Expedition Leader (Italy)

Natural Habitat Adventures is seeking experienced Expedition Leaders to guide our Tuscany: La Dolce Vita and Italy's Piedmont: The Art of Living Slow Terra & Tu Cultural Journeys starting in 2027.

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 and cultural interpretation, our Expedition Leaders enrich each journey by helping guests develop meaningful connections to nature and regional traditions. They help guests deepen their understanding of local culture, ecology, 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, deep destination understanding 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.

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. Please only apply if you are from Italy and currently live in Europe, or have extensive experience living and working in Italy.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• At least five years of professional guiding experience leading multi-day, small-group tours; extensive studies in cultural heritage, history, archaeology, tourism, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and guiding background


• Demonstrated experience providing cultural and natural history interpretation, including explaining regional traditions, history, ecology, and the relationship between people and place


• Deep knowledge of and passion for the region’s cultural heritage, regional traditions, local communities, ecosystems, and conservation


• Ability to consistently deliver engaging, accurate, and compelling research-based educational interpretation in both formal presentations and informal field settings, going beyond introductory-level science


• Strong customer service and group management skills with attention to individual guest needs, ensuring a high level of care while supporting guest preparedness


• 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 environments


• Professional, proactive, and solutions-oriented, with a high level of integrity, maturity, patience, adaptability, and enthusiasm


• Fluency in English required
  


• Required credentials and certifications (must be current and obtained before the start of the season):
  
  
  
  • Wilderness First Aid Certification or equivalent locally recognized outdoor first aid training (minimum 16 hours)
  
  
  • CPR Certification
  
  
  • Accompagnatore Turistico license (Italian tour leader certification)
  
  
  
  


• Experience guiding in Tuscany preferred


• Photography knowledge and experience providing photography instruction preferred

OPERATIONAL EXPECTATIONS

• Dependable availability throughout the operating season for both our Tuscany and Piedmont itineraries, with preference given to candidates available for all scheduled 2027 departures listed


• Capable of working long hours for multiple consecutive days in a physically and mentally demanding setting


• Must comfortably and reliably meet all the minimum physical requirements outlined for both our Tuscany and Piedmont itineraries
  


• When necessary, willingness to share accommodations and collaborate as part of a two-guide expedition team while supporting shared responsibilities related to guest experience, safety, and logistics

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

This is an independent contractor role compensated at a competitive daily rate, commensurate with experience, plus gratuities. 

Nat Hab provides branded gear as well as meals and any required transportation and lodging while on assignment.

To support destination-specific learning and professional development, Nat Hab also offers a Learning Stipend. Expedition Leaders receive $100 USD ($140 CAD) for their first season guiding Nat Hab trips in a new region and $50 ($70 CAD) in subsequent seasons.

Nat Hab also offers a visual media compensation program for approved marketing content contributions, including photography, video, and social media assets. Additional benefits include gear 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. 

Applicants who are not from Italy and currently live in Europe, or have extensive experience living and working in Italy will automatically be disqualified and therefore 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.**