EXPEDITION - Mountain Guide

Viking was founded in 1997 and has grown to be the leading small ship travel company, offering destination-focused river, ocean and expedition voyages on all seven continents. Designed for experienced travelers with interests in science, history, culture and cuisine, Chairman Torstein Hagen often says Viking offers guests The Thinking Person’s Cruise® in contrast to mainstream cruises.

With more than 250 awards to its name, the company currently operates a fleet of state-of-the-art ships that have received numerous accolades since their launch from industry experts and travelers alike. For the second year in a row, Viking was voted the #1 River Line and the #1 Ocean Line by Condé Nast Traveler in the publication’s 2022 Readers’ Choice Awards. Viking was also named #1 for both Rivers and Oceans by Travel + Leisure in the 2022 World’s Best Awards making it the only cruise line to reach the top of its categories in both publications in the same year.

PURPOSE OF POSITION

Viking Expeditions is a new arm of Viking Cruises to deliver expedition cruises in destinations previously not operated by Viking Cruises. We are currently building 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 will 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.   

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Our Mountain Guides will be a key role for delivering the plethora of expedition activities, including guiding hikes, walks, snowshoe and classic ski excursions, providing unique experiences to our guests, and ensuring the highest levels of safety. 

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES

Professional Skills

• Strong leader, team player and an inspiration to others
•  Ability to structure complex tasks
•  Fantastic communication skills
• Knowledgeable about expedition operations
• Works well under pressure
• Smart, presentable, friendly and excellent people skills
• Good computer & Microsoft Office experience (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, etc)
• English speaking and writing to a high standard

General Duties

• When engaged in off-ship activities, lead interpretative walks, hikes, zodiac cruises, snowshoe and ski excursions as per instructed by the Assistant Expedition Leader
• Provide guidance and training to the team whenever deemed necessary
• Socialize and be visible in guest areas as often as possible
• When assigned, write a short blurb reflecting the day’s experiences
• Assist with embarkation and disembarkation duties as necessary
• Assist in any other general duties assigned by the Expedition Admin Team

Mindset and Values

• Be well groomed and of professional personality and focused on delivering 100% satisfaction
• Operationally disciplined, able to rigorously ensure all Viking SOPs are followed  
• Adhere to schedules, always setting good standards and an example to colleagues  
• Be willing to travel regularly to various Viking offices and vessels as necessary 

Communication & Coordination

• Report to the Assistant Expedition Leader

Role Model

• Be a role model to others and lead by example
• Work with the Expedition Admin Team providing training and mentorship to all staff
• Ensure a positive working environment

Your profile

• Previous experience in similar role or demonstrated experience in the Expedition Cruise Industry
• Good administration & organization
• Proactive problem solving
• Teamwork and good communication
• Well organized, efficient and positive
• Understand guest needs
• Time management
• Reliable and pressure resistant
• Proactive in upholding Viking standards of excellence
• Enthusiastic team member
• High risk assessment skills
• Proficient in guiding snowshoe and ski expeditions
• Marine Radio Operator’s license or equivalent
• Small boat license, RYA powerboat level 2 or equivalent/higher
• Competent in crevasse rescue 
• NOLS Wilderness First Responder or equivalent/higher
• AMGA /ACMG / IFMGA /or equivalent certification is advantageous
   

Guidelines and Regulations

• Implement Standard Operating Procedures & STAR Service Standards within the department.
• Ensure appropriate appearance and clothing according to the updated Grooming Standards.
• For work in Polar Regions: have passed the appropriate and most recent field staff online assessment of IAATO/AECO. 
• The company reserves the right to change/extend this job description if necessary, at any point of time during her/his employment.