Naturalist

Kiawah Island Golf Resort consistently ranks as one of the country’s top resorts. It is home to The Sanctuary, one of the only Forbes Five Star and AAA Five Diamond hotels in South Carolina, as well as nearly 500 private villas and luxury homes, and five championship golf courses, including The Ocean Course. We strive to enhance southern hospitality by taking care of our employees and guests. 

Come work for the Island as a Naturalist. Your focus will be serving as an in-house expert, leading ecological focused tours by: Van, Foot, Motor Boat, Kayak, Paddle Board, and Bike. Not only do you get to lead these tours, but you also get to work in our Nature Center with our host of native species (amphibians, reptiles, and marsupials). This is a wonderful position for any wildlife professional with Low-Country ecological knowledge and experience in outdoor recreation. Join our team and work in paradise!

Benefits:

• Hourly Rate plus Tips!
• Full Time & Seasonal Opportunities!
• Employee Meal Program
• Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k) options
• Discounts on Golf, Tennis, Accommodations, Dining & More
• Work in Paradise!

Expectations & Responsibilities:

Able to:

• Identify the vegetation and wildlife native to Kiawah Island as well as educate guests as to their importance within barrier island ecosystems and beyond.
• Effectively and efficiently deliver oral interpretation of the biological processes as they occur on a barrier island.
• Lead safe and enjoyable tours on kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, van trips, biking tours, interpretative walks, or in a classroom setting.
• Answer ALL questions and promote the activities and events of the Nature Program and Recreation Department with unrivaled standards of customer service.
• Assist in the day-to-day care of the animals inside the nature center.
• Assist in animal rescues including possible rehab of animals when necessary.
• Communicate well to management, co-workers, and guests with a high level of understanding.
• Uphold the core values and policies & procedures of the resort.
• Assist as directed in the “Swim Across America” open water swim event.
• Conduct all other duties, as assigned.

Qualifications:

• A college degree (or seeking) in biology or a related science/wildlife discipline is required.
• CPR and First aid (current) certification preferred.
• Nature guide/eco-tourism experience.
• A driven passion for the outdoors and all that it entails.
• Ability to convey information and teach in a way that is understandable for guests of all ages and all backgrounds, including young children.
• Strong and effective oral communication skills with the ability to talk to large groups.
• Strong interpretive skills as they pertain to plants and wildlife.
• Willingness to learn any wildlife or plant identification needed.
• Must be able to handle confidential information.
• Must be able to work well with minimal supervision, as well with others in a team environment.
• Ability to anticipate the needs of others (guests and co-workers).
• Have a flexible schedule potentially including weekend work and possibly holidays (Memorial Day and July 4th) (Dependent on staffing needs and scheduling)
• Good to Excellent communication skills in English both verbal and written.
• Must be able to pass a background check.
• Must have a valid Driver’s license and clean driving record.

Essential Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to carry up to 50 pounds across short-medium distance
• Must be able to stand for a majority of the shift while reaching, bending and stooping frequently.
• Able to perform physically demanding duties outdoors, including enduring extreme heat and humidity while walking, biking and kayaking.
• Must be able to work on site due to daily needs of the job requirements.
• Must be able to work in all-weather elements and heights.