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Director Expedition Leader Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Project Expedition

Content Expansion Team Lead

$55K - $70K/yr

Project Expedition , a rapidly growing travel company, is seeking a Team Leader for our Content ... a direct impact on how we scale our supply and onboarding efforts, while also shaping your own ...

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Director Expedition Leader information

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

AspectDirector Expedition LeaderExpedition Guide
CredentialsWilderness or outdoor leadership certifications, first aid, and experienceOutdoor skills certifications, first aid, and guiding experience
Work EnvironmentOversees multiple expeditions, manages teams, and plans logisticsLeads individual expeditions, guides clients, and ensures safety
Industry UsageUsed in adventure tourism, exploration companies, and outdoor organizationsCommon in adventure travel, trekking, and outdoor adventure companies

The main difference is that a Director Expedition Leader manages multiple expeditions and oversees teams, while an Expedition Guide directly leads clients on specific trips. Both roles require outdoor leadership skills and certifications, but the Director has broader responsibilities in planning and management.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Director Expedition Leader, and why are they important?

To excel as a Director Expedition Leader, you need extensive experience in expedition planning, risk management, and leadership, often supported by qualifications in outdoor education, wilderness first aid, and relevant field certifications. Familiarity with GPS navigation, satellite communication devices, and emergency response systems is essential for managing remote and challenging environments. Exceptional communication, decision-making, and team-building skills help inspire confidence and maintain safety among diverse groups. These competencies are crucial to ensure the success, safety, and positive experience of all expedition participants.

What are Director Expedition Leaders?

Director Expedition Leaders are professionals responsible for planning, coordinating, and overseeing expeditions, often in adventurous or remote locations. They lead teams, ensure safety and logistics, and make key decisions throughout the journey. Their role often involves risk assessment, resource management, and serving as the primary point of contact for participants and support staff. Director Expedition Leaders typically have extensive experience in outdoor leadership, navigation, and emergency response. Their expertise ensures expeditions run smoothly and safely, providing a rewarding experience for all involved.

How does a Director Expedition Leader typically collaborate with multidisciplinary teams during expedition planning and execution?

A Director Expedition Leader works closely with a range of professionals, including logistics coordinators, scientists, safety officers, and local guides, to ensure the success and safety of each expedition. They facilitate clear communication across all team members, delegate responsibilities based on expertise, and mediate any challenges that arise during planning or in the field. This role requires strong leadership and organizational skills to align everyone's efforts toward shared objectives while adapting to changing conditions. Regular briefings and debriefings are common to keep the team informed and engaged throughout the expedition.
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Director Expedition Leader jobs near you
Infographic showing various Director Expedition Leader job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution.
Director of Wildlife Expeditions

Director of Wildlife Expeditions

Teton Science Schools

Jackson, WY

$70K - $80K/yr

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

Position Purpose

Teton Science Schools is a nonprofit educational organization that connects people, nature, and place through transformative place-based learning. Wildlife Expeditions advances this mission by providing educational wildlife experiences throughout the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.

The Director of Wildlife Expeditions provides strategic, operational, financial, and people leadership for the department. This role ensures Wildlife Expeditions programs are safe, educational, financially sustainable, and provide an exceptional guest experience.

The Director leads the Wildlife Expeditions team, oversees program development and delivery, manages budgets and partnerships, ensures compliance with permits and risk management standards, and collaborates across TSS to support the organization’s mission and long-term goals.

ResponsibilitiesProgram and Operational Leadership
  • Lead the strategy, planning, and daily operations of Wildlife Expeditions.
  • Ensure programs provide high-quality, educational, and guest-focused wildlife experiences.
  • Oversee program schedules, staffing, logistics, guest communication, transportation, and multi-day itineraries.
  • Evaluate and improve program offerings, pricing, operational systems, and overall efficiency.
  • Ensure guides have the information, equipment, vehicles, and support needed to deliver successful programs.
  • Participate in an on-call rotation and provide support during program emergencies or disruptions.
Financial and Business Management
  • Develop and manage the Wildlife Expeditions budget, revenue goals, expenses, and pricing.
  • Monitor enrollment, fill rates, profitability, and overall program performance.
  • Identify opportunities to grow revenue, partnerships, and program offerings.
  • Develop pricing and program plans for private, custom, and multi-day experiences.
  • Collaborate with Finance, Marketing, Registration, Sales, and Operations to support department goals.
Team Leadership and Development
  • Recruit, hire, train, supervise, and retain Wildlife Expeditions staff.
  • Provide employees with clear expectations, regular feedback, coaching, and professional development.
  • Lead performance management, goal setting, and employee accountability within the department.
  • Build a collaborative, inclusive, service-oriented, and mission-driven team culture.
Partnerships and Program Development
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with tourism partners, vendors, lodging providers, land management agencies, and community organizations.
  • Oversee relationships and logistics for contracted and multi-day program partners.
  • Develop new programs, itineraries, partnerships, and experiences that align with guest needs and the TSS mission.
  • Collaborate with Marketing and Sales to promote Wildlife Expeditions and strengthen referral and partnership opportunities.
Permits, Safety, and Risk Management
  • Oversee permit applications, reporting, and compliance with public land requirements.
  • Ensure programs follow TSS safety, driving, emergency response, and risk management standards.
  • Support staff in making sound decisions related to wildlife encounters, weather, guest needs, transportation, and changing field conditions.
  • Review incidents, guest concerns, and operational challenges and implement improvements as needed.
Organizational Leadership
  • Represent Wildlife Expeditions as a member of the TSS leadership team.
  • Collaborate across departments to share resources, strengthen programs, and support organizational priorities.
  • Communicate department goals, performance, challenges, and resource needs to organizational leadership.
  • Contribute to an inclusive and supportive work and learning environment.
Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree preferred.
  • Valid driver’s license and ability to meet TSS driving requirements.
  • Wilderness First Responder, CPR, and AED certification, or ability to obtain within an established timeframe.
  • Five or more years of progressively responsible experience in outdoor programming, tourism, environmental education, hospitality, or a related field.
  • Experience supervising employees and leading professional or seasonal teams.
  • Experience managing complex programs, schedules, logistics, and partner relationships.
  • Experience managing budgets, pricing, revenue goals, and expenses.
  • Strong leadership, communication, customer service, organization, and relationship-building skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities and make sound decisions in dynamic environments.
  • Experience resolving complex guest, employee, or operational concerns.
  • Experience guiding or teaching in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem preferred.
  • Experience working with public land agencies, permits, or commercial use requirements preferred.
Working Conditions and Physical Requirements
  • Based primarily at the Jackson Campus with regular travel throughout the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and to other TSS locations.
  • Work occurs in both office and outdoor settings.
  • May require early mornings, evenings, weekends, holidays, irregular schedules, and multi-day travel.
  • Ability to work outdoors in variable and sometimes extreme weather conditions.
  • Ability to drive TSS vehicles for extended periods.
  • Ability to move over uneven terrain, repeatedly enter and exit vehicles, and carry program equipment.
  • Ability to bend, stoop, reach, and lift or carry up to 50 pounds.