels and a key member in the delivery of Viking’s Enrichment Program by delivering presentations, workshops and guiding interpretative walks and hikes on shore or by mingling in guest areas on board, encouraging and facilitating an environment of informal education.

The specialist will be part of a world class team of expedition staff members.

Your Responsibilities

General Duties

• Act as a member of the ship’s crew, participating in all crew-related requirements, drills and safety duties, and following IMO regulations at all times including the of registration work and rest hours
• Work in the expedition team in onboard and shoreside activities and operations, emphasizing safety and guest satisfaction at all times
• Function as an outdoors guide when engaged in off-ship activities, lead interpretative walks and hikes, operate zodiac cruises, interpret Special Operations Boat (SOB) cruises, and escorting and assisting with local shore excursions and carry out necessary preparations for these duties.
• Deliver recaps, workshops, interpretation or other guest-enrichment activities, as appropriate
• Participate in daily rotation in Expedition Central to interact with and assist guests.
• Assist with biosecurity preparations and routines, where relevant
• Assist with dispatch, embarkation, and disembarkation logistics and duties
• Participate in all onboard training opportunities
• Assist with any other general duties assigned by the Expedition Management
  
  

Your Profile, Skills, And Experience

• English speaking with the ability to communicate clearly in the execution of the General Duties
• Regional-specific knowledge, including wildlife, history, geology
• Previous experience as an outdoor guide or in a guest-services role
• Positive and enthusiastic team member and crew member
  
  

Professional Qualifications And Certificates – Required

• STCW - Basic Fire Prevention & Fire Fighting, Personal Survival Techniques, Personal Safety & Social Responsibilities, Elementary First Aid
• STCW - Crisis Management and Human Behavior, Certificate of Proficiency in Security Awareness, Crowd Management Training
• Norwegian Seafarers Medical Certificate or ENG 1 Medical Certificate
• Hold the appropriate and valid IAATO/AECO assessment, where relevant
  
  

Professional Qualifications, Certificates, Experience, Skills – Advantageous

• Previous experience in the Viking Expedition Team, or equivalent Expedition Team experience
• Marine Radio Operator’s VHF license or equivalent
• Small boat license (RYA Powerboat 2 or equivalent) and tiller-steered small boat driving experience
• Advanced First Aid certification (Wilderness First Aid or equivalent), required for repeat contracts
• Firearm handling and experience in Polar Bear regions, where applicable
  
  

Guidelines and Regulations

• Implement Standard Operating Procedures & STAR Service Standards within the department
• Ensure appropriate appearance and clothing according to the Viking Grooming Standards
• The company reserves the right to change/extend this job description, if necessary, at any point of time during her/his employment.
  
  

The following criteria are considered additional to the General Duties, Profile and Skills, Professional Qualifications and Certificates, and Guidelines and Regulations outlined in the Job Description for All Expedition Roles.

Role-Specific Duties

• Prepare at least four full-length (approx. 45 minute) relevant lecture-style presentations per voyage. This presentation must be complete, in the Viking template, and ready for delivery upon embarkation. Additional lectures may be necessary for longer voyages or those covering several regions
• Prepare at least one non-lecture enrichment activity, relevant to the region, for delivery each voyage
• Communicate with the Chief Scientist for new lectures or additional enrichment ideas while onboard
• Assist or lead workshops and other enrichment activities
• Assist with any other expedition duties assigned by Chief Scientist in coordination with Assistant Expedition Leader when appropriate
  
  

Role-Specific Profile, Skills, And Experience

• Excellent communication skills in English, including public speaking experience
• Significant region-specific knowledge in the subjects of History, Ornithology, Marine Mammals, Culture, Ecology, or Geology
• Experience lecturing and providing guest enrichment or outreach
  
  

Role-Specific Professional Qualifications And Certificates – Required

• Significant academic or professional experience in the area of expertise.
  
  

Role-Specific Professional Qualifications, Certificates, Experience, Skills – Advantageous

• Established track record of scientific publications.
  
  

Reporting

• The Specialist role reports to the Chief Scientist.