Learning Host, Apollo Beach Campus

Florida Aquarium; Tampa (FL); On-site; USD 32,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

The Florida Aquarium at Apollo Beach Campus seeks a guest services/interpreter to deliver engaging, factual interpretive programming with a focus on safety and cleanliness. You will support educational experiences across guest areas including the Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Center and Coral Conservation and Research Center.

Requires a Bachelor’s/Associate degree (or progress toward one) and hospitality/public speaking experience; CPR/First Aid preferred; valid driver’s license and ability to

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree or working toward completing a degree preferred.
• Hospitality, teaching, and/or public speaking experience preferred.
• Experience managing projects, space, and/or people; CPR/First Aid certification preferred.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office; valid driver’s license required.

Responsibilities

• Disseminates interpretive programming and information at Apollo Beach campus areas.
• Instructs and implements property protocols, tabling activities, and biofact interpretation.
• Delivers extraordinary customer service to guests and internal customers.
• Assists with wayfinding and directing guests.
• Maintains operating efficiency during opening and closing procedures.
• Keeps updated on partner protocols to ensure accurate guest experiences.
• Supports Conservation Day of Action shift annually.
• Must be motivated, reliable, and punctual.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Hospitality experience

Public speaking

Project/space/people management

CPR and First Aid certification

Microsoft Office proficiency

Valid driver’s license

Ability to drive aquarium vehicles

Education

Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree (or working toward completing a degree)

Job description

Position Summary

Responsible for upholding The Florida Aquarium (TFA) standard of excellent customer service with a strong focus in educational interpretation, safety, and cleanliness. Conducts and ensures that all interpretive programming at the Apollo Beach Campus (inclusive of the Guest Interaction Areas including but not limited to TFA Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Center and Coral Conservation and Research Center) is presented in an engaging, factual, safe, and effective manner, as determined by evaluation, and in direct support of the purpose/vision/ values of The Florida Aquarium. Responsible for maintaining a high level of communication with fellow colleagues. Must be able to respond and assist as needed with First Aid and emergency situations.

Essential Position Functions

• Disseminates interpretive programming and information at areas within the Apollo Beach campus, which is inclusive of the Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Center, Coral Conservation and Research Center and Guest Interaction Area.
• Responsible for the instruction and implementation of property protocols, tabling activities, and biofact interpretation.
• Delivers extraordinary customer service to all guests and internal customers.
• Assists with wayfinding and directing guests.
• Maintains operating efficiency during scheduled work times, inclusive of opening and closing procedures.
• Remains up to date with property partner (Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Tampa Electric Company, University of Florida) protocols and information to ensure accurate guest experience.
• Supports TFA’s Shared Purpose by participating in a Conservation Day of Action shift on an annual basis
• Must be highly motivated, reliable, and prompt.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education Requirements and Technical Skills

• Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree (or working toward completing a degree) or related work experience preferred.
• Hospitality, teaching, and/or public speaking experience preferred.
• Experience managing projects, space, and/or people.
• CPR and 1st Aid certification preferred.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office preferred.
• Valid driver’s license and the ability to drive Aquarium golf cart/vehicles.

Competencies

• Customer Service Orientation — Listening and understanding the customer (both internal and external) and anticipating and evaluating the customer’s needs; making the customer’s satisfaction a high priority in all areas of responsibility.
• Teamwork — Supporting, facilitating, and participating in activities that promote team effectiveness; demonstrating sensitivity for the feelings and needs of team members and supporting team goals.
• Communication (oral and written) — Effectively expressing ideas verbally and non-verbally and actively listening to individuals and groups; preparing and focusing presentations to the characteristics and needs of the audience; expressing ideas clearly and concisely in written form, through memoranda, letters, reports, and other documents.
• Creativity — Proactively combining ideas, resources and skills in new and adaptive ways to better meet outcomes and objectives; finding new ways of positioning the aquarium worldwide as a model of excellence.
• Information Gathering and Monitoring — Effectively collects relevant data using questioning or research techniques to monitor and manage projects and people
• Follow-up — Institutes methods for monitoring people and projects

Typical Physical Requirements

• Standing (up to 8 hours per day)
• Walking (up to 8 hours per day)
• Ability to work outdoors for extended lengths of time
• More than normal talking
• Carrying up to 50 lbs — Occasionally
• Lifting up to 50 lbs — Occasionally
• Daily contact with a living collection of plants and animals in a central Florida climate
• Outdoor role that is subject to bites, stings, and scrapes
• Exposure to marked changes in temperature and humidity
• Exposure to salt water
• Possess a valid driver’s license
• Ability to travel and drive a company vehicle as neededAbility to handle cleaning chemicals
• Flexibility in working weekends and evenings
• Flexibility in working holidays

Mandatory October Training Dates

TBD