Manager, Field Operations, Expeditions, Pristine Seas (Science & Innovation)

How You’ll Contribute

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The National Geographic Society invests in a diverse, global community of National Geographic Explorers who are leading a new age of exploration in support of our mission : to illuminate and protect the wonder of our world through science, exploration, education, and storytelling.

These bold individuals represent more than 140 countries, and their vast array of backgrounds, perspectives, and fields bring us to the far reaches of the globe.

Within NGS, the Science & Innovation team is a department that oversees the Society’s grantmaking efforts in science, conservation and technology, develops and manages major mission programs, and establishes programmatic partnerships with like-minded non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

Over the last fifteen years, Pristine Seas, National Geographic’s flagship ocean conservation program has helped to inspire the protection of 26 of the last wild places in the ocean, encompassing more than 6 million square kilometers of ocean.

We are seeking a Manager, Field Operations, Expeditions, Pristine Seas to support and scale our approach over the next decade to inspire the protection of up to 40 new places.

Additionally, we aim to cultivate and expand a network of best-in-class partners to build a community of support for protected areas.

The Manager, Field Operations will support operations, logistics, and auxiliary science support in the field for Pristine Seas expeditions.

This position is a part of the Expeditions Department of Pristine Seas. The Expeditions Team includes the Expeditions Leaders, Field Operations Managers, Expedition Managers and Expedition Director as well as the science, media, local participants and vessel crew on board the ship.

Reporting to the Senior Manager, Expeditions, the Field Operations Manager supports the Expeditions team in shipping, field logistics, comms, safety, first aid and expedition organization.

The Field Operations Manager may participate in pre-expedition planning, scouts, shorter tactical PS trips and trainings as well as full-scale expeditions.

This position supports National Geographic by ensuring the most efficient possible operations and logistic planning, in turn leading to reduced costs, and increased safety of all staff and contractors.

The Manager will lead all shipping coordination and facilitate organization of the team between and during expeditions.

This is a fixed-term position with an end date of 6 / 30 / 2030.

Your Impact

Responsibilities Include

Operations Planning (50%)

• Lead all field gear, medical, supplies, and equipment shipping and movement to the Argo and across the Pacific for the Global Expedition
• Co-manage Pristine Seas warehouse space in collaboration with Nuvair
• Lead home point-of-contact for expeditions communications from the field
• Proactively maintain and repair expedition equipment to ensure consistent usability in the field
• Assist with all pre-planning activities for expeditions, including but not limited to :
• Coordinate field logistics, in collaboration with Expedition Leader
• Act as main liaison between Field Operations and NG HQ team
• Onboard new expedition members, including visiting scientists and policy personnel, to PS culture and expectations during the expedition
• Work alongside Expeditions Manager on staffing, permitting, event logistics, and travel requirements for expeditions
• Certification and safety support
• Maintain trainings and certifications, including but not limited to :
• Advanced First Aid
• Dive Medic Technician
• Recompression Chamber Operator
• Standards of Training Certification and Watchkeeping

Expeditions Field Ops (30%)

• Drive and maintain rigid inflatable boats as needed
• Oversee expedition safety and equipment
• All PS boat operations and maintenance
• Procure materials and supplies to be used in the field
• Support technology and communications in the field (Iridium and Starlink)
• Operate and maintain air compressor on expedition vessel
• Supplemental communications and social media support in the field
• Participate in community support activities as needed under the direction of the Expedition Leader

Expeditions First Aid (20%)

• Provide medical / first-aid support in the field, and support of the onboard MD with Health and COVID treatment protocol and management
• Operate and maintain hyperbaric chamber on board expedition vessel
• Telemedicine liaison and primary field point of contact for MSOS

What You’ll Bring

Educational Background

Bachelor's Degree required

Minimum Years And Type Of Experience

5-7 years in marine science, professional diving, professional boating and / or marine field science support

Necessary Knowledge and Skills

• Significant and relevant field experience. Prior experience on expedition ships strongly preferred
• PADI Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent
• Demonstrated interpersonal, oral, and written communications skills
• Outboard Motor Operator training
• Dive compressor operations

Desired Qualifications

• Certifications :
• Advanced First Aid
• Recompression Chamber Operator
• Standards of Training Certification and Watchkeeping
• Understanding of and passion for natural history and / or history & culture
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment
• Ability to successfully work within a highly collaborative team environment

Supervision

No direct reports

Salary Information

National Geographic Society offers a competitive and holistic total rewards package. Our compensation structure and transparent pay philosophy are based on industry-specific market data for similar sized nonprofit organizations.

The salary range for this position is $85,500 - $100,000. Pay offered to candidates will be based on several factors including but not limited to industry-based or other relevant work experience, education, skills, certifications, and training.

• In addition, National Geographic Society offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package that includes, but is not limited to, medical, dental, and vision insurance;
• engaging and comprehensive wellness program; 401(k) retirement savings plan with matching contributions after 6 months of employment;
• flexible paid time off benefits with up to 22 days of paid annual leave per calendar year (15 days for new hires in their first year, prorated based on the number of pay periods remaining in the year) and 10 days of sick leave;
• 12 paid holidays and a paid winter break between December 25 and 31; paid parental leave, adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, fertility benefits;
• learning and development opportunities; Lifestyle Spending Account; pet adoption assistance and insurance; pre-tax transportation benefits with a generous employer subsidy;

employer-paid life insurance and disability benefit; and a variety of National Geographic discounts and perks.

Job Designation

Remote - Our Remote designation includes staff who must work in another location in the U.S. or abroad, such as our regional leads for our Education and International teams or regional fundraisers in Advancement.

Staff may also be designated as Remote by their supervisors (with approval by the Senior Team lead) because of their job duties, and are afforded this status when it is beneficial to NGS, their respective team, and the employee.

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States. This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

We encourage you to apply even if your experience is not a 100% match with the position. We are looking for someone with relevant skills and experience, not a checklist that exactly matches the job description.

We want to help you grow and in return, you help us grow into a stronger, more inclusive organization.

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