Expedition Equipment Specialist

WHO WE ARE

Lindblad Expeditions is a true pioneer in Expedition Travel. From taking the first citizen explorers to Antarctica in 1966, opening the Galapagos and Easter Island to tourism in 1967, leading the first tourist expedition through the Northwest Passage in 1984, and launching our innovative partnership with National Geographic in 2004, we're now taking almost 30,000 guests a year to some of the world’s most remote and pristine locations on our fleet of 20 ships, and are committed to ensuring our guests experience the “Exhilaration of Discovery”.

Job Summary

The Expedition Equipment Specialist is responsible for maintaining, distributing, purchasing, and inventorying all expedition equipment on board our vessels. Through research and experience, they will keep the company abreast of current and new expedition technologies and ensure that vessels are equipped with the “Tools for Exploration” required to deliver world-class experiences to our guests. 

The Expedition Equipment Specialist serves as a key liaison between the Expedition Staff in the field and the Field Staff, Marine Operations, and Purchasing/Warehouse Departments. As such, they will receive and process all approved requests for expedition equipment and ensure that ordered items are delivered to the vessels on a reasonable timeline. This position will report directly to the Field Operations Manager and work closely with our Assistant Expedition Leaders and Basecamp Coordinators to maintain and supply the equipment needed to run our Field Staff led operations successfully and safely. This position will work at the warehouse for periods of time to ensure the Field Staff space is clean, organized, and that all gear is properly prepped and inventoried. 

• Establish and maintain a fleet-wide inventory and maintenance program for all expedition equipment including but not limited to equipment for snorkeling, kayaking, stand up paddling, biking, and hiking in a variety of destinations. Additional equipment may include uniforms, binoculars, library resources, video microscopes, hydrophones, plankton sampling tools, destination specific equipment, and equipment related to our Global Explorer youth education program.   
• Research makes, models, and suppliers for all expedition equipment; balancing quality with cost and provide contacts to Purchasing Department.  Facilitate all service, repair, and disposal of expedition equipment as necessary.   
• Maintain and organize the Field Staff Department space at LEX-DC and provide support to the US ships during start up and shutdown periods in Seattle.  
• Ensure ships are stocked with all expedition equipment required for their operations prior to the start of each season. Ensure any upgrades or changes to Expedition-related equipment are communicated to Field Staff as necessary.  
• Continually adapt, develop, instruct, and communication seasonal startup and shutdown teams with pertinent lists for readying the vessels accordingly for regional changes. Strive to identify efficiencies in gear maintenance and requisition systems and processes.  
• Receive, approve, and provide all Expedition orders and requisitions to purchasing.
• Track expedition equipment expenditures.  
• Communicate and collaborate with the office and shipboard teams.
• Work with the Field Staff Operations Manager and the IT Department to ensure that charter ships have required IT equipment such as regional cell phones as needed, SIM cards / internet cards, laptops and other IT-related gear.  
• Work with the Purchasing Department to understand all container shipments to the vessels and to ensure that gear and supplies are sent to the ships in the most cost-efficient manner and inventories are up to date. Coordinate delivery of any last-minute expedition-related items to the vessels.  
• Liaise with Field Operations Manager, Marine Operations Manager, and Field Staff Firearms Trainer to order, maintain, and monitor inventory of all weapons and bear sprays used for bear protection.   
• Assist Field Staff and Expedition Operations departments on special projects as directed. These may include, but are not limited to: Developing shared resources, curating shipboard libraries, or providing training on new equipment 

• Demonstrated experience creating, managing and maintaining a variety of inventories  
• Demonstrated ability to communicate efficiently and effectively across a remote team in multiple time zones
• Strong attention to detail in both communications and tracking methodologies
• Strong knowledge of MS Office Suite, in particular Excel, Word, and SharePoint  
• Prior experience researching topics in order to make fiscally responsible purchasing decisions
• Able to manage schedule and shifting priorities  
• MUST be able to work onsite in our SEATTLE warehouse (located in north White Center) 1-2 days p/week, and possibly more during busier periods

• Experience in the Expedition ship industry 
• Experience with the service, repair, and disposal of expedition equipment 

OUR BENEFITS

• Travel benefits for employees and their family 

• Voyage of Discovery trips for employees to travel as guests  

• Health insurance including Medical, Dental, Vision  

• 401(k) plan with employer match  

• Long-Term Disability, Life & AD&D Insurance

• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) to be used for out-of-pocket medical and dependent care  

• Pre-Tax Commuter Benefit  

• 7-8 Paid Holidays

• 2-3 Floating Holiday Options (pro-rated per start date)

• Up to 15 days of vacation (pro-rated per anniversary year)

• Parental Leave

• Sick/personal days per city & state ordinance

• Pet Insurance discount

COMMUNICATION SKILLS 

Using the English language, this person must have the ability to read, write, and comprehend policies, legal guidelines, correspondence, and memos.   Must also possess the ability to effectively communicate--both in writing and orally--with a professional demeanor. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, talk and hear.  The employee will also be required to write and type.  The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms.  

COMPENSATION STATEMENT

Lindblad Expeditions determines the pay for positions using local, national, and industry-specific survey data. We evaluate external equity and the cost of labor/prevailing wage index in the relative marketplace for jobs directly comparable to jobs within our company. Our posted salary range is based on national data and may be refined for a candidate's region/town/cost of living.

For new hires, we strive to make competitive offers allowing the new employee room for future growth. Salaries will be based on the applicant’s location, level of experience, education, and specialized knowledge and skills. An employee/candidate with a stronger skill set will receive higher pay.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER STATEMENT

At Lindblad Expeditions, we simply could not do our work without the diverse kaleidoscope of humanity that creates and delivers our remarkable offerings across the planet. As a Company that respects and celebrates the inherent diversity in the places we explore, we recognize the need to mirror that same diversity and all the interconnected perspectives within our organization. We are committed to building a community of different genders, races, ages, sexual orientations, chosen identities, and countries of origin where every person brings their whole self to work and whose skills, talents, and abilities are valued. We believe we can explore further and in a more meaningful way by actively creating a more diverse and inclusive organization where everyone feels they belong.

Lindblad Expeditions is an equal opportunity employer. Individuals seeking employment at Lindblad Expeditions are considered without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, genetics, marital status, pregnancy, unemployment status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or veteran status.