Interpretive Naturalist Level 1

JOB SUMMARY:

The Interpretive Naturalists will provide inspiring educational experiences through positive guest interactions, exhibit interpretation, animal interactions and programs.

POSITION AUTHORITY:

The incumbent is authorized to take reasonable action necessary to carry out assigned duties and responsibilities, provided such action is consistent with position guidelines as outlined below.

POSITION GUIDELINES:

Position guidelines include, but are not limited to, established company and department policies and procedures and all supervisory directives. The incumbent is expected to exercise sound, reasonable judgment and initiative, and give high priority to accuracy and details in the performance of job responsibilities.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Provide positive guest experiences by initiating interactions and answering questions
• Staff interpretive stations in the Rainforest Pyramid, Aquarium Pyramid, Discovery Museum and other special exhibits
• Create a friendly and inviting atmosphere for our guests
• Assist and participate in microphone and touch tank presentations as scheduled
• Assist with guided tours of the attractions as scheduled
• Assist with behind the scenes programs, including tours and Explore Some More, as scheduled
• Assist with elementary, middle school and high school field trip programs as scheduled
• Assist with birthday parties (seasonal and year-round themes) as scheduled
• Assist with overnights as scheduled
• Assist with workshops as scheduled
• Assist with camps as scheduled
• Assist with preschool programs as scheduled
• Assist with on-property and off-property specials events and conferences, including but not limited to Home School Days, Ghostly Gardens, Easter in the Gardens, Art in the Gardens, media activities, member’s events, community festivals and school functions
• Exhibit good teamwork and communication skills both within the Education Department and with other departments
• Attend monthly department meetings and trainings as scheduled

• Keep guest service and safety a priority
• Wear assigned uniform
• Any and all other duties as assigned; duties are subject to change as management deems necessary to best serve the needs of Moody Gardens

EDUCATION/ EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Student no less than 16 years old required
• High school, college or work experience in a related topic preferred

REQUIRED SKILLS:

• Must be reliable and responsible
• Interest in marine biology, nature and science
• Must be a team player with a willingness to work hard and a commitment to quality
• Must be independent, reliable and able to work with little supervision
• Able to retain large amounts of information
• Excellent interpersonal skills and enthusiasm
• Strong speaking voice; strong verbal communication and public speaking skills
• Good rapport with children
• Excellent customer service skills
• Ability to work around and with animals
• Flexibility with scheduling; including Holidays and weekends

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Sufficient endurance to spend long periods of time (75% or more) in a stationary position conducting programs or staffing exhibit areas on a repetitive rotating schedule
• Sufficient mobility to spend long periods of time (75% or more) traversing on tour or conducting programs on a repetitive rotating schedule
• Ability to tolerate multiple climate change exposures throughout work habitat environments which include high humidity, heat, cold and outdoor conditions on a repetitive rotating schedule
• Ability to maneuver up to 50 pounds