MARINE NATURALIST

Primary roles and responsibilities of a Maui Ocean Center Marine Naturalist are as follows:

• Assisting with day-to-day activities of the Education Department including carrying out opening and closing duties, greeting guests, hosting orientation for groups, leading private tours, conducting special programs, remaining available and visible to visitors at all times, answering questions and assisting visitors as needed.*
• Has an excellent understanding of the animals on display, and various aspects of Hawaiian culture, island geology and other information provided through interpretive materials on site, while continually working to improve presentation style and knowledge.
• Ability to speak to individuals and groups alike with enthusiasm, a friendly demeanor and discretion, with the ability to understand appropriate conduct and topics of conversation.
• Works well independently without direct supervision.
• Works well with others including the public, co-workers, volunteers, interns and vendors.
• Provides information and support to ensure total guest satisfaction for all clientele.
• Conceptualizes, designs, creates and executes interactive activities for guests of all ages and backgrounds.
• Orders, stocks and maintains educational materials as necessary, completes daily reports, and maintains accurate timesheets.
• Maintains a clean and safe environment to ensure the health and wellbeing of our team, marine life and guests.
• Keeps work areas safe, neat and orderly.
• Regularly performs basic cleaning and maintenance duties, including but not limited to monitoring and enforcing social distancing and mask-wearing throughout the park, stocking and refilling cleaning solutions, and wiping down high-touch-point areas.
• Responds to guest complaints and assist in resolving problems including but not limited to visitor concerns or park wide service issues. Escalates issues up the chain of command if unable to handle at Naturalist level.
• Remains calm and alert, especially during emergency situations and heavy park activity. Ability to follow emergency protocol as set forth in policy.

*please note that marine naturalist duties are subject to change in conjunction with government requirements and guidelines, which may affect our daily routine, educational programs, and activity elements at Maui Ocean Center.

In addition to performance of the major duties and responsibilities, marine naturalists may be required to perform a combination of the following supportive functions:

• Supports the Head Naturalist and Director of Education (DOE) in carrying out the functions and goals of the department, especially in the absence of the DOE, including oversight of interns and park volunteers and reporting to the MOD (manager on duty) should assistance be needed.
• Assists Curatorial department with feedings, animal behavior monitoring, and providing detailed records of observations.
• Assists management with additional projects and program development as needed.
• Assists with maintaining the park’s overall appearance, touching up exhibit glass, checking and straightening bathrooms and outdoor areas, picking up rubbish and recycling. Immediately reports any deficiencies through the proper channels.
• Maintains a professional appearance in adherence with Maui Ocean Center’s dress code and grooming guidelines. Further details can be found in the Maui Ocean Center Employment Handbook.
• Other duties as assigned.