Park Naturalist jobs in Kahului, HI

Marine Naturalist

essential duties:

Assisting with day-to-day activities of the Education Department including carrying out opening and closing duties, greeting guests, hosting orientation for groups, leading private tours, conducting special programs, remaining available and visible to visitors at all times, answering questions and assisting visitors as needed.*
Has an excellent understanding of the animals on display, and various aspects of Hawaiian culture, island geology and other information provided through interpretive materials on site, while continually working to improve presentation style and knowledge.
Ability to speak to individuals and groups alike with enthusiasm, a friendly demeanor and discretion, with the ability to understand appropriate conduct and topics of conversation.
Works well independently without direct supervision.
Works well with others including the public, co-workers, volunteers, interns and vendors.
Provides information and support to ensure total guest satisfaction for all clientele.
Conceptualizes, designs, creates and executes interactive activities for guests of all ages and backgrounds.
Maintains a clean and safe environment to ensure the health and wellbeing of our team, marine life and guests.
Keeps work areas safe, neat and orderly.
Regularly performs basic cleaning and maintenance duties, including but not limited to monitoring and enforcing social distancing and mask-wearing throughout the park, stocking and refilling cleaning solutions, and wiping down high-touch-point areas.
Responds to guest complaints and assist in resolving problems including but not limited to visitor concerns or park wide service issues. Escalates issues up the chain of command if unable to handle at Naturalist level.
Remains calm and alert, especially during emergency situations and heavy park activity. Ability to follow emergency protocol as set forth in policy.

• please note that marine naturalist duties are subject to change in conjunction with government requirements and guidelines, which may affect our daily routine, educational programs, and activity elements at Maui Ocean Center.

Supports the Head Naturalist and Director of Education (DOE) in carrying out the functions and goals of the department, especially in the absence of the DOE, including oversight of interns and park volunteers and reporting to the MOD (manager on duty) should assistance be needed.
Assists Curatorial department with feedings, animal behavior monitoring, and providing detailed records of observations.
Assists management with additional projects and program development as needed.
Assists with maintaining the park’s overall appearance, touching up exhibit glass, checking and straightening bathrooms and outdoor areas, picking up rubbish and recycling. Immediately reports any deficiencies through the proper channels.
Maintains a professional appearance in adherence with Maui Ocean Center’s dress code and grooming guidelines. Further details can be found in the Maui Ocean Center Employment Handbook.
Other duties as assigned.

qualifications:

A degree in marine biology, environmental science or related field or a minimum of two (2) years previous experience in the areas of marine science, eco-tourism, education, environmental science or related fields.
Exceptional guest service skills, including public speaking and written communication skills.
General knowledge of both Hawai`i marine life and Hawaiian culture is advantageous, but extensive knowledge is not mandatory.
Must provide adequate availability for work opportunities including day shifts, on-call, evenings, weekends, holidays & overnight functions.
Must be comfortable with the use of electronic devices in the work place including but not limited to computers, radios, DVD players, CD players, portable amplification devices AV receivers, projectors, etc.
Applicant must be 18 years of age or older
Applicant must be a US citizen or have permanent resident alien status
Ability to speak, read, write and comprehend the English language
Adhere to Maui Ocean Center’s policies and procedures set forth by the employee handbook
Prefer on island candidates

WORK ENVIRONMENT / PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Standing and walking for several hours at a time
Communicating with guests and colleagues throughout the day
Occasionally required to perform physical activities such as set up and break down of interactive learning stations, carrying various teaching materials, and bending/crouching to clean and maintain exhibits

benefits:

Opportunity for advancement within the Education Department – priority for Full-Time status pending probationary period and availability
Unlimited daily aquarium access during normal business hours (employee & immediate family & spouse)
Paid time off – accumulated based on hours worked
Group life insurance & 401K retirement plans (eligible after 6 months of employment) *Full-Time benefit only
Health Insurance including Medical, Vision & Dental *Full-Time benefit only