Job Title: Guest Relations Marine Coordinator

Department: Guest Relations

Reports To: Guest Relations Manager

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt 

Effective Date:  September 11, 2024

White Oak conserves and sustains some of the earth's rarest wild animals through innovative training, research, education, and conservation breeding programs that contribute to the survival of wildlife in nature.  The conservation programs span 600 acres along the St. Mary’s River in northeast Florida, surrounded by 17,000 acres of mixed forest and wetlands that make up the beautiful White Oak property.  Founded in 1982, White Oak leads professional efforts to improve veterinary care, develop holistic animal management techniques, and better understand the biology of critically endangered species by providing excellent care and managing conservation programs for over 30 species of imperiled wildlife in large, naturalistic habitats.  

Position Purpose:

Oversee the upkeep, management, and maintenance of all White Oak marine operations and assist the Guest Relations team in providing the highest quality guest services, experiences, activities and amenities for the owners and guests of White Oak.  

Responsibilities and Tasks:

Marine Coordinator
    Oversee and implement the upkeep, management, and maintenance all White Oak vessels, boats, motors, docks, trailers, and other marine operations equipment to ensure guest safety and high quality experiences.
    Serve as captain and guide for boating excursions that may include river tours and fishing experiences.
    Maintain knowledge and understanding of marine electronics used on all White Oak vessels. 
    Maintain current knowledge of local waterways and safe navigation.
    Maintain basic knowledge and identification of wildlife and marine life in the White Oak area.
    Promote quality guest services and assist White Oak guests in boating experiences. 
    Ensure all boats meet state requirements for operation and have the required safety equipment.

Guest Relations General
    Provide friendly, professional, and exceptional guest service.
o    Anticipate and respond to guests needs, requests, and inquiries.
o    Resolve guest issues and concerns promptly. 
o    Reinforce a comfortable, warm, relaxing atmosphere for guests.
    Assist with welcoming guests, guest and employee orientations, presentations, and property overviews. 
    Maintain, set up, and support guest activities and events such as wildlife tours, boating, swimming, kayaking, fishing, nature walks, sporting clays, tennis, biking, golfing, meetings, conferences, guest parties, etc. 
    Assist in maintaining activity areas in guest-ready condition. 
    Manage and maintain property-wide firewood inventory; split and store firewood, stock guest areas as needed, and lay/manage fires as needed.   
    Maintain the fleet of Guest Relations of vehicles, boats, and equipment to include cleaning, fueling and staging.
    Assist with guest arrival/departure and on-property transportation as needed.
    Conduct final “guest ready” preparations in guest areas to include managing and cleaning docks, exterior furniture, patios, porches, decks and walkways. 
    Maintain GR departmental areas, supplies, gear, equipment, and other items. 
    Coordinate and communicate guest needs to WO staff/departments and follow up to ensure guest needs are met.
    Assist and support GR Manager and other WO Departments as needed.
    Perform other duties that are not specifically identified above, but are required to provide a safe, clean, healthy and enjoyable environment for WO owners and guests.

Minimum Qualification Requirements:

    United States Coast Guard Captains License: minimum requirement - 6 pack license - OUPV (Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels) Captains License
    Minimum three (3) years of experience as a professional boat captain.
    Minimum three (2) years of high-end professional guest relations/guest services experience. 
    A valid automobile driver’s license. 
    Knowledge of proper marine operations equipment care and maintenance. 
    Exceptional people skills, including conflict resolution skills, a positive attitude, an innovative spirit, and the ability to work efficiently and effectively with staff. 
    CPR certification.
    Must be detail oriented and able to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
    Ability to be fast and flexible in regard to changes in guest activities and schedules
    Computer software skills required, including Windows 365 and Outlook.
    Excellent problem-solving skills along with outstanding communication and active listening skills
    Passion for providing exceptional guest services and experiences.
    Ability to operate without direct supervision and be self-motivated, persistent, confident, tenacious, and take pride in work.
    Efficient time management; ability to manage multiple priorities to meet deadlines; and ability to be fast and flexible – multitask. 
    Dependable, responsible, trustworthy, and neatly groomed 

Special Working Conditions:

• Flexibility in work hours and schedule; job will require working long hours, weekends, and holidays around guest use. 
• Must have valid drivers’ license
• Must be able to exert up to 50 pounds of force to lift, push, pull, carry, or otherwise move objects, climb a 5-foot ladder and work outdoors in all conditions

White Oak Conservation is committed to creating an environment where diverse perspectives are welcome, and to nurturing a culture where everyone feels valued and appreciated. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to gender, race, color, age, national origin, religion, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, citizenship, pregnancy or maternity, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable national, federal, state, or local law.