Quark Expeditions is the world leader in polar adventure travel. Since 1991, Quark has been establishing a tradition of firsts in polar travel: as the first to transit the Northeast Passage with adventure travelers; the first to take travelers to the far side of Antarctica; and the first to circumnavigate the Antarctic continent with guests. Quark Expeditions is recognized for its diverse fleet of passenger vessels and offers the widest variety of polar itineraries of any other adventure company.

Quark Expeditions is part of Travelopia - the world’s largest collection of specialist travel brands. Operating across the globe including Europe, Australia, North America and Canada, we’re passionate about being the best and pride ourselves on the unique and diverse range of holiday experiences we offer our customers. Our combined businesses are the world’s largest provider of specialist and experiential travel with a range of unique experiences, from private jets, polar expeditions, sailing, ski holidays and more.

The Director of Helicopter Operations will ensure that helicopters deployed during the course of our expeditions are operated by suitably qualified, trained and experienced people (a team) in a safe, efficient manner and in full compliance with all relevant aviation requirements and regulations and in line with all contractual requirements between Quark and its chosen helicopter operator(s).

You will oversee the selection, contracting and subsequent oversight of helicopter suppliers and management services, and in conjunction with any such management company, oversee the timely implementation of all start-up and commissioning activities as will be required as relate to the delivery of Quark’s required aviation product and coordinated as required with the technical performance of the vessel and all relevant deck and engine requirements.

Currently the Quark helicopter fleet compromises up to 3 chartered aircraft (managed by two separate operators), with the intention of acquiring another 2 through a medium-term charter or lease (operators to be determined) for ship-based helicopter operations in the Arctic and Antarctic.

Key Responsibilities

• Monitors the effective operation of the equipment and machinery of deployed helicopters involved in Quarks expedition operations, identifying and reporting potential discrepancies from regulatory and operational standards. Working with helicopter management companies (Helicopter Operator) and internal stakeholders to enhance the efficiency, performance, safety and commercial utilization of the helicopters.
• Whenever relevant, coordinate and/or oversee maintenance activities, including onboard repair and routine maintenance of helicopters, monitor the quality and timeliness of maintenance and repair work being carried out, and where appropriate, according to plan and approved budget. Provide support and guidance for the handling of equipment breakdown and malfunction, to support the on-time and cost-effective solutions.
• Carries out or oversees engagement of independent 3rd parties where appropriate, including Safety & Quality auditing activities
• Coordinates the effective integration of helicopter activities onboard, between the vessel (Bridge and Watch Officers), Ground Teams (Quark Expedition staff) and aircraft supplier(s), including regular review of operating manuals covering all three areas
• Development and implementation of one single Operating Manual for all aviation activities planned for Quark’s owned vessel, Ultramarine
• Supports the development of and subsequent oversight of OPEX budgets for helicopter operations, including spare parts and technical training, monitoring the development of the actual operational costs throughout the year, and proposes adjustments and corrective actions that will decrease the cost and increase the effectiveness of services
• Plan, establish and execute plans for purchase and delivery of aviation fuel against Quark’s sailing plans / technical itineraries in collaboration with helicopter operators within budgeted cost. Working with suppliers and helicopter management companies to obtain best prices
• Provide support, guidance and advice to Quark’s product team as relates to itinerary and activity planning and associated helicopter, destination and passenger logistics. Assist with the development of and verification of existing and future mission deployments
• Conduct scheduled and ad-hoc visits to vessels with helicopter operations, to monitor operational performance and verify the overall compliance of the helicopters with Quarks processes, procedures and standards
• Ensure that the Quark helicopter fleet is operated in compliance with Quark policy and practice and within the rules and regulations of the appropriate governing authorities and agencies with special attention given to safety, security and protection of the environment
• Monitor the ongoing performance of each helicopter, maintain frequent communication with relevant internal and external stakeholders (Operating Company Management, Pilots, Engineers, Quark Expedition Team members, Ship Captains and Officers) and provide technical and operational guidance/support through proactive, prompt and positive action.
• Maintain current knowledge of up-to-date technical research and relevant projects, plus maintain an oversight of new technology for use onboard Quark helicopters
• Serve as a conduit between our Expedition Team, Helicopter Crew and Ship Crew to ensure all stakeholders are aligned and familiar with operational processes and compliance matters
• Represent Quark’s helicopter operations at our regulatory industry associations; IAATO (International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators) and AECO (Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators). Sit on industry committees as appropriate and required to ensure the scope of our helicopter operations is considered during the establishment and review of regulations and guidelines as they relate to helicopters.
• Seek opportunities to enhance guest experience through helicopter operations, propose and execute procedural adjustments to achieve positive improvements.
• Educate and communicate with Quark’s Expedition Team to build upon existing competency and familiarity with helicopter operations
• Manage and modify (as needed) existing helicopter related process documentation in collaboration with ship management company, Expedition Team and Helicopter Operator
• Collaborate with helicopter management companies and oversee the deployment of helicopters in distinct regional and national jurisdictions (Antarctic Treaty Area, Denmark - Greenland, the Canadian Arctic, Russia, Norway, Iceland)

What We are Looking For:

• Background and qualifications as Helicopter Pilot and/or Mechanic and 5-10 years of work experience.
• Familiarity with offshore and maritime helicopter operations.
• Experience working with a wide range of mission profiles such as tourism, cargo transport, and adventure activities (heli-skiing).
• Proven ability to manage the financial aspects of the assigned function, including the successful identification of operating efficiencies
• Posses the to manage a staff in a positive and productive manner by motivating, developing and managing employees and team members as they work.
• Must have excellent organizational and communication skills
• Need to be able to travel both domestically and internationally, on a regular basis and on short notice
• Excellent interpersonal skills to communicate in a multicultural environment with all levels of employees and management

Quark Expeditions is an Equal Opportunity Employer and applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws. To learn more, please visit: www.posterguard.com/eposter/U1200AFL1-ApplcntFdrlIntrntLcnsng.pdf