Expedition Leader (Madagascar)

STATUS: Actively Hiring for Current Openings

Natural Habitat Adventures is seeking experienced Expedition Leaders to guide our Madagascar Explorer Nature Journeys starting in July 2027. 

Our Nature Journeys Expedition Leaders are highly skilled naturalists, educators, and professional guides who are deeply passionate about conservation and the wild places they share with our guests. Combining natural history expertise with exceptional guest service, they deliver engaging, science-based interpretation and create safe, meaningful small-group experiences that deepen travelers’ understanding of wildlife, ecosystems, and conservation while inspiring curiosity, appreciation, and stewardship.

Nat Hab selects Expedition Leaders for this itinerary through its hiring process, but schedules and compensates them in collaboration with a local operating partner. 

To support local communities and provide guests with authentic local insight and cultural perspective, we prioritize hiring Expedition Leaders who are from the regions we travel to. Only candidates currently residing in Madagascar with legal authorization to work there will be considered. 

ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES

Interpretation & Education

• Deliver engaging, accurate, research-based interpretation that aligns with the published guest itinerary and is tailored to each group’s interests, knowledge level, and field conditions.
• Lead educational formal presentations and informal field discussions that go beyond introductory-level information.
• Continue building destination knowledge and staying current with relevant developments in natural history, wildlife biology, ecology, conservation, and other itinerary-related subjects.
• Spot wildlife and facilitate safe, ethical, and memorable wildlife viewing experiences.

Guest Experience & Customer Service

• Lead exceptional guest experiences while creating a welcoming, inclusive, and cohesive group environment.
• Provide attentive, personalized service by anticipating and adapting to individual guest interests, needs, and abilities.
• Support guest preparedness and well-being, and communicate daily logistics, safety information, trip expectations, and changes clearly and professionally.
• Facilitate meaningful, respectful connections between guests, local communities, guides, partners, and destinations.

Operations Logistics & Leadership

• Prepare for and lead the day-to-day execution of each trip, coordinating logistics, transportation, accommodations, meals, and itinerary adjustments as needed.
• Work collaboratively and respectfully with co-Expedition Leaders, fellow Field Team members, Nat Hab office staff, local vendors, and local operating partners as needed to ensure smooth trip operations.
• Maintain clear, timely, and professional communication before, during, and after assignments, and accurately complete required trip reports, incident documentation, and other administrative tasks as needed.

Safety, Problem Solving & Stewardship

• Prioritize guest safety through proactive risk management, sound judgment, and calm decision-making in changing conditions, while following applicable safety procedures and emergency response protocols, including appropriate incident management and reporting.
• Anticipate and resolve operational and guest-related challenges, including complex group dynamics and unexpected circumstances.
• Represent Natural Habitat Adventures’ standards and values by upholding company policies, Leave No Trace principles, and environmentally and culturally responsible travel practices, while treating local communities, cultural sites, wildlife, and natural environments with respect and care.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Experience & Education

• Applicants must have one or more of the following:
  • At least 5 years of professional experience leading multi-day, small-group tours;
  • A bachelor’s degree or higher in a relevant field, such as natural sciences, biology, ecology, wildlife biology, environmental science, conservation, geology, outdoor education or related fields; or
  • An equivalent combination of relevant education and professional guiding experience.
• Deep knowledge of and passion for the region's natural history, including its wildlife, ecology, habitats, plant life, and geology, as well as ongoing efforts to protect and conserve its natural environment.
• Strong teaching, naturalist interpretation, public speaking, storytelling, and presentation skills, with demonstrated experience communicating regional natural history, wildlife behavior, ecological relationships, and conservation efforts clearly, accurately, and engagingly.
• Excellent customer service, communication, group management, and problem-solving skills.
• Professional, proactive, organized, adaptable, positive, and collaborative, with sound judgment, a high level of integrity and maturity, and the ability to remain patient, enthusiastic, and make thoughtful independent decisions under pressure.
• Fluent in written and spoken English and Malagasy.
• Professional guiding experience in the specific areas outlined in the itinerary is strongly preferred.
• Professional or academic research and fieldwork experience related to the region's wildlife, ecology, natural history, conservation, or environmental sciences is preferred.
• Photography knowledge and experience providing professional photography instruction are preferred.

Physical Fitness

• Able to work long hours for multiple consecutive days in physically and mentally demanding travel and field environments.
• Able to comfortably and reliably meet all the minimum physical requirements outlined for this itinerary.

Credentials & Certifications

Before their first assignment, Expedition Leaders must hold a current Wilderness First Aid certification, or a local outdoor first aid course equivalent with at least 16 instructional hours, and CPR certification. Both certifications must include an in-person skills component; fully online courses are not accepted.

Expedition Leaders must also hold any licenses, permits, accreditations, or other credentials required by local law, the local operating partner, or the destination.

Unless otherwise specified, Expedition Leaders are responsible for scheduling, completing, and covering the cost of required training and certifications.

SCHEDULING & AVAILABILITY REQUIREMENTS

Expedition Leaders are assigned to individual trips throughout the operating season based on departure dates, destination needs, and operational requirements. This is not necessarily a full-season role.

Applicants should expect long, active workdays for multiple consecutive days while on assignment, with variable and sometimes limited time off between trips. Preference may be given to applicants who are flexible throughout the operating season for this itinerary and available to lead multiple departures.

Shared accommodations with a co-Expedition Leader, other Field Team member, or Nat Hab office staff may be required based on operational needs.

COMPENSATION & SUPPORT

This is an independent contractor role; Expedition Leaders are compensated on a trip-by-trip basis and are not employed in a full-time position.

Expedition Leaders are compensated at a competitive daily rate, commensurate with experience, plus gratuities, and may be eligible for annual rate increases based on performance.

Nat Hab provides required transportation, lodging, meals, and branded gear while on assignment. Lodging may be shared when required by operational needs.

Additional compensation may be available for selected Photo Expedition Leaders and approved visual-media contributions. Additional support includes learning stipends, gear discounts, and travel discounts.

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. 

BEFORE YOU APPLY

Before submitting your application, please review the relevant itinerary on Natural Habitat Adventures' website (linked above). Be sure you understand the trip experience, physical requirements, operating season, trip dates, and expectations of the Expedition Leader role.

Please submit all application materials in English.