Okefenokee Swamp - Interpretive Naturalist

Position: Interpretive Naturalist & Guide

Reports to: Director of Operations,  Operations Manager, Education Coordinator

Summary of Position:  

This is a non-exempt (hourly) position and based on seasonal needs.  An Interpretive Naturalist & Guide at the Okefenokee Swamp Park or Okefenokee Adventures is responsible for providing exciting, safe, and deeply informative outdoor experiences in and around the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge.  An attention to detail with an extreme customer service focus is a requirement for the effective execution of this position.  Guides must abide by the guidelines set by the Director of Operations(DOO) and in alignment with the contractual covenants set by the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge.

This position requires an unwavering commitment to professionalism and a thorough and complete understanding of all crisis management, health, and safety protocols.  Guides take visitors on excursions into the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge via motorized boat or canoe/kayak or bike or walking trails.  Guides should develop well-rounded knowledge of flora, fauna, geology, geography, hydrology, general ecology, and fire ecology of the Okefenokee Swamp and surrounding region of the southeastern coastal plain in general, and knowledge of human history of the Okefenokee in particular.  The ability to correctly identify wildlife and plants of the Okefenokee is a must. 

Guides may provide interpretation while operating a motorized boat or a canoe/kayak and must be able to enhance the visitors’ experience through skilled operation when encountering wildlife (safely maneuvering and positioning the boat for photographs and interpretation).  A variety of weather conditions must be tolerated.  Public speaking skills are a must- guides must be able to comfortably speak to (and answer questions from) the public for the standard tours of up to ninety minute tours but may occasionally have to give longer educational tours. (OSP has tours of different lengths)  Skillful interpretation, performed in a variety of methods and techniques, is paramount to the visitors’ tour experience to provide a deeply informative and enjoyable experience in the Okefenokee.

In addition, this job may require the employee to stand, bend, kneel or lift in the course of their regular job duties.

Principal Accountabilities:

1. A well-rounded knowledge of flora, fauna, geology, geography, hydrology, general ecology and fire ecology of the Okefenokee Swamp and surrounding region of the southeastern coastal plain in general. (Some on the job training)
2. Knowledge of human history of the Okefenokee (Some on the job training)
3. Excellent public speaking skills are a must- guides must be able to comfortably speak to (and answer questions from) the public of varying ages, cultural backgrounds, interests, and personalities.
4. A variety of weather conditions must be tolerated 
5. The ability to operate a tiller driven motorized boat and to paddle a canoe or kayak. (Some on the job training)
6. Responsible for the safety, health and well-being of all visitors.
7. Supports the mission and goals of the Okefenokee Swamp Park and Okefenokee Adventures.

Qualifications:

1. Completed, or able to complete, Guide training from US Fish & Wildlife-Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge as it becomes available.
2. Valid Motor Vehicle Operator’s License and/or reliable transportation and good driving record.
3. Maintain first aid and CPR certification.
4. Will occasionally, lift, carry, push or pull weights up to 60+ lbs. 
5. Walks on various types of terrain in all climate conditions. 
6. Excellent communication skills.
7. Good interpersonal and organizational skills.  
8. Pro-active orientation, coupled with the ability to consistently present professionally and act as a team player.

Professional Responsibility

1. Maintains his/her interpretive skills and participates in professional development activities.
2. Participates in collegial activities designed to make the entire Okefenokee Adventures and Okefenokee Swamp Park organization productive and positive.
3. Responsible for reading and adhering to the guidelines as established in the personnel handbook and adhering to all OA / OSP policies.