Naturalist

Pacific Whale Foundation•Lahaina, HI

7d•Onsite

About The Position

The Naturalist reports to the Vessel Operations and Crew Manager and works at the direction of the Captain. This position is responsible for assisting in the safe navigation and proper operation of the vessel, ensuring a safe environment for all passengers, and for educating passengers about Hawaii's geology, geography, natural history, ecology, culture, and all aspects of marine life through a blend of scientific knowledge and place-based, cultural understanding. The Naturalist delivers high-quality service and other crew duties as needed to ensure an outstanding passenger experience. The ideal Naturalist is a true water person with a genuine passion for Maui, someone who shares that connection in a way that makes guests want to protect this place too.

Requirements

Bring a can-do attitude and the flexibility of someone used to adapting to the ocean's conditions, able to shift gears quickly and solve problems on the fly.
Experience with marine education and interpretation.
Extensive hands-on experience in the marine industry; boating, ocean recreation, fishing, diving, or tourism in lieu of formal education, strongly preferred.
Working knowledge of marine science and Hawaiian wildlife; may be gained through lived experience, cultural practice, or formal study.
Familiarity with Native Hawaiian culture, mo'olelo, and place-based knowledge of Maui and its nearshore waters strongly preferred.
A water person at heart - through surfing, paddling, diving, fishing, sailing, or similar - with genuine day-to-day connection to Maui's ocean and a natural excitement to share it with others.
First Aid/CPR, Lifeguard, Oxygen and AED certifications, Hawaii Food Handlers Certification and Maui Bar Card holder required within 3 months of hire.
Strong swimmer, able to free dive to 30'.
Work long days (12+hours) in hot/humid/wet environment aboard a moving vessel at sea.
Bend and safely lift up to 35 lbs. to a height for 3 feet and carry 30 feet.
Team lift (with at least one other person) over 35 lbs.
Ride on small transport vessel in rough, bumpy seas; climb from small transport vessel onto main vessel in moving seas.
Stand for extended periods on a moving vessel, with periodic stepping/running/jumping.
Frequent bending and squatting.
Climbing and crawling into/within/out of small spaces on the vessel.
Lifting, carrying, throwing, pulling, coiling, securing lines.

Nice To Haves

Lifeguarding experience (preferred).

Responsibilities

Learn and maintain working knowledge of vessel systems, safety requirements and procedures; participate in vessel drills and comply with our Substance Abuse Policy as required by the USCG.
Ensure passenger safety through constant situational awareness, lifeguarding and administering appropriate first aid.
Handle lines, assist with docking, mooring and other essential crew duties.
Perform daily maintenance/cleaning of vessel as assigned.
Assist in maintaining vessel supplies and with all food and beverage service.
Assist in a variety of duties including checking guests in for trips, wrist banding, signing waivers, supply management and collection, laundry, and assisting with reservation questions as needed.
Ensure each passenger receives outstanding service by providing a friendly environment, which includes greeting and acknowledging every person and exhibiting the utmost professionalism.
Deliver a place-based interpretive experience that promotes regenerative tourism on Maui, putting marine life and ocean stewardship at the heart of every trip, through high quality structured presentations and teachable moments covering Hawaii's geology, geography, natural history, ecology, and culture.
Share a genuine passion for Maui and its ocean environment, inspiring passengers to become advocates for protecting this place.
Conduct community outreach/education/conservation activities as directed by the Vessel Operations and Crew Manager.
Attend Dry Dock.
Perform other duties as assigned.