EXPEDITION - Field Scientist

WHO WE ARE 

Since our inception in 1997, 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 itineraries designed for experienced travelers who have an interest in the natural world, culture, science and history. 

Viking currently operates a fleet of a 100 vessels, state-of-the-art ships that have received 

numerous accolades since their launch from industry experts and travelers alike. Most recently,Viking has been  voted the World's #1 Ocean line and #1 River Line by Condé Nast Traveler in their 2022 Readers’ Choice Awards. Viking Expeditions is a new arm of Viking and has been in guest operations since January 2022. We have built two bespoke expedition vessels, designed to be optimal platforms for delivering expeditions suited to our intellectually curious guest demographic. Each expedition vessel has a highly efficient, long and slender ice strengthened hull (Polar class PC6); and from an industry-leading aft hangar operates a fleet of seventeen Milpro Mk5 zodiacs, two 13m long Boomeranger special operations boats, two U-Boat Worx Cruise 7 submarines, a dive-support RIB and a fleet of kayaks. 

ONBOARD SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH 

Our expedition vessels are also designed to be superlative ‘ships of opportunity’ support platforms for a wide variety of primary research, with a well-appointed 40 sqm wet-lab onboard, a variety of underwater sampling equipment (including an Aegir 50 ROV, Maritime Robotics OSV, CTD, BRUVs video sampling), and an extensive suite of automated oceanographic instrumentation. Each vessel has a NOAA weather balloon launch station installed, the first civilian vessels so equipped, enabling regular balloon releases; and on each vessel one of the two special operations boats are configured as a bathymetric survey vessel, mounted with a research-grade Kongsberg multibeam sonar. 

Viking has convened a partnership of academic institutions, each world renowned in their respective disciplines and collaborating with Viking on a range of timely, relevant and interesting research fieldwork; overseen by an advisory group of partner representatives from their research leadership. Our lead Institutional partner is the University of Cambridge’s Scott Polar Research Institute, together with US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory (NOAA GLERL), The Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA). We are also collaborating with not-for-profit research entities, including the Polar Citizen Science Collective and Oceanites, to support citizen science and penguin monitoring respectively. 

All fieldwork is overseen by our onboard Chief Scientist supported by a Field Scientist, working with visiting research scientists. Our aim is to deliver a collaborative, rigorous and credible research program. 

PURPOSE OF POSITION 

This role is to support the Chief Scientist in all field research activities, including assisting in the maintenance of all onboard science equipment, to ensure that rigorous research is undertaken – a key contribution towards our vision of re-imagining the possibilities for an expeditionary ‘Ship of Opportunity’. 

An important role of the Field Scientist will be the coordination of citizien science programs being delivered onboard the vessel.  The delivery of individual citizen science programs may be done by general naturlists under the direction of, and with the support of, the Field Scientist.  The Field Scientist will report progress on citizen science programs to the Chief Scientist. 

In addition, the Field Scientist will provide safety support to expedition activities, as and when required by the Expedition Leadership team. The Field Scientist (FS) will work in regular rotation offshore and may liaise with the Viking FSs and Chief Scientists when shore. 

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES 

Professional Skills 

• Practical, problem solving, team player 

• Excellent communication skills 

• Works well under pressure 

• Smart, presentable, friendly, and excellent people skills 

• Strong technical and computer skills 

• English speaking and writing to a high standard 

General Duties 

• Work closely with, and in support of, the Chief Scientist onboard 

• Operate and maintain the ship’s onboard oceanographic instrumentation (‘FerryBox’) 

• Undertake interpretative science guiding for guests 

• Undertake field work to collect data relevant to ongoing science projects, coordinated by the Chief Scientist 

• Assist with the collation and appropriate archiving of onboard scientific data 

• Assist in data and report preparation to produce scientific papers for publication 

• Be available, as coordinated by the Chief Scientist in liaison with the Assistant Expedition Leader, to contribute in support of guest activities, including guest management, guiding, driving zodiacs and beach landing assistance 

• Assist in any other general duties assigned by the Assistant Expedition Leader or Chief Scientist 

• To be assigned shipboard Crew Safety Duties 

Mindset and Values 

• Be well groomed and of professional personality and focused on delivering 100% satisfaction 

• Operationally disciplined, able to rigorously ensure all SOPs are followed 

• Adhere to schedules, always setting good standards 

Communication & Coordination 

• Report to the Chief Scientist 

Role Model 

• Lead by example 

• Ensure a positive working environment 

Your profile 

• Marine fieldwork experience - essential 

• Minimum of a science degree or equivalent, in a relevant scientific discipline 

• Enthusiastic team player and proactive problem solver 

• Well organized, efficient and positive 

• Technically minded, with ‘mechanical sympathy' and diligent with equipment maintenance 

• Understand guest needs 

• Good time management 

• Proactive in upholding Viking standards of excellence 

• Marine Radio Operator’s license (VHF) or equivalent 

• Small boat license (RYA Powerboat level 2 or equivalent / higher) required with expedition cruise small boat operating experience advantageous. 

• Previous technical support and laboratory experience - Advantageous 

• Previous experience in the management of marine fieldwork – Advantageous 

• Demonstrated experience in the Expedition Cruise Industry - Advantageous 

• Previous experience in polar regions – Advantageous 

• STCW - Basic Fire Prevention & Fire Fighting 

• STCW - Personal Survival Techniques 

• STCW - Personal Safety & Social Responsibilities 

• STCW - Elementary First Aid 

• STCW - Crisis Management and Human Behavior 

• STCW - Certificate of Proficiency in Security Awareness 

• STCW - Crowd Management Training 

• Valid Norwegian Medical Certificate 

Guidelines and Regulations 

• Implement Standard Operating Procedures & STAR Service Standards within the department 

• Ensure appropriate appearance and clothing according to the updated Grooming Standards 

• For Polar Regions - passed the appropriate field staff online assessment of IAATO/AECO 

• The company reserves the right to change/extend this job description, if necessary, at any point of time during her/his employment