NATURALIST

REPORTS TO: Captain

 

SUMMARY:

Naturalists are the constant companion of our guests on every aspect of a voyage–both aboard the vessel and ashore. Naturalists should always interact with and guide guests according to the core values of True Alaskan Hospitality as defined in our company’s mission statement.  As part of the expedition leader team, individuals in this position must know the vessel’s location, where it is heading, and have fun and captivating narration and pre-planned activities.

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Lead and manage according to the Core Values of True Alaskan Hospitality as defined in our Mission Statement: “Immerse each guest in personable and unsurpassed level of service we call True Alaskan Hospitality”.

• Show a strong customer service mind-set and warm hospitality in interacting with all guests and crew.
• Develop and deliver educational presentations that exemplify a passion for Alaska.
• Ability to provide education in glaciology, geography, flora & fauna, topography, history, geology, culture, and marine biology of the areas our vessels travel.
• Share knowledge in a friendly, non-condescending, and clear manner.
• Work closely with the onboard Cultural Heritage Guide.
• Deliver frequent and timely running narration on the microphone and in front of small groups.
• Actively assist in locating wildlife or other sights of interest and share them with guests.
• Guide hiking and kayaking expeditions.
• Accompany guests during meals as frequently as possible.
• Assemble the contents of the “Welcome Aboard” binder in staterooms.
• Deliver evening turndown letters.
• Organize expedition gear, including rain gear and boots.
• Maintain a public information board that includes the planned itinerary for the week, daily schedule, and other pertinent interpretive material.
• Clearly and consistently communicate the day’s schedule verbally to guests.
• Understand and respect the many political and environmental points of view that guests hold.
• Ensure that material presented does not marginalize any traveler.
• Assist other ship departments when possible, or as assigned by the Captain or management.
• Follows prescribed hours set forth by the vessel’s daily roster.
• Holds a position on the Vessel’s Emergency Station Bill.
• Maintain awareness of basic safety rules, workplace safety and respect for the environment.
• Commit to understanding terrain and vessel itinerary.
• Perform other duties as assigned

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• BS or higher degree or equivalent experience dealing with natural resources, marine biology, environmental education (or policy), botany, forestry, environmental geography, anthropology, history, or other related field of study preferred
• Excellent communication and writing skills with the ability to provide explanation of very complex or technical matters to people with little or no background in the area under discussion
• First Aid/CPR
• Proficiency in MS Office with expertise in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel and use of PA system.
• Ability to interpret and follow rules, policy and procedures.
• Ability to maintain composure with courteous and professional demeanor.
• Must have ability to interface and maintain effective relationships with all departments and employees in a highly diverse environment and able to execute operational imperatives in a swift and demanding environment.
• Must have strong interpersonal skills and able to effectively interact with guests.
• Must pass a security background check and DOT drug test.

 

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Proven team player and have a Can-Do attitude.
• Cruise Industry experience.
• First Aid and CPR Certification.

 

TRAITS & CHARACTERISTICS:

• Strong commitment to safety.
• A genuine desire to serve the public.
• Positive, personable and professional demeanor.
• Adaptive to learning new skills and knowledge.
• Adaptive to changes in a progressive work environment.
• Strong record of being organized, dependable and punctual.
• Strong conflict resolution skills and ability to work within a diverse workforce.

 

COMMUNICATION:

It is strongly recommended that applicants have access to a computer and a mobile phone during the entire hiring process.  We expect to hear from candidates within a few days of our communication (request for interview, documentation, follow up, etc.) Recruitment process cannot continue if the candidate is not responsive.  Please note that how you communicate with a potential employer is part of the evaluation process.  Always be polite, prompt and professional when communicating with the office.

 

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Crew stays in shared quarters onboard with little privacy and relatively constant vibration and engine noise often for long periods of time.  This is a fast-paced and dynamic work environment with a diverse workforce. Crew may be moved from one vessel to another at the discretion of Management. Due to remote locations of vessel routes, internet connectivity is limited. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Travel to the vessels in Alaska and extended stay up to 5 months on board is required.  Must be physically able to work a typical workday of about 10-14 hours per day, seven days a week.  Environmental conditions generally include ambient inside temperature, ambient inside lighting, ambient to loud noise levels, all weather conditions, occasional use of required protective clothing including raingear and life preserver. Occasionally required to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.  Ability to walk on uneven deck surfaces crossing from vessel to vessel.  Physically able to climb a 7-foot vertical ladder and fit through a 28-inch escape hatch.

 

NOTE:

This job description is intended only to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by an employee in this position. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, skills, or abilities required of persons so classified or assigned.

 

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