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. We have built two bespoke expedition vessels, designed to be the perfect platform for delivering expeditions. Each vessel operates a fleet of Milpro Mk5 zodiacs, two offshore 13m RIBs, two U-boat Worx Cruise 7 submersibles, and a fleet of kayaks. The vessels also operate as credible, rigorous research platforms, with a 40sqm wet-lab onboard, a range of scientific instrumentation, and with resident field scientists year-round.
Viking expeditions are partnering with a suite of academic institutions, notably Cambridge University's Scott Polar Research Institute, US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory (NOAA GLERL), Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA) to collaboratively deliver a comprehensive research program. Our specialists hold a senior role on-board Viking's expedition vessels and are key contributors to the delivery of Viking's Enrichment Program by giving presentations, workshops and guiding interpretative walks and hikes on shore; and by mingling in guest areas on board, encouraging and facilitating an environment of informal education. Our specialists' professional / academic research backgrounds will also, as appropriate, enhance our research program.
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.
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.
Viking Cruises, the leader in river and small ship ocean cruising, offers destination-focused itineraries designed for experienced travelers who have an interest in geography, culture and history. In its first year of operation, Viking Ocean Cruises was rated the #1 ocean cruise line in Travel + Leisure’s 2016 “World’s Best” Awards, which came on the heels of being rated the highest of all cruise lines in the 2015 “World’s Best” Awards. Viking currently operates a fleet of 62 vessels, offering scenic cruising along the rivers and oceans of the Americas, Europe, Russia, Egypt, China, and Southeast Asia. By 2019 the company will operate six 930-guest ocean cruise ships and will sail itineraries in Scandinavia and the Baltic, the Western and Eastern Mediterranean, Asia, Australia, North America and the Caribbean. In addition to the Travel + Leisure honors, Viking has also been honored multiple times on Condé Nast Traveler’s “Gold List” as well as recognized by Cruise Critic as “Best Overall” Small-Mid size ship in the 2017 Cruisers’ Choice Awards, “Best River Cruise Line” and “Best River Itineraries,” with the entire Viking Longships® fleet being named “Best New River Ships” in the website’s Editors’ Picks Awards.