EDUCATION NATURALIST MANAGER

Job Summary

The Education Naturalist Manager will supervise, schedule and maintain training to all interpretive naturalist staff for daily operations of the education department.

Position Authority

The incumbent is authorized to take reasonable action necessary to carry out assigned duties and responsibilities, provided such action is consistent with position guidelines as outlined below.

Position Guidelines

Position guidelines include, but are not limited to, established company and department policies and procedures and all supervisory directives. The incumbent is expected to exercise sound, reasonable judgment and initiative, and give high priority to accuracy and details in the performance of job responsibilities.

Essential Functions

• Supervise and coordinate daily exhibit coverage and scheduled programs
• Create weekly and daily work schedules of Education department staffing for Rainforest, Aquarium, Discovery Museum, exhibits and programs within budget
• Maintain accurate and current records of Interpretive Naturalist’s availability, shift changes and day off requests
• Coordinate and manage Level 3 Naturalist staff for daily operations of programs and exhibit supervision of Level 1 & 2 Interpretive Naturalists
• Coordinate Interpretive Naturalists for staffing of education programs with Education Curator, Specialists and other departments
• Maintain current records of Interpretive Naturalist’s training history
• Maintain orientation training manuals, interpretive training materials and bulletins for Interpretive Naturalists
• Assist in the coordination, development and updating training materials of programs and resources for exhibit interpretation, tours, presentations and programs with Education Curator, Specialists, Level 3 Naturalist staff and other departments
• Maintain communication with Interpretive Naturalists, pre-shift meeting, bulletin postings and email notices
• Attend and assist in execution and planning of department meetings
• Assist in the coordination of resources for tours, programs, workshops and special events between departments
• Travel to schools, area businesses, conferences and community events as assigned
• Responsible for Interpretive Naturalists and enforcing Moody Gardens’ policies and procedures; documenting incidents and disciplinary actions as needed with oversite from the Education Curator
• Evaluate performance and identify development objectives for Interpretive Naturalists
• Assist with interviews of Interpretive Naturalists in conjunction with Curator
• Provide positive guest experiences and help resolve customer service issues for Education programs and functions
• Conduct programs, tours and workshops as necessary
• Staff interpretive stations in the Rainforest Pyramid, Aquarium Pyramid, Discovery Museum and other education special programs as necessary
• Assist in conjunction with the Volunteer Manager for Education Department operations in the absence of the Curator
• Manager on Duty responsibilities as assigned during seasonal operations
• Maintain guest service and safety, reporting all concerns to Education Curator and other appropriate entities per training
• Any and all other duties as assigned; duties are subject to change as management deems necessary to best serve the needs of Moody Gardens
  
  

Education/ Experience Requirements

• High School diploma or equivalent required
• College degree or work experience in related field preferred
• Supervisory and scheduling experience required
  
  

Required Skills

• Must be reliable and responsible
• Strong supervisory, leadership and training skills
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills
• Strong verbal communication and public speaking skills
• Strong problem solving and analytical skills
• Excellent customer service skills
• High proficiency with computer word processing, spreadsheets and databases
• Ability to retain large quantities of information
• Ability to handle multiple projects with competing deadlines
• Flexibility with scheduling, including weekends and holidays
• Professional appearance
• Ability to work around and with animals
• Valid Texas state driver’s license
  
  

Physical Requirements

• Sufficient endurance to spend long periods of time (50% or more) in a stationary position conducting programs or staffing exhibit areas on a repetitive rotating schedule
• Sufficient mobility to spend long periods of time (50% or more) traversing on tour or conducting programs on a repetitive rotating schedule
• Ability to tolerate multiple climate change exposures throughout work habitat environments which include high humidity, heat, cold and outdoor conditions on a repetitive rotating schedule
• Ability to maneuver up to 50 pounds