Park Naturalist jobs in New Orleans, LA

Position Title:    Park Ambassador 

Department:    Park Operations 

Reports To:    Zoo and Park Operations Manager

Location:    Zoo and Park 

General Summary: The Park Ambassador position is a guest facing, outdoor working position based in Audubon Park and Audubon Riverview Park. They will function as the first point of contact for many Park users and will address or redirect a wide variety of questions and scenarios that arise. The Park Ambassadors will have four primary job responsibilities, but the daily assignments will be based on the present priorities and assigned by the Zoo and Park Operations Manager. Assignments may be given by the Park Ambassador Assistant Manager during event production or in the absence of the Operations Manager. 

The primary job responsibilities include (1) rule and policy monitoring, (2) supporting Park event and permit production, (3) identifying maintenance needs and coordinating volunteer projects, and (4) providing Park programming. The overarching goal of the position is to provide an outstanding Park experience to all users by creating a safe, welcoming, and engaging Park atmosphere. The Park Ambassadors will demonstrate a strong commitment to racial justice, diversity, equity and inclusion. 

To deliver on the Audubon mission, the Park Ambassador will: 

Provide a guest experience of outstanding quality

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•    Support Park permits and rentals by reviewing reserved spaces and reporting any maintenance issue and supporting day of production needs. 

•    Assist all Park users by answering questions about the facility, the amenities and the programming offered in Audubon Park and Audubon Riverview Park. 

•    Identify and report any observed Park issues including broken amenities, landscape needs, or user behavior. 

•    Support operations in seasonal hurricane prep including identifying safety concerns and assisting in storm preparations and recovery. 

•    Knowledge of security protocols and basic first aid response and the ability to redirect emergencies and support response teams. 

Weave quality entertainment through the guest experience 

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•    Engage Park users in the history, wildlife and recreation opportunities found in Audubon Park, tailoring the information and tone to Park users of all ages and backgrounds. 

•    Provide informal programming on topics such as duck chats, plant identification, and seasonal changes. 

Preserve native Louisiana habitats

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•    Support all efforts to maintain a healthy, natural park setting including water quality assessments, flora and fauna observations and participating in the removal of invasive plant species. 

•    Share with Park users and internal stakeholders the unique and exciting wildlife developments including seasonal trends in new plant and animal patterns. 

•    Support conservation initiatives in the Park including pollinator conservation

The above listed duties are general statements of required major duties and responsibilities performed on a regular and continuous basis.  They do not exclude other duties as assigned.

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To deliver on the Audubon service promise, the Park Ambassador will: 

Welcome

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•    Make eye contact with every customer encounter, smile at every person, offer friendly phrases and greetings.

•    Wear identification badge.

•    Walk individual to destination instead of pointing; offer assistance to people who look confused.

•    Assume ownership of potential safety hazards (wipe-up spill, pick up trash).  Always have the camera-ready look.

Share

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•    Maintain positive attitude, pleasant tone of voice (remember it is not what you say, but how you say it).

•    Coach coworkers on service expectations.

•    Utilize the power of teamwork to give excellent service.

•    Know when to involve management.

Inspire

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•    Know the answers to questions or seek out the answers.

•    Utilize proper phone etiquette (answer phone within three rings, smile before answering call, ask for permission and wait for response before placing caller on hold).

•    Ensure work area is free of food, drink, socialization, and personal business.

•    Follow Dress Code Policy on clothing and grooming.

•    Keep unpleasant concerns behind closed doors (vent backstage).

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Supervision:  n/a

Experience: 

•    Customer service experience preferred 

•    Outdoor work experience preferred 

Education:

•    High school graduate preferred 

Licensure/Certification:  

•    Louisiana drivers license preferred

Software Requirements:  n/a 

Machinery/Tools/Equipment Requirements:  

•    Must have the ability to use mobile devices, computer, fax, scanner, phone and copy machine.

•    Must have the ability to operate golf carts safely. 

Physical Requirements:

1.    This position is physically demanding, requiring working outside. 

2.    Sitting or standing, bending, stooping, and the ability to carry items weighing up to 25 pounds.

3.    Constant adequate range of motion and mobility required.

4.    Regular near acuity with clarity of vision at 20 inches or less required. 

5.    Typical ability to collect and analyze numerical and written data and verbal information to reach logical conclusions and ability to determine the time, place and sequence of operations or actions required.

6.    Verbal communication and the ability to express and exchange ideas by means of language expected.

7.    Regular hearing and the ability to perceive the nature of sounds.

8.    Ability to read, record, or type data quickly and accurately required.

Environmental/Working Conditions:

1.    Ability to work in New Orleans weather including hot, humid summers, and cold, wet winters.

2.    Working long hours between breaks or meals required.

3.    Ability to work under and handle stress in an appropriate manner required.

4.    May be exposed to high, medium, or low noise intensity.

5.    Constant contact with co-workers required.

6.    Affinity for animals preferred.

7.    Exposure to fluctuations in temperatures may be required.

8.    Exposure to outdoor conditions may be required.