OUTDOOR EDUCATION: INTERPRETIVE NATURALIST / RESERVATIONIST

The Interpretive Naturalist / Reservationist supports our mission of creating amazing memories for our guests as we offer 1.5 hour tours aboard a 27ft. pontoon boat on the Elkhorn Slough. The Naturalist presents engaging educational content
regarding the region's history, geography, and wildlife to promote an appreciation for its unique habitats. Outstanding communication skills and the ability to provide high-quality, friendly customer service are critical to success in this position. 

A Part Time schedule will requires availability four days a week (schedule TBD), between the hours of 8:30AM and 5:30PM. The average schedule for this position is 25 hours/week, but tour times and workload varies dramatically according to seasonal trends. Some weeks could be 30 hours or more, some may be as few as 15 hours. This is a hourly position starting at $19/hr + gratuities, which equal around $50/tour on average, and add an additional $8-12K to annual income. Some weekends and holidays are required.

A Full Time schedule will requires availability five days a week (schedule TBD), between the hours of 8:30AM and 5:30PM. The average schedule for this position is 32 hours/week, but tour times and workload varies dramatically according to seasonal trends. Some weeks could be 40 hours or more, some may be as few as 25 hours. This is a hourly position starting at $19/hr + gratuities, which equal around $50/tour on average, and add an additional $10-14K to annual income. Some weekends and holidays are required.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Eloquently present assigned stories about the history, wildlife, and ecology of The Elkhorn Slough
  • Answer guests' questions, give demonstrations, and display visual aids
  • Continually expand knowledge of relevant topics and add new interpretive material to tours
  • Answer phones, book reservations, and carry out business related errands
  • Assist in office: word processing, filing, data entry, making copies
  • Assist with the preparation of tour supplies and equipment
  • Greet and register customers
  • Help children in nature discovery activities
  • Serve refreshments
  • Restock and sell merchandise
  • Deckhand duties, including line handling and boat cleaning
  • Maintain a neat and professional appearance

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Outgoing personality, comfortable with enthusiastically engaging guests in a friendly manner.
  • Ability to speak articulately and eloquently.
  • Ability to work efficiently as part of a team
  • Strong computer skills, and familiarity with Mac systems 
  • Strong telephone skills
  • One year office experience
  • Reliable transportation
  • Ability to pass U.S. Coast Guard required pre-employment / random drug testing
  • Minimum one year commitment required

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Degree or course work in Marine Biology, Ecology, Zoology, or Ornithology
  • Knowledge of wetlands, birds, marine mammals and/or marine habitats.
  • Knowledge and familiarity with the Elkhorn Slough 
  • Experience working with school groups and children
  • Experience working with individuals from a full range of ages and backgrounds
  • Demonstrated experience giving presentations to the general public
  • Reservations and/or retail experience using point of sales system- Boating Experience
  • Current CPR and First Aid certification (will be required before assuming Deckhand duties)

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Able to speak loudly, clearly
  • Able to stand for two hours at a time on a moving vessel without a restroom
  • Able to push, pull, lift, and carry up to 50 pounds

Reply with resume to res@elkhornslough.com

BOAT CAPTAIN

Our tours are aboard a 27’ pontoon boat, entirely upon the inland waters of the Elkhorn Slough in Moss Landing. We operate with a Captain and one Deckhand/Naturalist. Tours last 1.5 - 2 hours long, and we may have 1 to 4 tours on any given day. Set up prior to tours, and clean up / refueling afterwards is also required.

This position requires a Master Captain’s license for vessels under 25GRT and current CPR and First Aid certification.

Must be able to pass pre-employment drug screening and be enrolled in random drug testing program.

Monthly help hauling boat out for routine maintenance is also expected.

Schedule is negotiable, but some weekend shifts are required. Could be part time or full time for the right person.

The Safari is an open air tour boat requiring the Captain to interact with guests, so upbeat hospitality is critical to success in this position.

Reply with resume to res@elkhornslough.com