River - Nautical Instructor

Viking (NYSE: VIK) is a global leader in experiential travel with a fleet of more than 100 ships, exploring 21 rivers, five oceans and all seven continents. Designed for curious travelers with interests in science, history, culture and cuisine, Executive Chairman Torstein Hagen often says Viking offers experiences For The Thinking Person\u2122. Viking has more than 450 awards to its name, including being rated #1 for Rivers and #1 for Oceans five years in a row by\u202FCond\u00E9 Nast Traveler\u202Fin the 2025 Readers\u2019 Choice Awards. Viking is also rated a \u201CWorld\u2019s Best\u201D by\u202FTravel + Leisure\u2014no other travel company has simultaneously received such honors by both publications.\u00A0
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Please note that we can only accept applicants who are eligible to work in Switzerland or in possession of a valid work permit.

ROLE DESCRIPTION

\u2022 \u00A0 \u00A0Reports to the Nautical Instructor Team Leader and plays a key role in developing future Viking Captains by transferring practical sailing skills, sound judgment, and confidence through hands-on, scenario-based instruction.\u00A0
\u2022 \u00A0 \u00A0Delivers simulator-based training as the core focus of the role, representing approximately 80% of activity, using Viking\u2019s unique methodology tailored to the Nautical Officer role and Viking itineraries.\u00A0
\u2022 \u00A0 \u00A0Contributes to the continuous development of Viking\u2019s simulator training approach by creating new scenarios, supporting the digital training environment, and providing practical input on simulator equipment and standards.\u00A0
\u2022 \u00A0 \u00A0Collaborates closely with simulator operators, instructors, and the Team Leader on scheduling, quality, and standards; this is a field-based role requiring up to 90% travel, mainly to training centers in Germany and Austria.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

\u2022 \u00A0 \u00A0Deliver simulator-based training as the core focus of the role, using Viking\u2019s methodology and standardized scenarios to build practical inland navigation skills, voyage planning, team communication, and river-specific regulatory knowledge.
\u2022 \u00A0 \u00A0Train students in maneuvering under varying wind, current, and water-level conditions, as well as the use of propulsion, steering, radar, VHF, ECDIS, dynamic positioning, and track pilot technologies.
\u2022 \u00A0 \u00A0Lead effective briefings, debriefings, knowledge transfer, standardized assessments, and performance reporting for simulator training and promotion evaluations.
\u2022 \u00A0 \u00A0Develop new simulator scenarios, improve existing training materials, integrate new technologies, and support the evolution of Viking\u2019s digital training environment and simulator equipment.
\u2022 \u00A0 \u00A0Review and quality-check simulator training delivered by other instructors, providing feedback to ensure consistent delivery to Viking standards.
\u2022 \u00A0 \u00A0Deliver classroom, webinar, and blended-learning sessions on navigation, safety, emergency preparedness, inland waterway operations, and selected cross-departmental exercises.
\u2022 \u00A0 \u00A0Maintain accurate student records in the Learning Management System, keep digital learning content up to date, and coordinate schedules, resources, logistics, standards, and learning-culture initiatives with the team.

KEY QUALIFICATIONS

\u2022 \u00A0 \u00A0Qualified Captain in inland navigation with experience on the Rhine and Danube; Main and Moselle experience is an asset.
\u2022 \u00A0 \u00A0Strong background in nautical training, assessment, mentoring, observation, and constructive feedback.
\u2022 \u00A0 \u00A0Patient, approachable, proactive, reliable, and organized, with strong communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to explain complex topics clearly.
\u2022 \u00A0 \u00A0Fluent in German and English; French is an asset.
\u2022 \u00A0 \u00A0Able to use IT and nautical navigational equipment; good knowledge of Microsoft 365, including SharePoint, Teams, PowerPoint, Outlook, Excel, and Word, is an asset.

EDUCATION

\u2022 \u00A0 \u00A0Completed nautical education and qualification as a Captain in inland navigation, preferably complemented by a Bachelor's degree in nautical science, maritime studies, or a related field.
\u2022 \u00A0 \u00A0Additional certification or teaching experience in maritime or inland navigation training is considered an asset.

CULTURE & BENEFITS

\u2022 \u00A0 \u00A0Fast-growing and dynamic environment, a modern workspace, flexible working hours.

HOW TO APPLY

Please apply via our website\u00A0www.vikingcareers.com, including your CV in English and a one-page cover letter to introduce yourself and your interest for the role.

*Unsolicited submissions of candidates from agencies will not be considered* \u00A0