Expedition Leader (Oslo)

WHO WE ARE

Viking has grown to be The World’s Leading River Cruise Line, with double-digit growth in recent years. With the launch of its ocean fleet in 2015, the company has also become the leader in small ship ocean cruising. With operational headquarters in Basel, Switzerland, Viking provides destination-focused itin-eraries designed for experienced travelers who have an interest in geography, culture and history. Each journey includes a shore excursion in every port, and an exclusive Viking Culture Curriculum program that provides deep immersion in the destination through performances of music and art, cooking demonstrations, informative port talks and carefully selected guest lecturers.

Viking currently operates a fleet of more than 70 vessels, state-of-the-art ships that have received nu-merous accolades since their launch from industry experts and travelers alike. Viking was voted the #1 River Cruise Line by Condé Nast Traveler in their 2018 Readers’ Choice Awards, and for the third year in a row, has been named the #1 Ocean Cruise Line* by Travel + Leisure readers in the World’s Best Awards 2018.

As next step in Viking’s bright future we aim to introduce our first Expedition Ship in 2021 - which means that we would like to stand out both with regards to activities on board and on shore. If you would like to take a key role towards making Viking Cruises the preferred and best Expedition Cruise operator – this is your chance!

PURPOSE OF POSITION

As Expedition Leader you will fully be in charge of a +20 world-class expedition team onboard our new, state-of-the art expedition ships. Whilst pursuing our well-established Viking guest and operational approach we are looking for the Expedition Leader to be a visionary innovator that takes part in the entrepreneurial effort of creating Viking Expeditions together with a highly competent team in Viking Ocean Cruises.

You will lead a team both on board and during landings. With leadership and management you will be liaising with all other onboard departments creating an integral operation that puts the experiences and safety of our guest first. The Viking Expedition Leader will have a broad and direct guest interaction and hereby making sure they have the best possibility to explore our destinations.

Before starting this new endeavor you will be part of the launch team and deeply involved in establishing the operational mode for the Expedition department in our office based in Oslo, Norway. Easy commute to Oslo is recommended. This role is open as of now with immediate start date.

Your Responsibilities

Prior to Launch

• Detailed voyage and operations planning including landing methods (Zodiacs, tenders)
• Advice on equipment, tools and production assets for Viking Polaris Class expedition ships
• Plan (and lead) RIB-experiences, Zodiac operations, landings, submarine operations and on-shore safety regimes (e.g. polar bear protection)
• Develop and revise standard operating procedures for all expedition operations
• Support the selection process for your Viking Expedition team members
• Lead pre-season training camps and certify individual team member competence

After the Launch (during operation, on-board)

• Head the expedition department
• Post-visit report to all stakeholders
• Liaise and cooperate with 3rd parties ashore: local communities, stakeholders and suppliers
• Full budget and reporting responsibility for the onboard department
• Liaise and provide strong guidance to onboard management when it comes to above duties
• Identify and carry-out training needs in the Viking Expedition Team
• Represent Viking Expedition Cruises in industry organization working groups and committees
• Safeguard compliance with industry guidelines and regulations
• Convey insights about our destinations, its history, culture, nature and wildlife in a credible but easy and entertaining way

QUALIFICATION PROFILE

• Previous and comprehensive experience from working in leadership roles in the Polar Expedition Cruise industry
• Work experience and in-depth acquaintance with local conditions and cultures in Antarctica, Sval-bard and other Arctic Regions
• Profound skills in and understanding of all safety and environmental aspects when taking guests into extreme wilderness areas
• Permit holder for Polar Regions (and other regions) operations

REPORTING LINE

The Expedition Leader reports to Director Expedition Operations. When the first expedition ships start operating and when aboard the Expedition Leader is a permanent member of the onboard management team and reports to the Master.