Licensed Deckhand

Lindblad Expeditions is a true pioneer in Expedition Travel. From taking the first citizen explorers to Antarctica in 1966, opening the Galapagos and Easter Island to tourism in 1967, leading the first tourist expedition through the Northwest Passage in 1984, and launching our innovative partnership with National Geographic in 2004, we’re now taking almost 30,000 guests a year to some of the world’s most remote and pristine locations on our fleet of 20 ships, and are committed to ensuring our guests experience the “Exhilaration of Discovery”.

As a Licensed Deckhand with Lindblad Expeditions, you’ll do more than maintain ship operations—you’ll help guide guests through some of the most remote and breathtaking places on Earth. A key part of your role involves operating Zodiacs to safely transport guests between ship and shore, offering them a front-row seat to glaciers, wildlife, and rugged coastlines. Whether navigating the inlets of Southeast Alaska or exploring the warm waters of Baja, you’ll be an essential part of delivering our signature expedition experience.

 

This position is ideal for someone with a passion for the sea, strong seamanship, and a desire to interact with guests in dynamic, outdoor settings. You’ll work as part of a close-knit Deck team on board one of our U.S.-flagged vessels, where safety, teamwork, and curiosity are always top priorities. If you’re ready to combine your maritime skills with unforgettable adventures, we’d love to have you aboard.

 LIVING CONDITIONS 

Crew quarters are compact and shared — you will bunk with one or two roommates for the full duration of your rotation, with minimal personal space. The vessel operates in remote locations with limited or no port access between expeditions, so cell service and internet may be unavailable for extended periods. You must bring a sufficient supply of any prescription medications, as refills cannot be obtained while underway.

This lifestyle suits people who are adaptable, self-sufficient, and genuinely energized by close-knit team environments and remote travel. If those conditions sound like a challenge rather than an adventure, this may not be the right fit. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS 

This is a physically demanding role performed in a moving marine environment. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to stand, walk, bend, kneel, squat, and climb steep interior stairs repeatedly throughout a 12-hour shift — including during periods of significant vessel motion. The employee must regularly lift and carry items up to 50 pounds. Work rotates continuously across cabin cleaning, dishwashing, laundry, and food service, often without extended breaks. Work is performed in confined spaces and high-humidity environments including the galley.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES