POSITION SUMMARY:

Create, implement and deliver guest programs dealing with science, nature, history, and its observation and appreciation. Inspire our guests to observe and appreciate the natural world and human history related to the itinerary. Create and present narration of area geography, geology, flora and fauna, forestry, weather conditions, fishing industry, current issues, history, glacialology, and marine biology to passengers throughout the cruise.

Possess intimate knowledge of all optional and included shore excursions and when necessary, escort guests on included shore excursions. Cultivate and persuade the guests to spend as much time on deck exploring and experiencing the natural surrounding of their vessel itinerary. Inspire guests and help them understand and appreciate what they are experiencing. Take ownership of delivering an unforgettable vacation experience to our guests through knowledge and customer service.

The EL’s on the Spirit of Oceanus must have experience and competence in operating small excursion craft with an outboard motor. Must assist with all aspects of tours in excursion crafts, landings ashore, and all shore operations in a variety of sea and weather conditions.

As a member of the vessel team a constant up-beat professional poise, stature, and presence must be portrayed at all times with guests, fellow officers, and crew. Must possess an ability to communicate calmly and coolly under stressful conditions to the Captain, crew, and guests. As a member of the leadership team, ELs are expected to report to the Guest Programs Director and Captain regarding passenger mood, needs, problems, and any issues.

MAJOR AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY INCLUDE:

Developing and delivering educational and entertaining presentations dealing with environmental science, history and relevant topics to the itinerary.
Working as part of a 3-4 person team, to successfully deliver safe and enriching guest experiences and excursions.

· Cultivating the guest experience, focused on the observation of the surrounding geology, flora and fauna by encouraging the guests to be involved with the passing terrain by spending extended lengths of time outside with binoculars in hand on deck in various weather conditions.

· Possessing the ability to identify, intrigue, and excite the guests with outdoor observations made while on deck. (This would include interpretation of the area and includes narration, as described above.) Using tools such as maps, charts, guidebooks, and spotting scopes.

Wildlife Spotting, as EL’s are constantly on deck while the ship is cruising during daylight hours, (even when the guests are focused on being inside and protected from inclement weather). The EL must look for the marine and terrestrial wildlife sightings that may otherwise go unnoticed. This is particularly important during windy and rainy conditions and meal times.
Pursuing specific lectures, courses, and interaction with local experts, exhibitions, and additional readings to remain current and up-to-date on knowledge and current events.
Quality control: Ensuring that vendors deliver tours to meet Cruise West’s standards of safety and service excellence. Communicating all findings and recommendations to the Guest Programs Managers in the Seattle office.
Assisting in all aspects of creating the “Adventure Updates” that communicate the next day’s schedule and attractions.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Minimum education requires specialized or technical knowledge requiring formal training or exposure to the areas described above in the Position Summary. BS or higher degree dealing with natural resources, marine biology, environmental education or policy, botany, forestry, environmental geography, anthropology, history or other related field of study.
Prior cruise industry experience strongly preferred.
Communication and writing skills require the ability to provide explanation of very complex or technical matters to people with little or no background in the area under discussion.
Interpersonal skills require the ability to regularly deal with situations where strong opposing views are encountered and satisfactory resolution of issues must be achieved.
Overall knowledge and skills requires the full working knowledge of a recognized discipline that includes a basic understanding of the principles and theory; or a general understanding and knowledge of more than one related discipline.
Experience and competence in operating small excursion craft with an outboard motor (Zodiac-style) in a variety of sea conditions and possible inclement weather.
Experience with planning and delivering safe operations of tours and landings ashore with numerous small excursion crafts.
Responsible for planning and performing own work involving diversified duties within well-defined objectives.