Naturalist/ First Mate - Weeki Wachee Springs

guestservices; Spring Hill (FL); On-site; USD 19,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

Guest Services seeks Boat Naturalists to educate passengers on marine life during 20-minute tours. The role also involves acting as First Mate, assisting the Captain, and helping with pre/post-trip vessel cleanup.

Responsibilities include educating guests about wildlife, monitoring safety, and occasionally handling cash register duties. A background in natural sciences is preferred and a valid Florida Boaters Safety Course and driver’s license are required.

Qualifications

• Customer service abilities; actively helps guests and coworkers.
• Strong communication/public speaking skills; educates diverse audiences.
• Background in natural sciences preferred; capable of learning new material.

Responsibilities

• Serve as First Mate and assist the Captain during trips.
• Educate guests on marine mammals, birds, and ecology.
• Monitor passenger comfort and safety throughout tours.
• Prepare and clean vessel before/after trips; assist with cash register duties.

Skills

Customer service

Public speaking

Teamwork

Education background

Education

High School Diploma/GED

Tools

Florida Boaters Safety Course

Driver’s License

Job description

16.00 USD Hourly

Job Summary: Boat Naturalists are expected to educate, inform and monitor all passengers during our 20 minute boat tours. Presenting information on marine mammals, birds and general ecology. The Naturalist is also the acting First Mate on the vessel, responsible to help the Captain in any way. Pre- and post-trip boat cleaning is also an important part of the tour. Some hours will be spent working at the cash register.

Job Description:

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Perform duties as First Mate to Captain, which may include the safety talk prior to vessel leaving the dock.
• Educate and inform guests about Everglades Park history including crocodiles, manatees and vast variety of birds.
• Monitor all passengers to assure they are comfortable and safe.
• Clean and prepare vessel pre and post trip.
• Responsible to continue learning new material on marine mammals, birds and the Flamingo area.
• Background in natural sciences preferred.
• Working knowledge of boats, and experience working on open water.

SKILL AND KNOWLEDGE REQUIREMENTS INCLUDE

• Partial High School education; High School Diploma/G.E.D. equivalent preferred.
• Strong customer service abilities; actively looks for ways to assist customers and coworkers.
• People oriented, strong communication/public speaking skills, education experience or background.
• Strong work ethic and team-oriented skills are a must.
• Must enjoy educating diverse audience about wildlife and other subjects,
• Must adhere to company dress code.
• Subject to pre-employment and/or random drug testing.
• Available Saturdays, Sundays, evenings and holidays.
• Valid Driver’s License
• Florida Boaters Safety Course

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

• Moving about on foot to accomplish tasks, particularly frequent movements from place to place within the unit. Bend, lift, carry, reach/extend arms and hands above shoulder height frequently, or otherwise move in a constantly changing environment.
• Reading and writing work-related documents in English.
• Speech recognition and clarity, including the ability to understand the speech of customers and co-workers and the ability to speak clearly so that you can be understood by customers and co-workers in English.
• Physical presence at the job site is essential to perform job duties.

Founded in 1917, Guest Services has worked tirelessly to earn the reputation as the premier hospitality management company and National Park Service concessionaire in the United States. Guest Services takes great care and pride in providing best-in-class services across a wide variety of client sites including luxury communities, hotels, resorts, government and business dining facilities, full-service restaurants, state and national parks, outdoor recreation, boathouses, marinas, museums, conference centers, senior living communities, health care systems, school and university dining facilities, and specialty retail stores.

Guest Services, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and promotion without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected Veteran status.