Newport Aquarium Animal Handling & Programming Specialist - Part-Time Year Round

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Consistently demonstrate Herschend's Lead with Love Principles towards all Guests and Hosts.
• Follow the HEART model of guest service excellence at all times.
• Maintain a positive and professional appearance at all times.
• Maintain positive standing with all attendance requirements.
• Expected to regularly deliver high-quality, accurate, and entertaining programming for Guests of various ages and group size. Programming includes both formal and informal environments.
• Keep all required logs and/or TRACKS records up to date, ensuring animal handling activities and programs are accurately documented.
• Prioritize safety at all times.
• Learn and consistently demonstrate proper Newport Aquarium animal handling techniques; required to maintain socialization schedules.
• Only use accurate and approved interpretive points and within guidelines of presentation scripts.
• Successfully implement animal artifacts, science experiments, ambassador animals, and other interpretive tools into educational/entertaining programs as assigned.
• Perform programs for both public and private groups either during normal operating hours or after-hours events.
• Maintains availability for a variety of programming that is scheduled during normal daily operations and/or during events hosted after hours.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by Animal Handling and Programming Supervisor.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Must have strong public speaking skills; prior informal education experience is a plus.
• Previous animal handling experience is a plus.
• A completed degree or working towards some form of degree, preferably in education, biology or an animal science.
• Willingness to take direction and coaching from experienced team members to improve your skills and enhance the guest experience.
• Demonstrated ability to work as part of a team in a constantly changing environment as well as individually, with minimal supervision.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, which will include weekends, holidays and evenings.
• Ability to perform in a fast-paced job and remain courteous, friendly and helpful to guests and fellow team members at all times.

PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Successful completion of pre-employment background check.
• No history of allergy related to animals or plants, which might interfere with ability to work.
• Ability to remain on feet for long periods of time, climb stairs, bend and stoop.
• Physical strength, including the ability to lift up to 30 pounds.
• Immunocompetence (possible exposure to infections and parasitic disease).