Jobs & Internships

Position Title: Lead Naturalist / First Mate
Department(s): Education
Reports To: Education Coordinator
Hourly Range: $15.00
Employee Status: Part Time – Non Exempt
Closing Date: Until Filled

GENERAL PURPOSE

The Lead Coastal Naturalist/Mate position works in a variety of informal education settings including Marine Discovery Center’s (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 Lead Coastal Naturalist/Mate is responsible for the safety and well-being of all guests while providing informal education tours/programs. They will assist the captain in all related boat functions and are responsible for all required narration during MDC boat, kayak and educational tours and programs. Under the guidance of the Education Coordinator, the Lead Coastal Naturalist/Mate will be tasked with training, onboarding, management, professional development, and scheduling of Naturalists for boat tours, kayak tours, and field trips. Lead Naturalist is responsible for the design and implementation of special topic adult focused programming. They are also responsible for all equipment required to conduct these programs. The Lead Coastal Naturalist/Mate is a representative of Marine Discovery Center and will adhere to all MDC policies.

WORK HOURS

Guaranteed 20 hours a week; some weekends are 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

Leading environmental education/interpretation programming experience recommended. Management experience preferred.

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, enjoy 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 knowledge.

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. They must have the ability to move, lift, and transport kayaks. 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

1. Cover Letter

2. Resume

3. Three Professional References

Please submit the above to Laura Stapleton at [email protected]. This position is open until filled.

We often have openings in our exhibits and conservation departments for interns. If you want to know more about current internship opportunties at MDC, please contact Julia Petersen at [email protected]