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

Please note that we can only accept applicants who are eligible to work in Switzerland or in possession of a valid work permit.\u00A0

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ROLE DESCRIPTION

• Reports to the Nautical Instructor Team Leader.
• Responsible for training and developing current and future Viking Nautical Officers and onboard teams, building on the instructor's own experience as an Inland River Captain.
• Supports talent program students throughout their development journey and contributes to promotion readiness assessments.
• This is a field-based role with regular travel of up to 90% in Europe.
• Professional experience in inland navigation is essential; candidates with exclusively ocean-going, offshore, or deep-sea experience will not be considered.

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KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Classroom-Based Training (up to 40%)
  • Deliver classroom training on navigation, safety, emergency preparedness, and inland waterway operations for talent program students and mentors, the nautical fleet, and entire onboard teams, including hotel crew.
  • Ensure clear knowledge transfer through practical examples and interactive learning.
  • Contribute to the continuous improvement of classroom training materials in line with operational, safety, and regulatory requirements.

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• Simulator Training and Assessment (up to 30%)
  • Deliver simulator sessions according to Viking's training methodology and standard scenarios, covering voyage planning, effective team communication, and river-specific regulations (Rhine, Main, Danube, Moselle, Rhone, Seine).
  • Train maneuvering under varying wind, current, and water-level conditions, the operation of propulsion systems and steering controls, and the correct use of radar, VHF, ECDIS, dynamic positioning, and track pilot.
  • Conduct structured briefings, debriefings, and standardized assessments of students and promotion candidates, applying Viking's assessment criteria consistently; complete performance reports for each assessment and training day.

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• Talent Program Students and Mentors
  • Promote Viking's training and talent programs across the fleet and identify suitable candidates for internal development opportunities.
  • Track assigned students from program entry to qualification and promotion, providing guidance, feedback, and follow-up between training sessions and during onboard periods.
  • Support Captains in their role as onboard mentors, aligning on student expectations and practical learning objectives.
  • Estimate promotion readiness together with Captains, based on assessment results and observed onboard performance; provide a clear, evidence-based recommendation to the appropriate stakeholders.
  • Coordinate development plans and opportunities with Nautical Operations, HR, and the Nautical Education team.
    Maintain accurate student progress and assessment records in the Learning Management System in line with Viking's reporting standards.

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• Digital Learning, Coordination and Standards
  • Deliver webinars and virtual training sessions as part of blended learning; review digital and e-learning materials to keep content current with operational needs.
  • Maintain regular communication with the team to coordinate schedules, resources, and logistics.
  • Promote Viking's learning culture, uphold consistent training standards, and support professional development throughout the fleet.

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KEY QUALIFICATIONS

• Strong background in training, assessment, coaching, or mentoring within the nautical field; experience in talent development or recruiting is an asset.
• Confident presenter, able to engage and motivate groups of different backgrounds, from talent program participants to entire onboard teams.
• Completed 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.
• Experience as a Captain on the Rhine and Danube; experience on the Main and Moselle is an asset.
• Additional certification or teaching experience in maritime or inland navigation training is an asset.
• Fluent in German and English; French is an asset.
• Able to operate IT equipment as an end-user and nautical navigational equipment; good knowledge of Microsoft 365 (SharePoint, Teams, PowerPoint, Outlook, Excel, Word) is an asset.
• Willingness to travel up to 90%.\u00A0

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CULTURE & BENEFITS

• Fast-growing and dynamic environment, a modern workspace, flexible working hours.

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HOW TO APPLY

Please apply via our website www.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

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