Summer 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.
Position: Summer Naturalist

Come work for the Island as a Summer 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!

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.
• CPR and First aid (current) certification preferred.
• Nature guide/eco-tourism experience preferred.
• Animal care experience preferred.
• 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 take directions well, work well with minimal supervision, and work well with others in a team environment.
• Ability to anticipate the needs of others (guests and co-workers).
• Have a flexible schedule including weekend work and possibly holidays (Memorial Day and July 4th) (Dependent on staffing needs and scheduling)
• Willing to work a set schedule of varying tours (Tuesday-Saturday)
• 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 80 pounds across short-medium distance
• Must be able to stand for a majority of the shift while reaching, bending and stooping frequently.
• Must be able to walk up to 2 miles continuously, while engaging with guests.
• Able to perform physically demanding duties outdoors, including enduring extreme heat and humidity while walking, biking and kayaking.
• Must be able to drive a small 12-person passenger bus.
• Must be able to work on site due to daily needs of the job requirements.
• Must have transportation.
• Must be able to work in all-weather elements and heights.

Benefits and position details:

• $12 per hour plus tips!
• 17 week seasonal position
• May 5th – Aug. 30th, with flexibility for the right candidate
• Employee Meal Program
• Professional development opportunities
• Paid lunch time
• Discounts on Golf, Tennis, Accommodations, Dining & More
• Access to all Nature Program amenities, free of cost (kayaks, bikes, etc.)
• Employee housing available
• Work in absolute Paradise!

Employee Housing:
As a benefit to seasonal staff, KIGR offers optional employee housing. Due to the resort’s location, the housing options are limited and all are located off-island (approximately 25 miles) and requires residents to have personal transportation in order to get to/from work. Work transportation (to/from work ONLY) may be able to be arranged for a minor additional cost made via payroll deduction. All housing is shared - with two (2) residents per bedroom.

Details:

• Housing is offered on a “first come, first serve” basis and requires a $300 security deposit to be remitted 60 days prior to moving in. If job offer is received within the 60-day window, the deposit is required to be provided ASAP to ensure space is reserved.
• Cost for housing varies based on the apartment complex, size of the unit and number of residents living within the apartment.
• Payment for housing is made bi-weekly via payroll deduction.
• Payment includes accommodation, furniture rental and basic utilities.
• Shared housing residents will be assigned roommates at the Resort’s discretion. Requests honored, if availability allows.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, or efforts associated with this position.

All offers of employment at Kiawah Island Golf Resort are contingent upon the results of a thorough background check. Background checks will be conducted on all final candidates.

This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at will" employment relationship. Kiawah Island Golf Resort is an equal opportunity at will employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of age, race, religion, color, disability, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, or due to pregnancy.

We truly appreciate your interest in Kiawah Island Golf Resort. If you have any questions regarding employment at Kiawah Island Golf Resort, please reach out to Jobs@KiawahResort.com.

Salary : $12