Viking was founded in 1997 and has grown to be the leading small ship travel company, offering destination-focused river, ocean and expedition voyages on all seven continents. Designed for experienced travelers with interests in science, history, culture and cuisine, Chairman Torstein Hagen often says Viking offers guests The Thinking Person’s Cruise® in contrast to mainstream cruises.

With more than 250 awards to its name, the company currently operates a fleet of state-of-the-art ships that have received numerous accolades since their launch from industry experts and travelers alike. For the second year in a row, Viking was voted the #1 River Line and the #1 Ocean Line by Condé Nast Traveler in the publication’s 2022 Readers’ Choice Awards. Viking was also named #1 for both Rivers and Oceans by Travel + Leisure in the 2022 World’s Best Awards making it the only cruise line to reach the top of its categories in both publications in the same year.

 

PURPOSE OF POSITION 

 

Viking Expeditions is a new arm of Viking Cruises to deliver expedition cruises in destinations previously not operated by Viking Cruises. We are currently building two bespoke expedition vessels, designed to be the perfect platform for delivering expeditions. Each vessel operates a fleet of Milpro Mk5 zodiacs, two offshore 13m RIBs, two U-boat Worx Cruise 7 submersibles, and a fleet of kayaks.  The vessels will also operate as credible, rigorous research platforms, with a 40sqm wet-lab onboard, a range of scientific instrumentation, and with resident field scientists year-round.  Viking expeditions are partnering with a suite of academic institutions, notably Cambridge University’s Scott Polar Research Institute, US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory (NOAA GLERL), Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA) to collaboratively deliver a comprehensive research program. 

Viking Expeditions is offering our guests the very exciting opportunity to kayak in some of the most remote and exciting regions of the world, using Hobie Mirage pedal kayaks, providing our guests with a stable platform and using their leg-power, with their hands free to take photographs.
The Kayak Guide will be the facilitator to ensure our kayak experiences are conducted in the most safe and enjoyable way possible.
 

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES 

 

Professional Skills 

Strong leader, team player and an inspiration to others 

Ability to share water-skills with guests in a friendly, patient manner

Fantastic communication skills 

Knowledgeable about expedition operations 

Works well under pressure 

Smart, presentable, friendly and excellent people skills 

Good computer & Microsoft Office experience (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, etc) 

English speaking and writing to a high standard 

  

General Duties 

Facilitate kayak trips with guests, in coordination with the Lead Kayak Guide.

Assist guests with fitting maritime PPE and required specialized kayak equipment 

Ensure the maintenance of the kayak fleet and equipment is performed to the highest standards and logged accordingly as per directed by the Lead Kayak Guide 

Drive the safety zodiac for the Kayaking or any other activity as directed by the Lead Kayak Guide 

Lead walks, hikes or drive zodiacs as per instructed by the Assistant Expedition Leader 

Socialize and be visible in guest areas as often as possible 

When assigned, write a short summary reflecting the day’s experiences 

Assist with embarkation and disembarkation duties as necessary 

Assist in any other general duties assigned by the Expedition Admin Team 

 

Mindset and Values 

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

Operationally disciplined, able to rigorously ensure all Viking SOPs are followedAdhere to schedules, always setting good standards and an example to colleagues

 

Communication & Coordination 

Report to the Lead Kayak Guide 

 

Role Model 

Be a role model to others and lead by example Ensure a positive working environment 

 

Your profile 

Previous experience in similar role or demonstrated experience in the Expedition Cruise Industry 

Good administration & organization 

Proactive problem solving 

Teamwork and good communication 

Well organized, efficient and positive 

Understand guest needs 

Time management 

Reliable and pressure resistant 

Proactive in upholding Viking standards of excellence 

Enthusiastic team member 

Marine Radio Operator’s VHF license or equivalent 

Small boat license, RYA powerboat level 2 or equivalent/higher 

NOLS Wilderness First Responder or equivalent/higher 

American Canoe Association (ACA) Paddle Sports Safety Facilitator or Essentials of Kayak Touring Trip leader or equivalent / higher 

 

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 work in Polar Regions: have passed the appropriate and most recent 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.