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Expedition Leader Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The School of Oceanography has an outstanding opportunity for an expedition leader (Research Scientist/Engineer 2) to join their team. About this Opportunity Reporting to the Operations Manager for ...

Project Expedition , a rapidly growing travel company, is seeking a Team Leader for our Content Development Team. As part of our Supplier Partnerships Department, this role is focused on leading ...

... an inspiring leader Balance policy with human judgment when helping customers Enjoy improving processes while still rolling up your sleeves when needed Why Join Project Expedition? Customer ...

... an inspiring leader Balance policy with human judgment when helping customers Enjoy improving processes while still rolling up your sleeves when needed Why Join Project Expedition? Customer ...

Supplier Operations Associate Project Expedition, a rapidly growing travel company, is seeking a ... Prepare operational reports and performance updates for leadership Support compliance and ...

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Expedition Leader information

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$8

$34

$98

How much do expedition leader jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for expedition leader in the United States is $34.89, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.11 and $46.15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an expedition leader do?

An Expedition Leader is responsible for planning, organizing, and leading outdoor adventures, ensuring the safety and well-being of participants. They coordinate logistics, navigate routes, manage risks, and provide guidance on environmental and cultural aspects of the journey. Strong leadership, problem-solving skills, and wilderness expertise are essential for this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an expedition leader, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Expedition Leader, you typically need expertise in outdoor survival, navigation, group management, and first aid—often supported by a background in fields like outdoor education, environmental science, or tourism. Certifications such as Wilderness First Responder (WFR), CPR, and familiarity with GPS systems and satellite communication devices are commonly required. Exceptional leadership, decision-making, adaptability, and effective communication distinguish top performers in this role. These skills are vital for ensuring the safety, engagement, and positive experience of participants in often unpredictable and remote environments.

What are some common challenges faced by expedition leaders while on trips?

Expedition Leaders frequently encounter challenges such as unpredictable weather, unexpected route changes, and managing group dynamics in high-pressure situations. They must be prepared to make quick decisions regarding safety, adapt itineraries on the fly, and address the varying physical and emotional needs of participants. Effective leaders use strong communication and problem-solving skills to maintain group morale and ensure a successful, enjoyable expedition. These experiences require resilience and a proactive approach to risk management, making the role both demanding and highly rewarding for those who thrive in dynamic outdoor environments.

How do you become an expedition leader?

To become an expedition leader, individuals typically need relevant experience in outdoor guiding, strong leadership skills, and certifications such as wilderness first aid or CPR. Many employers also require knowledge of navigation tools, environmental awareness, and the ability to manage group safety in remote settings.

How much do expedition leaders make?

Expedition leaders typically earn between $30,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of the expeditions. Salaries can increase with certifications, specialized skills, and leadership responsibilities in outdoor or adventure tourism environments.
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Cities with the most Expedition Leader job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Expedition Leader jobs?

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What states have the most Expedition Leader jobs?

States with the most job openings for Expedition Leader jobs include:

Infographic showing various Expedition Leader job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $72,572 per year, or $34.9 per hour.

Expedition Leader

Uw

Olympia, WA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago


University Of Washington rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 87 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

150th of 628 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Job Description

The School of Oceanography has an outstanding opportunity for an expedition leader (Research Scientist/Engineer 2) to join their team.

About this Opportunity

Reporting to the Operations Manager for SEASAM, the Research Scientist/Engineer 2 (RSE 2) supports seagoing and shore-based operations related to seafloor sampling, instrument development, data quality control, education/outreach, and multidisciplinary marine science cruises. This position works closely with operations management, scientific staff, shipboard technical teams, and shore-based coordinators to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality execution of field programs and associated technical workflows.

Key Responsibilities

Shipboard Support (40%): Lead safe and effective shipboard deployment of a wide variety of coring and dredging equipment on a breadth of Academic Research Fleet and other platforms. Maintain sampling equipment and associated sensors and track systems in working order at sea. Contribute to the collection and analysis of seafloor characterization data for site selection on an as-needed basis, utilizing working familiarity with multibeam sonar and sub-bottom profiling technologies. Support sampling process quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) in collaboration with the Operations Manager, Repository Coordinator, and Data Coordinator (shore-based or onboard). Mentor new technicians and support onboarding of principal investigators (PIs) and technical staff. As necessary, assist other scientific and technical teams during multi-disciplinary cruises, including but not limited to OBS deployments, Jason operations, and related work.

Inventory Maintenance (30%): Collaborate with the Operations Manager to establish equipment maintenance, repair, and development priorities. Identify and implement equipment improvements, such as enhanced coupler bolts, camera mountings, and other hardware upgrades.

Cruise Planning (15%): Understand the operation of seafloor sampling devices and associated instrumentation, and contribute to development of standard operating procedures (SOPs) for their use. Maintain a working knowledge of UNOLS Appendix A and B and their implications for the overboarding and operation of sampling devices. Collaborate with ship seagoing technicians on deck plans, overboarding workflows, and deck operations coordination.

Professional Development (10%): Participate in educational workshops and technical trainings as required. Participate in technical meetings, including RVTECH and related planning forums. Travel internationally as needed to learn about, evaluate, and understand technologies and workflows used by partner institutions and programs.

Education and Outreach (5%): Work with the Impact Manager to develop educational and outreach materials for classrooms, workshops, and public engagement activities. Participate in outreach activities, including live ship-to-classroom Zoom sessions, demonstrations, and educational activities.

Required Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity your application must demonstrate you meet both the minimum qualifications and additional qualifications listed below. Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.

Minimum Qualifications

Applicants who do not meet these qualifications WILL NOT be forwarded to the Hiring Manager.

Bachelor's degree in relevant scientific, engineering or technical field, and 2 years' experience supporting seaoor sampling operations and associated instrumentation, including jumbo piston coring and deep ocean dredging, experience working on vessels of the US Academic Research Fleet.

Preferred Qualifications

Demonstrated ability to work effectively in team-based, multidisciplinary environments.

Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Ability to develop and maintain SOPs, documentation, and operational procedures.

Ability to work safely and effectively in shipboard and field environments.

Willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally, including extended shipboard deployments.

Ability to participate in outreach, training, and technical coordination activities.

Familiarity with multibeam sonar, sub-bottom profiling, and seafloor characterization methods.

Experience with QA/QC workflows for sample handling and data management.

Experience mentoring junior staff, technicians, students, or visiting researchers.

Knowledge of UNOLS operational guidance, including Appendix A and Appendix B.

Experience collaborating with shipboard technicians, shore-based coordinators, and external partner institutions.

Experience contributing to educational or public outreach programming.

Working Conditions

This position may require extended periods at sea, including overnight and multiweek cruises for typically at least 3 and up to 6 months of the year.

Work may involve physically demanding tasks, changing weather conditions, and shipboard safety requirements.

The role requires flexibility, attention to detail, and the ability to adapt to evolving operational priorities.

Compensation, Benefits and Position Details

Pay Range Minimum:

$78,000.00 annual

Pay Range Maximum:

$86,400.00 annual

Other Compensation:

-

Benefits:

For information about benefits for this position, visit https://www.washington.edu/jobs/benefits-for-uw-staff/

Shift:

First Shift (United States of America)

Temporary or Regular?

This is a regular position

FTE (Full-Time Equivalent):

100.00%

Union/Bargaining Unit:

UAW Research

About the UW

Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives - on our campuses, in our state and around the world.

UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty.

Our Commitment

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or dso@uw.edu.

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.


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