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Expedition Leader

Olympia, WA

Expedition Leader: Research Scientist/Engineer 3 (RSE 3) The School of Oceanography has an ... Provide technical guidance during multidisciplinary cruises and assist other scientific and ...

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Assistant Expedition Leader information

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How much do assistant expedition leader jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for assistant expedition leader in the United States is $17.53, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $18.75 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Assistant Expedition Leader vs Expedition Guide?

AspectAssistant Expedition LeaderExpedition Guide
CertificationsFirst Aid, CPR, relevant outdoor certificationsFirst Aid, CPR, specialized guiding certifications
Work EnvironmentSupports leadership, manages logistics, assists planningDirectly leads groups, provides outdoor instruction
Employer & Industry UsageOutdoor adventure companies, expeditionsTour operators, adventure travel companies

The Assistant Expedition Leader typically supports the main leader by handling logistics and safety, while the Expedition Guide directly leads groups and provides outdoor instruction. Both roles require similar certifications and work in outdoor adventure settings, but their responsibilities differ in leadership scope and daily duties.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an assistant expedition leader?

To thrive as an Assistant Expedition Leader, you need strong outdoor skills, safety awareness, first aid certification, and experience in navigation and group management. Familiarity with GPS devices, satellite communication tools, and wilderness survival kits is typically required. Leadership, resilience, effective communication, and quick decision-making are crucial soft skills for handling dynamic environments and team coordination. These competencies ensure expeditions run smoothly, safely, and provide a positive experience for all participants.

What is an assistant expedition leader?

Assistant Expedition Leaders are professionals who support the planning, coordination, and execution of expeditions, such as adventure tours, research trips, or outdoor educational programs. They work under the supervision of the main expedition leader and help manage logistics, ensure participant safety, facilitate group activities, and assist with problem-solving in remote or challenging environments. Their role is essential for smooth operations, emergency response, and enhancing the experience for all participants.

What are some common challenges faced by an assistant expedition leader, and how can they be managed effectively?

Assistant Expedition Leaders often encounter challenges such as unpredictable weather, logistical issues, and the need to address varying group dynamics. Effective management involves proactive planning, clear communication with both the lead guide and participants, and adaptability to changing circumstances. Building strong relationships within the team and maintaining composure under pressure are essential to ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants.
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Assistant Expedition Leader jobs near you
Infographic showing various Assistant Expedition Leader job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 89% In-person, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,462 per year, or $17.5 per hour.

Naturalist- Japan Ornithology Focus Only

Lindblad Expeditions

Charleston, WV • Remote

$310/day

Contractor

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

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”.

SUMMARY

This position supports the expedition as the expert and specialist in natural history for particular regions and itineraries around the world based on subject matter expertise. Additionally, the position will work with the rest of the Field Staff in the delivery of the program and guest experience on a daily basis.  

The position should expect to work varying hours each day, based on the itinerary. The position is responsible for creating and presenting engaging presentations and recaps, lead guests on off-ship activities, provide in-the-field interpretation, and assist with general care of Field Staff equipment and spaces. It is essential that this person have excellent social skills as they will be expected to dine with guests and work in a multinational environment and live in close quarters.   

 
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The Japan ornithology focused Naturalist supports the expedition as the expert and specialist in ornithology for our voyages. For this role, we are looking for candidates with expertise specifically in ornithology of Japan, and can only consider applicants who meet the following requirements. Please do not apply if you a do not have Japan ornithology expertise and experience in the Expedition Cruising industry.
SPECIFIC EXPERTISE- ELIGIBILITY FOR CONTRACT
  • Focus on Japan ornithology knowledge and experience communicating to a variety of audiences.
  • Communicates complex ornithology related concepts clearly and effectively to diverse audiences, ranging from small groups to large audiences.
  • Experience leading educational hikes and interactive programs focused on ornithology in Japan.
  • Creatively engages with guests and shares knowledge in ways that are personable, comfortable, and that inspire continued learning opportunities and discussion.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES

  • The position must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Additional duties may be added at any time.  

  • Consistently represent Lindblad Expeditions with integrity and professionalism.  

  • Lead or assist with operations such as hiking, inflatable boat tours, kayak, stand up paddleboard, snorkel, cross country ski, and snowshoe operations, as well as coach tours, cultural/culinary/historical tours or other planned activities in the voyage itinerary. 

  • Offer relevant and engaging in-the-field and on board interpretation to guests throughout the voyage.  

  • Participate in evening recaps to highlight guests’ daily experiences.  

  • Prepare several PowerPoint (or similar) presentations of 30-40 minutes in length, to highlight particular and relevant themes specific to the voyage.  

  • Respond to on board and in the field requests in a timely manner and remain highly visible to guests throughout the voyage.  

  • Mitigate guest concerns and complaints as best as possible and bring them to the attention of the Expedition Leader or Assistant Expedition Leader, as needed.  

  • On more culturally-focused itineraries, accompany guests ashore with local guides, and act as the representative of Lindblad Expeditions. While ashore, position should monitor for quality control of these excursions and report any concerns to Expedition Leader or Assistant Expedition Leader.  

  • Eat meals with guests and make an effort to dine with a variety of people over the course of each voyage.  

  • Participate in on board duties related to the guest experience, such as monitor wildlife, clean Field Staff gear and spaces, deliver communications to guests, create on board educational materials, assist the NAT/CPI with photo collection at the end of a voyage, assist the AEL/BCC with duties (i.e., inventory, organization), capture and submit daily expedition photos, assist with luggage movement, support at hospitality suite or other off-ship venues.  

  • Participate in physically demanding settings in diverse weather conditions and varying temperatures, which may include operation of inflatable boats for several hours per day, hike over uneven terrain for distances of three miles or more, manage snorkel activities in deep water, and/or lead kayak excursions.  

  • 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. 

ELIGIBILITY FOR CONTRACT

  • CPR & First Aid Certified (higher level of training preferred). 

  • Bachelor’s degree or four years of work experience in related industry.  

  • Full mobility of all limbs and the ability to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and lift and/or move up to 50 pounds as needed. In the field, this position will participate in field excursions, including driving inflatable boats for several hours per day, hikes over uneven terrain for up to 3 miles, and kayaking up to 3 miles.  

  • In-depth knowledge of destination and previous experience guiding or working in destination.  

  • A team-player with excellent training skills and a proven educator.  

  • Works well independently and is a self-starter.  

  • Strong communicator with individuals and groups, even-tempered demeanor, and remains calm under pressure.  

  • Must be able to handle multiple tasks at one time with keen attention to detail.  

  • Possess general comfort with public speaking.  

  • Possess excellent problem-solving skills, the ability to make sound decisions quickly, and exercise good judgment.  

  • Strongly preferred - Experience driving vessels with outboard engines.  

  • Strongly preferred - Merchant Mariner Credential of 25 tons or greater, RYA certificate, or equivalent.  

  • Some itineraries may have additional required credentials or trainings.  

  • Strongly preferred - Experienced and adaptable in diverse geographic regions.

REQUIRED FOR CONTRACT

  • Promotion/Sales- The position must become familiar with the company philosophy and various programs offered by National Geographic - Lindblad Expeditions. They should be able to address and field questions from guests regarding the various programs offered.  

  • Conservation/Sustainability- The position should become familiar with National Geographic- Lindblad Expeditions conservation and sustainability programs and be able to discuss the efforts in any itinerary where scheduled.  

  • Inflatable Boat Operations- The position should be prepared to assist with many aspects of inflatable boat operations for shore excursions. Familiarity with inflatable boats, such as Zodiacs, and ability to drive is a strong preference. If a US-citizen, a USCG license to drive inflatable boats is preferred.  

  • Safety- The position should be prepared to participate in on-board safety training, meetings and drills, including abandon ship and fire drills. Will also participate in shore-based education as required by the Company. 

What we offer:
Daily rate for this contract position: $310/daily
Travel Expenses Paid
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 position, this person is frequently required to sit, talk and hear. This person will also be required to write and type. Occasionally required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms. The physical demands per position are described in the Job Analysis sheet and are available to all applicants upon request.  
 
COMPENSATION STATEMENT
Lindblad Expeditions determines the pay for contracts and 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 daily range is based on national data and may be refined for a candidate's region/town/cost of living.
 
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 a contract or 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.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.