Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Languages
Timeline
Generic

Jocelyn McLean

Winnipeg,MB

Summary

Hardworking, highly-motivated professional with a proven track record in logistics management and leadership. Expert in delivering unforgettable experiences through effective problem-solving and teamwork. Passionate about conservation and education, leading diverse groups in remote ecosystems while ensuring safety and enjoyment. Committed to excellence in guest support and expedition management.

Overview

20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Expedition Leader

Natural Habitat Adventures
09.2022 - Current
  • Lead small group tours of international guests to remote areas to unique ecosystems, wildlife and visit remote communities
  • Facilitate nature based tours in Quebec and Manitoba emphasizing education, ethical wildlife watching practices, and a high standard for conservation practices
  • Enhance the experience with naturalist interpretation, logistics and group management to deliver an exceptional trip
  • Utilize risk management techniques to ensure safe travel throughout all expedition phases, including risks associated with polar bear habitat
  • Lead excursions with groups of varying abilities in variable conditions; hiking, kayaking, polar bear viewing, snowshoeing

Tour Director

West World Tours
06.2024 - Current
  • Conducted pre-trip orientation sessions for travelers to ensure they were prepared for their trip
  • Operated coach-bus tours to groups of up to 50 people in Canada, USA and Europe
  • Maintained a comprehensive knowledge of local attractions and destinations to provide accurate information to customers
  • Applied knowledge of travel routes and destination sites
  • Provided excellent customer service by attending to any inquiries, requests or complaints

Field Operations Specialist

Natural Habitat Adventures
09.2022 - Current
  • Provided guest support upon arrival to Winnipeg pre- and post- tour; shutting between the airport and hotel, recommending entertainment and dining options, assisting with fitting guests into proper winter clothing
  • Supported the operations of tours with on-the-ground support; maintaining vehicles, picking up supplies, cleaning and organizing winter clothing
  • Displayed capability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team on various projects

Whale Watching Guide, Zodiac Driver

Sea North Tours
06.2016 - 08.2023
  • Daily Zodiac set up including maintenance checks, fuelling and inflation
  • Provided safety briefings for Zodiac and kayak tours
  • Run a 2-hour whale watching tour by Zodiac in the Churchill River estuary and Hudson Bay; offering naturalist interpretation, field observations, up-to-date research studies, and regional historical information
  • Guided a 2-hour paddling experience by kayak or zodiac; ensuring the kayaks are well-suited and adjusted to each guest; providing support on the water and adapting the tour for varying needs
  • Run a 2-hour snorkelling with beluga whales excursion in cold-water wetsuits

Senior Staff, Guide Mentor

Sea North Tours
06.2018 - 07.2022
  • Designed the company's policies and procedures manual based on experience in the field and industry standards; including extensive safety procedures for all tours, and best practices when encountering beluga whales or polar bears on the water while abiding by government (DFO) regulations
  • Mentored new staff members, providing orientation and support

Polar Bear Guide

Polar Bear Alley
10.2021 - 11.2021
  • Run full and half day wildlife tours with small private groups on excursions in the Churchill area; required to carry a shotgun as we frequently exit the vehicle to view wildlife including polar bears.
  • Provided the best possible opportunity for wildlife and northern landscape photography

Tour Guide, Dogsled Musher

Churchill River Mushing
10.2016 - 11.2019
  • Provided a memorable dogsledding experience; ensuring the dogs and guests are cared for
  • Required adaptability and the ability to problem solve efficiently while out on the trail

Outdoor Specialist, Supervisor

Wilderness Supply Co.
09.2020 - 01.2022

Bike Mechanic/Ski Retail

Sampson’s Sporting Life
04.2018 - 06.2019

Volunteer Coordinator

UWSA Bike Lab
05.2015 - 01.2016

Lifeguard/Instructor

City of Winnipeg
09.2006 - 10.2010

Competitive swimming coach

St James Seals
09.2004 - 06.2010

Education

Bachelor of Arts - Sociology

University of Winnipeg

Skills

  • Strong leadership
  • Effective problem solving
  • Teamwork and collaboration
  • Logistics management
  • Emergency preparedness
  • Backcountry experience

Certification

Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW):

  • Basic Fire Fighting, Seven Seas Prep Academy (SSPA) Orlando, 2024
  • Personal Safety & Social Responsibilities, SSPA Orlando, 2024
  • Personal Survival Techniques, SSPA Orlando, 2024
  • First Aid & CPR, SSPA Orlando, 2024


First Aid courses:

  • Wilderness First Responder (WFR), Slipstream WFA, 2024
  • Wilderness Mental Health First Aid, 2024
  • Basic First Aid, CPR C & AED, St John's Ambulance, 2024


Powerboat courses:

  • Small Vessel Operator Proficiency (SVOP) Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary, 2017
  • Med A3 – Marine Emergency Duties/Small Non-Pleasure Vessel Safety, CCGA, 2017
  • Phase 1 & Phase 2 training, CCGA, 2017


PAL - Possession and Aqcuisition License for firearms (Canada), 2022


Whitewater Rescue Technician (WRT), Boreal Rescue, 2022


Sea Kayaking Skills Level 1, Paddle Canada, 2019


“Safe Check” Food Safety certification


“Smart Choices” alcohol serving certification


Class 4 driver's license


SSI Open Water Diver






Languages

English
Native or Bilingual
French
Native or Bilingual
Spanish
Limited Working

Timeline

Tour Director

West World Tours
06.2024 - Current

Expedition Leader

Natural Habitat Adventures
09.2022 - Current

Field Operations Specialist

Natural Habitat Adventures
09.2022 - Current

Polar Bear Guide

Polar Bear Alley
10.2021 - 11.2021

Outdoor Specialist, Supervisor

Wilderness Supply Co.
09.2020 - 01.2022

Senior Staff, Guide Mentor

Sea North Tours
06.2018 - 07.2022

Bike Mechanic/Ski Retail

Sampson’s Sporting Life
04.2018 - 06.2019

Tour Guide, Dogsled Musher

Churchill River Mushing
10.2016 - 11.2019

Whale Watching Guide, Zodiac Driver

Sea North Tours
06.2016 - 08.2023

Volunteer Coordinator

UWSA Bike Lab
05.2015 - 01.2016

Lifeguard/Instructor

City of Winnipeg
09.2006 - 10.2010

Competitive swimming coach

St James Seals
09.2004 - 06.2010

Bachelor of Arts - Sociology

University of Winnipeg
Jocelyn McLean