Education Naturalist Specialist

JOB SUMMARY:

The Education Naturalist Specialist will supervise, train and evaluate all interpretive staff.

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:

• Supervise and coordinate daily exhibit coverage
• Train Interpretive Naturalists for exhibit interpretation, tours, presentations, and programs
• Create weekly and daily work schedules for staffing the Rainforest, Aquarium, traveling exhibits, tours and programs
• Maintain accurate and current records of Naturalist’s training history
• Develop and maintain orientation training manuals, interpretive training materials, newsletter and bulletins for Interpretive Naturalists in conjunction with the Education Manager
• Identify training needs for staff and develop training courses and materials to meet needs, including team building, staff engagement, guest service and interpretation
• Develop and maintain reliable communication with Interpretive Naturalists; including pre-shift meeting, bulletin postings and email notices
• Evaluate the Interpretive Naturalists’ job performance through program evaluations and daily observations
• Provide effective communication regarding stations and education program bookings with Education staff and other departments, including Curatorial and Group Sales in relation to Naturalist involvement as needed
• Maintain accurate inventory of program sales and materials such as overnight goods, t-shirts, patches, etc.
• Order and coordinate necessary commissary pickups with hotel staff
• Resolve customer service issues relating to stations, Education program staff, and other Naturalist involved functions in conjunction with the Education Manager
• Plan and conduct monthly department meetings in conjunction with the Managers and Curator
• Attend scheduled staff meetings
• Conduct programs, tours, workshops and staff exhibit areas as necessary
• Travel to schools, area businesses, conferences and community events as assigned
• Responsible for enforcing Moody Gardens' policies and procedures, documenting incidents and disciplinary actions as needed
• Write annual performance appraisals and determine development objectives for Interpretive Naturalists
• Serve as liaison to the Life Sciences Department
• Serve as Manager on Duty as scheduled
• Assist in interviewing Interpretive Naturalists in conjunction with the Education Manager and Curator
• Assist in coordinating animal and prop needs for programs and special events
• Assist in maintaining accurate and current records of Naturalist’s availability, shift changes and day off requests
• 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:

• College degree in related field preferred
• Prior Supervisory experience preferred

REQUIRED SKILLS:

• Must be reliable and responsible
• Able to create quality work independently and in a team
• Strong supervisory and leadership skills
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills
• Strong verbal communication and public speaking skills
• Excellent customer service skills
• Proficiency with computer word processing, spreadsheets and databases
• Ability to retain large quantities of information
• Ability to handle multiple projects with competing deadlines
• Flexibility with scheduling
• Professional appearance
• Ability to work around and with animals
• Valid Texas state drivers license

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Sufficient endurance to spend long periods of time (50% 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 (50% or more) traversing on tour or conducting programs on a repetitive rotating schedule