MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Work with the General Curator to develop Animal Programming Specialists (APS) annual operating plan
- Coach Lead with Love Principles and model these behaviors on a consistent basis for all APS Hosts
- Responsible for building, monitoring, and managing the annual operating budget for the APS department.
- Oversee the inventory and organization of supplies and equipment necessary for program operations
- Coordinate with Sales/Marketing and the Animal Care teams for after-hours Ambassador program scheduling.
- Lead interviewing, hiring, onboarding, and training of new team members; ensuring proper staffing levels are maintained.
- Develop Host schedules and maintain accurate time off requests and availability data through advanced knowledge of the UKG program.
- Maintain accurate timekeeping and training records for all assigned Hosts.
- Maintain proper implementation of all standard operating procedures for all APS-related operations: Payroll, Guest Waivers, Emergency Response, Scheduling, and other necessary documents/procedures.
- Develop and implement standard operating procedures; ensure that all procedural changes and new procedures are documented, consistently enforced, and communicated to assigned Hosts.
- Implement an effective training program for all assigned Hosts as it relates to Interpretive Skills and Animal Handling requirements; continually monitor the effectiveness of this training through observation, communication, and challenge check-ins.
- Deliver quarterly Challenge Check-Ins (CCI) for all APS on a regular basis for both interpretive and animal handling skills. CCI’s must be thorough, consistent, and be reinforced with coaching and action steps as the situation dictates.
- Consistently analyze programming to find opportunities to grow and enhance programs.
- Seek and maintain knowledge of Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) Standards and ensure these are implemented into Animal Handling and Programming procedures.
- Bring a solution-focused attitude to all situations.
- Maintain updated training status for First Aid, CPR, AED, Bloodborne Pathogens.
- Must maintain “Trainer” status across all Ambassador Animal species.
- Facilitate team meetings and provide staff development
- On a daily basis, monitor and ensure:
- The team is adequately staffed with trained and certified personnel.
- All equipment is properly maintained in excellent working condition.
- Opening procedures are conducted before operation occurs.
- Daily operational documentation is properly completed.
- Operational updates are communicated as required to team or individual Hosts.
- All safety protocols are being followed.
- Guest interactions are observed and timely coaching is provided.
- Hosts are being courteous, friendly, and helpful, implementing the HEART model for Guest Service.
- Work cooperatively with other departments, including but not limited to, Animal Care Team, Sales, Guest Services, and Marketing for procedures, scheduling, and daily operations continuity.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Three (3) to five (5) years successful supervisory experience is preferred.
- Experience in operations in a guest attraction or retail environment.
- College degree in related field preferred.
- Demonstrated strong leadership and management skills required.
- Must be willing to work a flexible schedule which includes weekends, late nights, and holidays as needed.
- No fear of Ambassador Animals: snakes, tortoises, lizards, alligators & penguins.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Successful completion of pre-employment background check.
- Ability to remain standing for long periods of time, climb stairs, bend and stoop.
- Physical strength, including the ability to lift up to 25 pounds.
WHAT YOU’LL GET:
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vison insurances
- 40 sick hours, 40 personal hours, 8 Holidays, 80 Vacation Hours annually
- Profit Sharing and 401K Plan with company match
- Free entrance for you and your dependents which extends to most Herschend Enterprises’ properties
- Earn 1 General Admission complimentary ticket, that you can give to anyone, per pay period
- Discounts at Sharky’s Café, Sweet Dreams Candy Company, and the gift shop
- Discounted tickets and annual passes for friends and family
- Training and development
You can expect to work on projects that have never been done before – ideas that are unproven, and concepts that make people smile. You can expect to have fun and be treated with respect the minute you start…and through to the end. You can expect to work in an environment that is highly innovative and low in politics – truthful and filled with smart people; all while providing the BEST GUEST EXPERIENCE IN THE NATION!
And most of all, you can expect to work hard and make a difference in our world by helping to bring families closer together.
Looking to pursue your education without debt? Grow U has hundreds of programs available from certifications to college prep to associates, bachelor's, and master’s degrees. Most of these programs are fully funded. Learn more at: https://www.newportaquarium.com/Careers/Benefits/GrowU
Newport Aquarium, one of the many properties owned by Herschend Enterprises, prides itself on creating memories worth repeating. Our Core Values – greatly exceeding guest expectations, serving others, creating emotional connections, and constantly improving – give us purpose and guidance.
