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Expedition Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Expedition Director information

What is an expedition director?

Expedition Directors are professionals responsible for planning, organizing, and leading expeditions, which can range from scientific research trips to adventure travel or exploration missions. They oversee logistics, safety, team coordination, budgeting, and compliance with relevant regulations. Expedition Directors ensure that every aspect of the journey runs smoothly, from pre-departure preparation through to the conclusion of the trip. Their expertise is vital in navigating challenging environments and achieving the objectives of the expedition.

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

To thrive as an Expedition Director, you need expertise in expedition planning, risk management, and logistics, often supported by relevant field experience and certifications in wilderness first aid or guiding. Knowledge of GPS navigation tools, satellite communication devices, and emergency response systems is typically required. Leadership, problem-solving, and strong interpersonal communication are vital soft skills for coordinating teams and handling unforeseen challenges. These competencies are crucial for ensuring the safety, efficiency, and overall success of expeditions in remote or challenging environments.

What are some common challenges faced by expedition directors when coordinating large-scale expeditions?

Expedition Directors often encounter challenges such as managing complex logistics, adapting to unpredictable environmental conditions, and ensuring the safety of all participants. They must coordinate between diverse teams, including guides, scientists, and support staff, while also handling permits and compliance with local regulations. Effective communication, contingency planning, and strong leadership skills are essential to successfully navigate these obstacles and keep the expedition on track.

What are the most commonly searched types of Expedition jobs?

The most popular types of Expedition jobs are:

What are popular job titles related to Expedition Director jobs?

For Expedition Director jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Expedition Director job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution.

Director of Wildlife Expeditions

Jackson, WY โ€ข On-site

Teton Science Schools
Education Programs Administrationย โ€ขย 51 - 200 employees

$70K - $80K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 27 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.