Expedition Guide-Arctic (Svalbard)

We’re hiring: Expedition Guide-Arctic, based in Svalbard

At Aqua Expeditions, we are passionate about providing exceptional levels of service to our guests. We take pride in pampering our guests and ensuring that their time with us creates a trip of a lifetime. The Aqua experience is carefully curated by a team of talented individuals — from onboard crew to reservations staff — who work behind the scenes to guarantee smooth sailing. We are always on the lookout for new team players who share our passion and expertise, to ensure a world-class travel experience. If this sounds like you, apply now and be part of our extraordinary voyage!

OUR VISION: To create and deliver unique and authentic once-in-a-lifetime experiences so that our guests can have enriching memories to cherish for a lifetime.

OUR MISSION: Aqua Expeditions offers customized luxury travel experiences aboard vessels of elegant, contemporary design, centered around immersive culture and wildlife excursions unique to each location, award-winning cuisine by renowned chefs, personalized guest service, and a commitment to community, sustainability and preservation.

4 CORE VALUES: 

A: We value AUTHENTICITY, believing in the unique talents of each individual and the importance of integrity.

Q: We aim for QUALITY, emphasizing a service-oriented approach and shared knowledge.

U: We believe in UNITY, and prioritize effective teamwork.

A: We hold deep ADMIRATION and respect for our environment, collaborating closely with local communities to foster responsible practices that protect and conserve nature.

Sounds great – what’s the role in a nutshell?

The Expedition Guide in Svalbard is tasked with overseeing guest safety, education, and overall experience during polar expedition cruises or land-based tours. This position requires advanced wilderness survival abilities, regional knowledge, public speaking and interpretive skills, and adherence to responsible environmental practices in Svalbard's environment.

Your passion is:

Safety and Field Operations:

Risk Management: Evaluate and mitigate environmental hazards such as weather, ice conditions, glacier travel, and avalanche risk during excursions and landings.

Polar Bear Safety: Serve as designated wildlife guard, with training to carry and operate firearms for polar bear protection in compliance with The Governor of Svalbard (Sysselmesteren) guidelines.

Excursion Leadership: Organize and conduct group activities, including Zodiac/tender boat operations, hiking, snowmobiling, kayaking, and shore landings, following AECO (Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators) and local regulations.

Emergency Response: Be proficient in wilderness first aid and rescue protocols, including crevasse rescue and hypothermia treatment, and manage emergency situations until professional assistance is available.

Logistics: Assist with landings, maintain equipment (such as snowmobiles and communication devices), and ensure the group is adequately supplied.

Interpretation and Guest Experience:

Educational Delivery: Provide destination-specific lectures, presentations, and informal discussions covering topics like polar history, marine biology, glaciology, ornithology, geology, and environmental issues.

On-site Interpretation: Explain natural features, wildlife, and cultural heritage to guests both ashore and on board to enhance understanding of the Arctic region.

Wildlife Viewing: Facilitate safe wildlife observation while maintaining regulated distances, focusing on species such as polar bears, walruses, whales, and birds.

Guest Interaction: Participate in dining and social events with guests, ensuring hospitality and professionalism throughout the expedition.

Adaptability: Respond flexibly to itinerary changes required by Arctic weather and ice conditions.

Environmental Stewardship and Compliance:

Regulatory Compliance: Ensure all activities comply with the Svalbard Environmental Protection Act and relevant regulations regarding travel, protected areas, and cultural sites.

Traceless Travel: Follow "Leave No Trace" principles to minimize environmental impact.

What are we looking for?

Arctic Nature Guide (ANG) or the Svalbard Guide Training (SGO) course.

Firearm Carry Permit

Advanced Wilderness First Aid/Medical Certification

STCW Basic Safety Training (for ship-based roles, including Crowd and Crisis Management).

Boat handling license (e.g., RYA Level 2 or equivalent) to operate Zodiac/tender boats.

Proven, extensive experience (multiple seasons highly preferred) in field guiding, wilderness travel, and leading groups in remote and challenging cold-weather or polar environments.

Fluent English required; knowledge of French and Spanish is a plus.

Deep, specialist-level knowledge of Svalbard's natural and cultural history, geology, wildlife, and current regulatory environment.

Exceptional communication, public speaking, and presentation skills. Proven competency in navigation (map, compass, GPS), sea ice, glacier travel, and polar survival techniques.

Why You'll Love Working With Us:

Competitive salary and benefits package. 

Be part of an award-winning, worldwide company at the forefront of technological innovation.

Collaborate with a passionate and dedicated team.

Make meaningful contributions that drive our company's success.

Apply Now and Let's Shape the Future Together!