Assistant Manager of Guest Experience

Position Summary:

The Assistant Manager of Guest Experience will assist in the development and creation of fun and engaging interpretive programs for a diverse range of audiences. The Assistant Manager of Guest Experience will also work closely with the Interpretative Programs and Guest Experience Manager in supervising and scheduling staff in daily programming, tours, and encounters. Additional duties include supporting photo operations, assisting with volunteers, and filling in and helping with daily programming when needed. Successful candidates should have a strong background in the sciences, preferably in biology/marine biology, as well as familiarity with interpretative techniques and program development. The Assistant Manager of Guest Experience will work closely with other members of the Guest Experience and Education Department.

 Responsibilities:

• Assist the Manager of Interpretation with the creation, development, and implementation of guest experiences and activities for adults, families, and children.

• Support and supervise all daily onsite interpretation, and guest experience staff.

• Help in the management of the volunteer program and day-to-day photo operations when needed.

• Assist in the creation and management of daily presentations and interpretive schedules.

• Plan, oversee, and coordinate special events for the public.

• Fill in and support daily programming; including tours, presentations, encounters, and educational programs, such as Homeschool Days.

• Coordinate, conduct, and manage training and continuing education opportunities for team members.

• Resolve staff and guest disputes with professionalism and empathy.

• Represent Mississippi Aquarium in a positive manner by maintaining a service-orientated disposition and using superior customer service to address challenges.

• Work in a collaborative team environment, cross-train and support all other Guest Experience areas with projects, planning, and campus wide events.

• Maintain the overall appearance of exhibits and aid in the upkeep of interpretive supplies and educational equipment.

• Attend all relevant trainings and meetings.

• Work weekends, evenings, and overnights when necessary.

Qualifications:

• Knowledge of current practices in interpretation, and environmental education.

• Minimum of 3-5 years as an interpreter, naturalist, or informal/environmental educator.

• Minimum 4-year bachelor’s degree in environmental science, education, or science related field.

• Experience developing and presenting programs in informal settings such as zoos, aquariums, museums, nature centers or similar institutions.

• Enthusiasm for interacting and educating the public.

• Ability to multitask and shift priorities to meet changing conditions.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Comfortable with public speaking and managing small and large groups.

• Organized, detailed orientated with strong interpersonal skills.

• Strong work ethic with the ability to take initiative.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Minimum 2 years in a supervisory role.

• Certification with the National Association for Interpretation.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Products,

• Other Personal Attributes Include:

• Consistently looking forward, focused, ready to listen.

• A heart for service, always willing to provide support to fellow team members.

• Ability to communicate needs and issues effectively.

• Highly organized self-starter able to maintain high standards.

• Innovative, creative thinker; not afraid to propose something new and inspire others to do the same.

• Proactive in finding solutions, productive and efficient.

Team Requirements:

• Safety & Security - All Team Members are required to adhere to all Mississippi Aquarium safety and security standards.

• Attendance & Appearance - To maximize the guest’s experience, all Team Members are required to adhere to Mississippi Aquarium standard operating procedures regarding attendance and dress code policies as it relates to individual job functionality.

• Sales & Guest Services - Our forward-thinking business model requires listening and understanding the needs of our guests both internal and external. To that end, we must always be focused on the guest experience which is the key driver for return guest visitation and increased sales.

• Team Partnership - All Team Members are focused on supporting each other to complete the guest experience. Therefore, supporting, facilitating, and participating in activities that promote team effectiveness is vital to our organization.

Physical Demands & Work Environment:

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk or hear; taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color and peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

EMPLOYEE PERKS AND BENEFITS:

• 26 days Paid Time Off, additional awarded with continuous service.

• Health, Dental and Vision Insurance Packages

• 100% Company paid Short-Term, Long-Term Disability Insurance Coverage, and Life insurance policy.

• Aquarium Membership for self, Spouse, and any dependent children

• 10 compilatory tickets for Family and Friends

• Discount at our Mississippi Aquarium Gulf Café

• Discount at Mississippi Aquarium Gift Shop

• Uniform Stipend to spend on Mississippi Aquarium logo apparel