Expedition Leader (New Zealand)

Natural Habitat Adventures is currently seeking experienced Expedition Leaders to guide our New Zealand Natural Explorer trips. 

Our Expedition Leaders are among the best in the business. They are highly educated naturalists and experienced guides who are committed to conservation and deeply passionate about the wild places they share with our guests. Through their professional, enthusiastic leadership, they deliver exceptional guest experiences and inspire travelers.

Using their expertise in environmental education, our Expedition Leaders enrich each journey by interpreting the natural world and meaningfully connecting guests with nature, culture and conservation. They help guests deepen their understanding of wildlife, ecosystems, conservation successes and ongoing challenges, while also fostering a sense of curiosity, respect and stewardship. Our Expedition Leaders engage travelers of all backgrounds through thoughtful storytelling, inclusive communication and attentive, personalized service. They also prioritize guest well-being, consistently delivering outstanding customer service and maintaining a strong focus on safety.

Many of our guests are seasoned global travelers, yet they choose to travel with Nat Hab because of our leaders’ rare blend of scientific knowledge and professional guiding expertise. In the realm of nature-focused adventure travel, it is our Expedition Leaders’ commitment to excellence, education and conservation that sets us apart.

Our preference is to hire Expedition Leaders who are from the regions we travel to. Please only apply if you live in New Zealand.

QUALIFICATIONS

• At least five years of professional guiding experience leading multi-day, small-group tours; a bachelor's degree in natural sciences or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and guiding experience. 
• Demonstrated experience providing natural history interpretation, including explaining wildlife behavior and ecological relationships
• Deep knowledge of and passion for the region’s natural history, including wildlife ecology, habitats, ecosystems, and conservation
• Ability to regularly deliver engaging, accurate, and compelling research-based educational interpretation in both formal presentations and informal field settings, going beyond introductory-level science
• Skilled at spotting wildlife and facilitating safe, respectful wildlife viewing, with a strong commitment to ethical and minimal-impact practices
• Strong customer service and group management skills with attention to individual guest needs
• Ability to create and maintain a positive, inclusive, and cohesive group environment
• Exceptional communication skills with the ability to clearly inform diverse guests on safety, logistics, expectations, and interpretation, as well as communicate professionally and promptly with external partners and Nat Hab internal teams
• Confident, calm problem-solver with sound judgment and the ability to make independent decisions in challenging, dynamic, remote environments
• Professional, proactive, and solutions-oriented, with a high level of integrity, maturity, patience, adaptability, and enthusiasm
• Capable of working long hours for multiple consecutive days in a physically and mentally demanding setting
• High level of integrity, maturity, patience, adaptability, and enthusiasm
• Dependable annual availability to accept work from early January through late March, as well as from early October through mid-December
• When necessary, willingness to share accommodations and collaborate as part of a two-guide expedition team, supporting shared responsibilities related to guest experience, safety, logistics, and daily operations
• Experience guiding on New Zealand's South Island preferred
• Photography knowledge and experience providing photography instruction preferred
• Required credentials and certifications (must be current and obtained prior to the start of the season):
  • Valid government-issued identification (passport or driver’s license)
  • Wilderness First Aid certification (or higher level First Aid training)
  • CPR certification

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS This is a remote independent contractor role receiving a competitive daily rate, based on experience, plus gratuities. 

Nat Hab provides branded gear, meals and any required transportation or lodging while on assignment.

DIVERSITY & INCLUSION STATEMENT Natural Habitat Adventures is a growing company that welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds. We seek to foster and maintain a welcoming, inclusive and high-performing culture in our office and in the field. Even if you don’t have experience in the travel sector, we invite you to show us how you can help Nat Hab become an even stronger company.

DISCLAIMER STATEMENT This job description is intended only to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by an incumbent in this position. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills or abilities required of persons so classified or assigned. 

Applicants who do not live in New Zealand will automatically be disqualified and will not be reviewed.

If applying for multiple positions, please only submit one application for the position you are most qualified for and mention your interest in other positions within your cover letter.