Naturalist

The mission of the Pacific Whale Foundation is to promote appreciation, understanding and protection of whales, dolphins, coral reefs and our planet's oceans. We accomplish this by educating the public -- from a scientific perspective -- about the marine environment. We support and conduct responsible marine research and address marine conservation issues in Hawaii and the Pacific. Through educational ecotours, we model and promote sound ecotourism practices and responsible wildlife watching.

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;
• 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;
• 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;
• 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
• 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;
• 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;

Compensation: We offer competitive salary, great benefits and the opportunity to do meaningful work in a dynamic organization with lots of growth potential.

For qualifying employees these benefits may also be available:

• Medical, Vision, Drug, Dental and Alternative Medicine Insurance
• Vacation
• Sick Leave
• Paid Holidays
• Retirement Savings Plan
• Merchandise Discounts - Up to 40% off at our retail stores
• Complimentary Cruises
• And Many Other Great Incentives and Bonuses!

To Apply:

To apply please send a cover letter and resume.

We do not accept unsolicited applications or applications with photos, personal information (such as but not limited to: medical history, age, marital status, parental status, etc), or applications which are incomplete or illegible.

No phone calls please!

We look forward to reviewing your application!

Aloha.

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.