Naturalist

~ Pacific Whale Foundation (PWF) is an international non-profit organization that works to protect our oceans through science and advocacy. We strive to recruit individuals who share a commitment to our mission, our love of learning, and our passion for sharing our discoveries with the public. ~

Our team consists of a variety of positions, including researchers, educators and conservationists, as well as vessel, retail and office staff. For qualifying employees, benefits may include medical insurance, dental insurance, vacation, holidays, sick leave, retirement plan, merchandise discounts, complimentary cruises, and more. In addition to great benefits, we offer competitive pay and the opportunity to do meaningful work.

Position Overview

A Pacific Whale Foundation Naturalist is responsible to Vessel Staff Manager and works at the direction of the Captain and Boat Manager. PWF Naturalist is responsible for educating passengers from a scientific perspective about Hawaii’s geology, geography, natural history, ecology, culture and all aspects of marine life to promote the appreciation, understanding and protection of whales, dolphins, coral reefs and our planets oceans. PWF Naturalist provides high quality customer service and other supportive/ crew duties as needed to promote PWF’s mission and vessel operations.

Responsibilities

Essential Duties and Standards for PWF Naturalist:

• Educates passengers about Hawaii’s geology, geography, natural history, ecology, culture, and all aspects of marine life.
• Ensures each customer receives outstanding service by providing a friendly environment, which includes greeting and acknowledging every customer, maintaining solid programs knowledge and all other aspects of customer service, and exhibits utmost professionalism;
• Performs crew duties: handles lines, assists with docking, mooring, boat cleaning, maintenance and other essential crew duties;
• Learns and maintains working knowledge of vessel systems, safety requirements and procedures, and participate in vessel drills on regular basis;
• Maintains working knowledge about PWF’s mission, goals, objectives, Company structure and programs to aid in answering customer questions, direct sales and promotes activism;
• Conducts presentations with the aid of a PA system to promote PWF mission and activism.
• Continually improves presentations by researching and implementing new approved material on all applicable topics for in the flied education;
• Maintains an awareness of all internal promotions and advertisements;
• Interacts with passengers and initiates “teachable moments”;
• Possesses and demonstrates enthusiasm for our marine research, conservation and education;
• Readily addresses passenger’s questions and comments;
• Performs daily maintenance as assigned by Captain and Boat Manager;
• Ensures passenger safety through constant situational awareness and life guarding; and
• Timely reports to work and enthusiastically participates in all work related tasks.

Other Duties:

• Participate in PWF education, outreach or conservation activities as required by Vessel Staff Manager and Education Director;
• Assists in maintaining vessel supplies through taking inventory, placing orders and stocking supplies; and
• Assists with all food and beverage service and related clean up.

Qualifications

Knowledge:

• B.A or B.S. in Natural Sciences. Studies in Marine Biology, Ecology, Zoology, and Environmental Science preferred;
• Previous experience on boats and marine education/interpretation, and familiarity with Hawaii’s marine environment preferred; and
• First Aid, CPR, Lifeguard, Oxygen and AED Certifications and Maui County Bar Card Holder (within 3 months of hire).

Skills:

• People-oriented with strong communication skills;
• Public speaking experience;
• Positive attitude, enthusiastic and outgoing;
• Flexible and team player; and
• Self-motivated and strong work ethic.

Abilities:

• Meets training assessment requirements as provided by PWF;
• Presents clear and concise educational material to a wide variety of audiences in various formats;
• Works effectively in a dynamic team setting, demonstrating sensitivity to diversity and multiple working styles;
• Participates as a team with other crew members, Boat Managers and Captains to ensure vessel and company goals are met on a daily basis;
• Takes instructions, complete tasks, and apply constructive criticism;
• Assist guests who suffer from motion sickness;
• Complies with PWF Substance Abuse Policy;
• Capable of working long hours in physically challenging outdoor environment, out of Lahaina and/or Ma’alaea Harbors;
• Able to bend and safely lift up to 50lbs to a height of 3 feet and carry that amount 30 feet in distance;
• Must be a strong swimmer, able to free dive to 30’, life guarding experience preferred; and
• Physical ability to stand for extended periods with frequent bending and squatting, and to move about on a vessel at sea and to handle and perform all functions as set forth above.

Note: The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by an employee in this classification. It is not to be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory, or all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications of employees assigned to this job. Management has the right to add to, revise, or delete information in this description at any time.

~ Pacific Whale Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position. ~