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Alaska Expedition Guide and Boat Driver

We are currently hiring for May - September 2023.

Hurtigruten Group is the world’s leading adventure travel group. Forme d of three main business units — Hurtigruten Expeditions, Norwegian Coastal Express and Hurtigruten Svalbard — we offer unique small-ship and land-based adventures from pole-to-pole. For 130 years, we’ve been committed to continuously improving what we do for our guests and the people we work with.

We are currently looking for experienced Expedition Boat Drivers and Guides for our 2023 Alaska season, which will run from May 8 - September 30, 2023. During these months we will operate two different Alaska itineraries, between Vancouver and Seward, and Vancouver and Nome.

The Expedition Boat Driver’s tasks and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Ensure the boat is clean, has sufficient fuel, and in sound condition, and that all equipment onboard is working properly
  • Always be in command of the 12-passenger expedition zodiac and responsible for the passengers’ safety
  • Ensure all guests follow safety protocols onboard the expedition boat
  • Communicate as necessary with bridge and other boats
  • Travel with the assigned buddy boat at all times

  • Strictly follow safety guidelines for (marine-)wildlife and glacier/iceberg viewing

  • Report any emergencies or unusual situations immediately to the bridge

  • Participate in regular (man overboard) safety drills

  • Attend daily team meetings with the rest of the expedition team

  • Take all opportunities to engage guests with passion and enthusiasm about your subject matter and expertise, both onboard and ashore.

  • Prepare and deliver at least two lectures related to onboard activities and history

  • Be knowledgeable of the destinations you will travel to and be prepared to give short presentations on points of interest, both onboard and ashore.

  • Assist with general onboard day-to-day duties as directed by the Expedition Leader, including, but not limited to tender pit and pier duties

  • Inform the Expedition Leader if any procedures or documentation need to be changed.

  • Participate in, and pass, regular scheduled drug tests both before and during your employment

  • Follow the company`s Covid-19 safety precautions and requirements, including, but not limited to mask mandates and vaccine requirements.

Work with great people

Tessa van Drie
Expedition Leader
"For ten years I’ve been motivated and supported to try different roles and grew into the role of Expedition Leader. Together with the team on board we aim to give our guests a journey a lifetime."
Kris Willassen
Head of Port and Nautical Operations
"Working in an international environment with ships and professional colleagues from all around the world is very inspiring and motivating!"

Skills & Requirements

The Expedition Boat Driver and Guide is responsible for the safe operation of Hurtigruten Expeditions` zodiac boats during sightseeing trips and tender operations in Alaska. The Expedition Boat Driver and Guide is also responsible for delivering commentary about the local history, (marine) wildlife and points of interest to our guests. As a member of the expedition team the Expedition Boat Driver and Guide will assist with general day-to-day duties when not operating the zodiacs.

Essential Qualifications :

  • 25-ton (or higher) Near Coastal Master Merchant Mariner Credentials
  • VHF Marine Radio Operator License
  • Valid First-Aid and CPR/AED certifications
  • US-passport, valid for at least 3 months after the end of your contract *
  • A background in (marine) biology, environmental science, history, indigenous culture or other relevant subjects
  • Guest focused with experience in the tourism and/or customer service industry
  • Experience driving zodiacs

  • Covid-19 vaccine record with at least one booster shot

  • Experience with expedition cruising a strong asset

  • Due to US Coast Guard and US Customs and Border Patrol regulations this role is only open to citizens of the United States with a valid US-passport.

Great Place to Work

  • Play your part

  • Inspire the Adventure

  • Make tomorrow better

About the company

The undisputed global leader in sustainable inspirational adventure travel — a catalyst for change towards a greener travel industry. Formed in 1893, Hurtigruten Group is the world’s leading adventure travel group. We have 2,400+ employees worldwide, representing more than 50 nationalities. They form part of three main business Units — Hurtigruten Expeditions, Hurtigruten Coastal Express and Hurtigruten Svalbard — which offer unique small-ship and land-based adventures from pole-to-pole.

At Hurtigruten Expeditions, we sail guests on adventures to more than 250 destinations across 30+ countries. Through the experience of exploration, we are changing people’s perspectives on what adventure travel looks like while impacting the lives of millions of people.

As a Group, we are revolutionising the travel industry’s approach to sustainability through a number of vital initiatives to protect the world we explore.

Quick overviewTOM

Single-use plastic banHurtigruten was the first major travel company to have removed single-use plastic from its entire fleet and our hotels.

Hybrid Explorer shipsHurtigruten has two hybrid-electric powered expedition cruise ships that offer a 20% reduction of fuel consumption.

Beach cleanupsHurtigruten Expedition Teams encourage guests to take part in beach clean-ups, which results in several metric tonnes of trash every year being removed.

Hurtigruten FoundationThe Foundation specialises in the conservation of endangered species, fighting against marine and plastic pollution.

Hurtigruten Expeditions

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