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Science Expedition Jobs (NOW HIRING)

OceanX

Postdoctoral Associate

New York, NY · On-site +1

Contribute to expedition planning, project coordination, reporting, and scientific communications. * Develop, lead, and publish original research in peer-reviewed scientific journals in collaboration ...

Leidos

Peninsula Field Camp Assistant

$52K - $94K/yr

In the event of funded science expeditions in outyears 2027/28, 28/29. * Be able to lead a full camp set-up/take-down including: moving cargo, setting up tents, cooking station, waste station ...

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Science Expedition information

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$31.5K

$41.3K

$52.5K

How much do science expedition jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for science expedition in the United States is $41,285.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37,500.00 and $45,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the science expedition position, and why are they important?

To thrive in a Science Expedition role, you need a strong background in scientific methodology, field research, and data analysis, often supported by degrees in the natural sciences or related disciplines. Familiarity with specialized equipment such as GPS devices, sampling tools, laboratory instruments, and relevant software like GIS is important, along with certifications in wilderness safety or environmental compliance. Exceptional problem-solving skills, adaptability, teamwork, and effective communication help individuals excel in diverse and sometimes unpredictable environments. These competencies are vital to safely and accurately conduct scientific research in the field while ensuring reliable outcomes and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams.

What are some typical challenges faced during a science expedition and how are they addressed?

Science Expedition professionals often encounter challenges such as unpredictable weather, difficult terrain, limited resources, and maintaining accurate data collection under field conditions. These challenges are managed by thorough pre-expedition planning, risk assessment, and ongoing training in safety protocols and emergency response. Team members also rely on strong communication and adaptability to adjust plans and ensure the expedition’s scientific objectives are met. Support from both field and remote teams helps overcome logistical and technical obstacles, making flexibility and collaboration essential for success.

What is a science expedition?

A Science Expedition job involves conducting field research in remote or challenging environments to study natural phenomena, collect data, and contribute to scientific knowledge. Scientists, researchers, and support staff work together to explore ecosystems, climates, wildlife, or geological formations. These expeditions often require specialized skills, physical stamina, and adaptability to work in extreme conditions. Jobs can range from temporary research trips to long-term studies, depending on the scientific objectives.

More about Science Expedition jobs
What states have the most Science Expedition jobs? States with the most job openings for Science Expedition jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Science Expedition jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Science Expedition jobs are:
Science Expedition jobs near you
Infographic showing various Science Expedition job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Locum Tenens, 33% Internship, 50% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Summer. Highlights an 96% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,285 per year, or $19.8 per hour.

Expedition Guide

Positions at Sea - UnCruise Adventures

Juneau, AK • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 11 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 Lead Guide and work in teams of 2-7 members, along with the full vessel crew. Primary responsibilities include guiding and interpretation, onboard presentations and narration, and behind the scenes daily maintenance and programmatic tasks. Topics range from geology, glaciology, and marine biology to cultural history and current issues in local destinations. The Guide leads groups of guests on hikes ranging from shore walks to route finding or bushwhacking, skiff tours, snorkeling, and paddle boarding, as well as whole and half day kayak trips. This position 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. Demonstrable ability to operate Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and photo editing software.
  • 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 in remote environments.
  • Prior small ship cruise industry experience strongly preferred.
Required Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:
  • Wilderness First Responder (WFR)
  • CPR / First Aid / AED
  • Government ID (REAL ID compliant) or Passport
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 and Lead Guide, 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.
  • Demonstrable ability to utilize a GPS, and read navigational and topographical maps and software.
  • 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.
  • Participate in the behind the scenes daily maintenance and programmatic tasks that keep our gear and program running. These tasks will include, but are not limited to, photo editing, blogging, slideshow creation, gear stowage, repair, cleaning, and organization.
  • Proactively maintain the cleanliness, order and function of all Expedition tools, including kayaks, paddleboards, electronics and snorkeling gear.
  • Assist in general shipboard tasks during the operating season including loading of ship's food stores, laundry, garbage, luggage, and helping the hotel staff with cleaning as needed.
  • 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
  • $139 / day + $70/day tip guarantee. Weekly tip amounts vary, the lowest being $70/day.

Pay Range
$139-$209 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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