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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 Development Team. As part of our Supplier Partnerships Department, this role is focused on leading ...

Project Expedition

Head of Client Experience

$80K - $90K/yr

... 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 ...

Project Expedition

Head of Client Experience

$80K - $90K/yr

... 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 ...

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How much do expedition leader jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 21, 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Expedition Leader position, 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.

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.

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Expedition Leader jobs near you
Infographic showing various Expedition Leader job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 62% Locum Tenens, 9% Internship, 22% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 96% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $72,572 per year, or $34.9 per hour.

Expedition Leader - USCG Licensed

Positions at Sea - UnCruise Adventures

Juneau, AK • On-site

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

ABOUT UNCRUISE
At UnCruise Adventures, we work together to provide an enriching adventure experience while inspiring an appreciation of local cultures and the natural world. This means we kayak among icebergs, travel to hidden waterfalls, snorkel with sea lions, dive with manta rays, and share air with whales. Our destinations include Alaska, the Hawaiian Islands, Mexico's Sea of Cortes, and Costa Rica.
Join one of our virtual information sessions to learn more about working at UnCruise -register here.
CREW PERKS
  • Room and board when scheduled
  • Rotation schedule (6-8 weeks sailing with 2-3 weeks off)
  • Travel stipend
  • Pro deals
  • Credential reimbursement (qualifications required)
  • Heath care benefits (once qualifications are met)

JOB SUMMARY
The Expedition Guide is part of a team whose goal is to inspire guests and help them understand and appreciate the areas they visit during their cruise. The Guide is supervised by the Expedition Leader and work in teams of 2-7 members, along with the full vessel crew. Primary responsibilities include guiding and interpretation as well as onboard presentations and narration. They interpret topics ranging from geology, geography, glaciology, marine biology, natural history and cultural history, current issues in local destinations, and local flora and fauna. The Guide leads groups of guests on hikes ranging from shore walks to route finding, bushwhacking, and more technical hiking, skiff tours, snorkeling, camping, paddle boarding, as well as whole and half day kayak trips on a daily basis. The Guide takes ownership of delivering an unforgettable vacation experience to guests through sharing their knowledge, guiding excursions, and exemplary customer service, with an emphasis on safety.
QUALIFICATIONS
  • Minimum one year of naturalist interpretation or environmental education in the field and formal presentations for groups of up to 90 participants.
  • Demonstrable written and verbal communications including interpretive materials and presentations development.
  • Minimum education of a Bachelor of Science in natural and/or cultural history, or other relevant field of study, or equivalent experience.
  • Minimum one year professional experience leading small groups in remote field settings and on the water.
  • Exceptional and demonstrable customer service and problem solving skills.
  • Strong preference for working in a team setting.
  • Prior small ship cruise industry experience strongly preferred.

Required Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:
  • USCG 25T Masters license (1)
  • Wilderness First Responder (WFR)
  • CPR / First Aid / AED
  • Government ID (REAL ID compliant) or Passport
  1. Inland license required for Alaska and PNW. Near Coastal license required for Baja and Safari Explorer Hawaii itinerary
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
  • Lead hiking and kayaking expeditions in remote wilderness settings with few or no defined trails, utilizing safety standards and route finding skills
  • Work within a cohesive and cooperative team led by the Expedition Leader, with heavy emphasis on communication and teamwork
  • Confidently and competently lead groups of up to 20 guests in the field and on the water and create an enjoyable experience for guests even when an excursion does not go as planned. Heavy emphasis on customer service, dynamic thinking and safety
  • Provide in the field, hands-on interpretation, and thematic, formal onboard presentations that are integrated into a week-long interpretive program, and wildlife narration utilizing interactive tools such as maps, charts, guidebooks, power point, microscopes and spotting scopes to involve the guests
  • Develop and deliver educational presentations covering environmental science, history, or other relevant topics to the itinerary as assigned by the EL for up to 90 guests
  • Cultivate the guest experience by focusing on the observation of the surrounding geology, flora and fauna by encouraging passengers to spend as much time on deck exploring and experiencing the natural surroundings that may go unnoticed
  • Maintain the cleanliness, order and function of all Expedition tools, including kayaks, paddleboards, camping equipment, electronics and snorkeling gear
  • Assist in general shipboard tasks during the operating season, including loading stores, laundry, garbage, and luggage.
  • Assist deck crew with lines and docking, dropping anchor, standing watch, cleaning, vessel upkeep, and basic operations.
  • Maintain a professional demeanor and appearance amongst crew and guests at all times, while living in a close community setting.
ONBOARD ENVIRONMENT / PHYSICAL DEMANDS / EMPLOYMENT COMPLIANCE
  • Living Conditions - Crew live in close quarters with 4 to 8 people of all genders per room depending on the vessel. Having your own room is not an option due to limited berthing.
  • Length of Work Shift - Physically able to work 12 hours per day, 7 days a week for 6 to 8 weeks at a time. Rotations off the vessel are usually 2 to 3 weeks.
  • Mobility - Frequent bending, reaching, twisting, kneeling, crawling, and pushing/pulling. Must ascend and descend stairs and ladders, sometimes while carrying tools or objects. Able to stand or sit for long periods of time.
  • Handling & Strength - Able to handle, lift, and lower objects totaling 50 pounds between the ground/deck level to a height of about 4 to 6 feet, and able to repeat these movements. Able to carry these objects up to 100 feet continuously for 20 minutes.
  • Environmental Conditions - Able to work in all weather conditions, around loud noise, in small spaces, and fit through a 28-inch wide hatch.
  • DOT Drug Testing - In compliance with USCG regulations, must pass a pre-employment drug test and additional in-season testing per federal guidelines.
  • Allergens - This position requires working with and/or being around raw and cooked shellfish, cleaning chemicals and other known allergens.
  • Medical Review - A medical review is required. Must be medically fit to work onboard for safety and compliance.

BASE PAY
  • $190 / day + $70 tip guarantee

Pay Range
$361-$366 USD
DISCLAIMER STATEMENT
This job description is intended only to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by an employee in this position. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills or abilities required or persons so classified or assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
It is the policy of UnCruise Adventures not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, creed, religion, marital status, citizenship, the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, ancestry, national origin, or veteran status in its educational programs, activities, or employment as required by law.

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