At Quark Expeditions, our Expedition Team Members are at the heart of the guest experience. Reporting to the Expedition Leader, you’ll play a key role in delivering safe, seamless, and unforgettable polar expeditions, both operationally and experientially.
This is a hands-on, dynamic role suited to individuals who thrive in remote environments, enjoy working as part of a closeknit team, and are passionate about sharing the wonders of the polar regions. Depending on your background, experience, and certifications, you may support zodiac and shore operations, wildlife interpretation, educational programming, and a wide range of expedition and vessel activities.
We are recruiting for multiple expedition team roles and welcome applications from individuals whose specialized expertise enhances both the operational excellence and educational richness of our expeditions - onboard and ashore.
Areas of Expertise We’re Excited to See
We are particularly interested in candidates with experience and qualifications in one or more of the following areas:
- Ornithology
- Marine Biology
- Glaciology and Geography
- Polar or regional history
- Sea Kayaking and/or Stand Up Paddle Boarding
- Mountain Guiding
- Photography instruction and visual storytelling
- Helicopter Operations
- Mandarin language translation
- Other related specialties
As part of the application process, you’ll be asked to clearly outline your area(s) of expertise, relevant outdoor experience, and any certifications or qualifications that support your contribution as an expedition team member. We strongly encourage applicants with diverse skill sets or multidisciplinary backgrounds to apply.
Responsibilities
- Deliver safe, professional zodiac and shore excursion operations, including small vessel handling, group management, and risk assessment
- Operate Zodiac Mark V boats during expedition activities
- Engage with guests onboard in a warm, professional manner - sharing meals, time in the lounge, and moments on deck or on the bridge
- Provide engaging interpretation on polar ecology, wildlife, geology, glaciology, and history
- Scout for and interpret wildlife from ship, zodiacs, and shore
- Contribute to our onboard education program through recaps, informal talks, workshops, or bar talks, aligned with your expertise
- Contribute to our citizen science initiatives and our science support programs
- Support expedition operations including logistics, equipment, inventories, guest movements, and daily programming
- Uphold safety standards, assist with emergency procedures, and support drills
- Assist with biosecurity protocols, documentation, and wildlife logs
- Support adventure activities (e.g., kayaking) as required
- Arctic only: carry and maintain firearms and support polar bear safety protocols
Required Skills & Experience
- Physically fit, agile, and comfortable working in remote, cold environments
- Previous experience as an outdoor guide, naturalist, or expedition professional
- Strong communication skills and emotional intelligence
- Excellent group management and situational awareness
- Intermediate to advanced knowledge of polar regions, flora, fauna, and ecology
- Wildlife identification skills
- Small vessel operation and navigation experience
- A collaborative, adaptable mindset with strong problem-solving skills‑solving skills
Required Certifications & Documentation
- STCW‑95 Basic Safety Certification (all modules)
- Ship Security Awareness Certificate
- Seaman’s Book and valid Seaman’s Medical
- IAATO / AECO Online Field Staff Assessment
- Small Vessel Operator Certification (e.g., RYA Powerboat Level 2, SVOP, Boatmaster, or equivalent)
- Valid passport and required visas/work permissions
- Basic first aid and CPR
- For paddle guides and mountain guides: Advanced Wilderness First Aid and activity specific guiding qualifications
- Firearms handling experience (Arctic roles only)
Why Join Quark Expeditions?
- Work in some of the most extraordinary environments on Earth
- Be part of a world‑class expedition team
- Share knowledge and passion through meaningful, responsible travel
- Join a company with a long history of polar innovation and firsts
If you are passionate about polar regions, enjoy working in challenging environments, and want to help deliver exceptional expedition experiences, we would love to hear from you.
We believe people perform best when they can be their true selves and diverse teams drive better results. We’re committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment where everyone can succeed.
