Tour Expedition Lead

About Castaway Tours Philippines:

Castaway Tours Philippines offers multi-day, immersive tropical adventures connecting El Nido and Coron, Palawan. Our expeditions focus on exploring remote islands, stunning beaches, and virgin reefs, providing guests with a unique blend of adventure, local culture, and connection with nature, all while maintaining a commitment to sustainability.

Summary:

The Tour Expedition Leader is the overall person in charge of the entire multi-day Castaway Expedition. This highly responsible role is critical for ensuring the safety, enjoyment, and seamless operation of the tour, while meticulously checking on and upholding the quality of each expedition from start to finish. The Lead acts as the primary leader, problem-solver, cultural ambassador, and quality controller for guests, crew, and all logistics.

Job Description:
Expedition Leadership & Management (Overall In-Charge):

• Safety & Risk Management: Hold ultimate responsibility for the safety and well-being of all guests and crew. Implement and enforce all safety protocols, conduct daily briefings, and make critical, timely decisions regarding route changes, weather, and emergencies.
• Operational Oversight: Manage the day-to-day itinerary, ensuring a smooth flow of activities (boating, snorkeling, island stops, basecamp arrivals/departures) as per the Castaway Tours standard.
• Team Management: Lead, mentor, and coordinate the entire team(Tour Guides, Kitchen Team, Boat crew) to ensure peak performance, clear communication, and adherence to company standards.
• Logistics & Administration: Oversee all logistical elements, including accommodation setup at basecamps, food and beverage service, equipment management (snorkels, kayaks), and accurate record-keeping (guest manifests, daily reports, expense tracking).

Quality Control & Guest Experience:

• Exceeding Standards: Proactively monitor and ensure the highest quality of every component of the expedition, including:

• Guest service and satisfaction.

• Cleanliness and maintenance of the boat and basecamp accommodations.
• Quality of meals prepared by the chef.
• Effectiveness and engagement of the local tour guides.
• Overall adherence to the advertised "Castaway" experience.
• Customer Relationship Management: Serve as the primary point of contact for all guests, addressing questions, concerns, and complaints with professionalism, empathy, and effective resolution.
• Cultural & Environmental Interpretation: Educate guests about the local Palawan environment, culture, and sustainable practices, enhancing the educational and immersive aspect of the tour.
• Morale & Group Cohesion: Foster a positive, fun, and inclusive group dynamic among diverse guests, acting as a "hype man" and mentor to create lasting memories and community.
• Continuous Improvement: Propose and implement solutions for operational efficiencies and enhancements to the guest experience, based on field observations and feedback.

Qualifications:

• Leadership: Proven strong leadership, delegation, and conflict resolution skills. Ability to remain calm and decisive under pressure.
• Communication: Excellent verbal communication and interpersonal skills in English; proficiency in Tagalog/Filipino is a strong asset.
• Physical Fitness: High level of physical fitness and stamina, with the ability to lead activities (snorkeling, trekking) and work long hours in diverse weather conditions.
• Local Knowledge: A deep passion for and knowledge of the natural history, culture, and geography of Palawan and the Philippines.
• Must be comfortable being away from a home base for extended periods and working a seasonal contract schedule.

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