Jobs & Internships

Position Title: Coastal Naturalist/Mate
Department: Boat Operations/Education
Reports to: Boat Operations Coordinator/Education Coordinator
Salary Range: $12.50 plus tips
Status: Part Time – Non Exempt

GENERAL PURPOSE

The Coastal Naturalist/Mate position works in a variety of informal education settings including the Marine Discovery Center (MDC) “DISCOVERY”, a 40-foot, 40-passenger vessel, a fleet of kayaks, classrooms, exhibit areas and the outdoors to deliver marine science-based, hands-on, feet-wet educational programs. The Coastal Naturalist/Mate is responsible for the safety and well-being of all guests while providing informal education tours/programs like field trips. He/she will assist the Captain in all related boat functions and is responsible for all required narration during MDC boat, kayak and educational programs. He/she is also responsible for all equipment required to conduct these programs. The Coastal Naturalist/Mate is a representative of the Marine Discovery Center and will adhere to all MDC policies.

WORK HOURS

As needed; some weekend work-related activities may be required.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

Education/Training
B.A. or B.S. in Environmental Science, Biology or Education, or five years of work-related experience as an equivalent.
Certification as a Florida Coastal Naturalist is preferred (must be obtained within the first 18 months of employment)

Experience
Boat handling and leading environmental education/interpretation experience recommended.

Interpersonal Skills

The Coastal Naturalist/Mate must have excellent interpersonal, communication and organizational skills to interact professionally with MDC guests. The Coastal Naturalist/Mate must be a good team player able to establish working partnerships inside and outside the organization and be responsible for personal/professional growth and development. This position calls for excellent initiative, creativity, problem solving and independent work skills.

The ideal candidate will have a positive attitude, enjoyment of the outdoors, and an ability to deliver environmental education programs to both children and adults.

Technical Skills

The Coastal Naturalist/Mate must have a working knowledge of all safety equipment and some boat operating experience.

Physical Requirements

The Coastal Naturalist/Mate must have mobility and strength to perform all required functions of DISCOVERY, including but not limited to assisting guests on and off DISCOVERY and lifting/moving equipment up to 50 lbs. This position requires both field and classroom tasks, therefore the applicant must be able to work in an estuarine environment, including wading in water, walking on trails and kayaking. The individual must be able work in sometimes-adverse conditions that include rain, heat, insects, etc.

Additional Requirements

A pre-requisite to employment will be a criminal background check per the Volusia County School Board Jessica Lunsford Act.

All Coastal Naturalists/Mates are members of the Maritime Consortium and are therefore subject to random drug testing.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

You must submit the following documents to be considered for the position:
1) Cover letter
2) Resume
3) Three Professional References

All documents must be submitted to Carley Metcalf, Education Coordinator, by email at [email protected].