Naturalist Interpreter

Join the Coastal Expeditions Team! 

Are you interested in experiencing the beauty of the South Carolina Lowcountry? Its waterways? Salt marshes and maritime forests? Dolphins, manatees and birds? 

Since 1992, Coastal Expeditions has been putting people safely and securely on the waterways and in the coastal habitat of the South Carolina Lowcountry. As expert captains, guides and support staff, we delight in sharing what we know about the Lowcountry – its land and water; plants and animals; and history and culture – with everyone we meet. 

We are highly regarded for our work in conservation, especially when it comes to contributing to protecting seabird sanctuaries and turtle populations throughout the Lowcountry. We are committed to helping our guests connect with the beautiful, peaceful environment we are lucky enough to call home. With the creation of The Coastal Expeditions Foundation in 2018, we have become more aware of the importance of our role as environmental educators. We now have grant support through the Foundation to provide unique experiences to children, veterans, and a variety of groups. We do this in addition to accommodating our guests who want to enjoy a day of kayaking or a boat trip to a barrier island. Our goal is to pass along our love of the environment, and a desire to preserve and protect it, to everyone who walks through our doors. 

We look to our staff to make this goal a reality and are looking for positive, enthusiastic people to join our team! 

Job Position Description 

We currently have openings for the Naturalist Interpreter I position. This is an entry level role which combines work in the main office assisting guests to prepare for their adventure and serving as a guide on kayaking, hiking and boating trips. This position will involve work at headquarters on Shem Creek in Mt. Pleasant, along with the possibility of outdoor activities at Kiawah River, Bulls Island, the Black River, and other locations as needed. This position involves heavy guest interaction in an outdoor setting, in addition to an office setting. 

Duties 

• Welcoming guests in a cheerful and enthusiastic manner, both when helping in the office and on outdoor adventures 

• Providing relevant interpretative information to guests to ensure a safe and memorable guest experience 

• Sharing a love of nature with guests and providing an educational experience to all 

• Carrying equipment to and from the water for guests and assisting with the launch 

• Assisting other team members with set-up, launch and break down of tours 

• Serving as a guide on kayak, hiking and boat trips 

• With experience, serving as a lead on kayak trips 

• Assisting with trips for the South Carolina Outdoor Education Program (SCOEP) 

• Assisting with environmental education programs, as needed 

• Assisting the office staff, as needed 

• Always ensure the comfort and safety of guests while providing an educational and enjoyable experience sharing knowledge of the local area and wildlife 

• Loading and unloading/cleaning boats from trailers for offsite tours 

• Providing deeper cleanings and other maintenance of equipment, as needed 

• Other duties as assigned 

Desired Skills & Qualifications 

• Strong work ethic 

• Attention to detail 

• Positive and enthusiastic guest interactions 

• Effective communication skills and the ability to guide groups 

• CPR and First Aid training 

• Ability to work as part of a cohesive team and jump in where needed 

• A love of nature and the ability to reflect this love in the work environment 

• Able to lift 50lbs 

Hours 

• This position is a full-time seasonal position 

• Work schedule will include a combination of weekday/weekend hours 

Compensation and benefits 

• This is an hourly position with a base wage based upon experience, plus tips 

• Full-time regular employees are eligible for reimbursements of health insurance/wellness expenses and cell phone expenses 

• Full-time regular employees are eligible to participate in the Coastal Expeditions IRA matching program after 90 days 

• Full-time regular employees are eligible for reimbursement of job-related professional development and education expenses 

• Unlimited use of kayaks and stand-up paddleboards 

• Reciprocal access to local parks, historical sites and conservation partners, including the South Carolina Aquarium and Charleston County Parks 

• American Canoe Association (ACA) training & Lifeguard training 

How to Apply? 

• Questions? Email bfreeman@coastalexpeditions.com 

• To be considered send your resume and a cover letter to Brittany Freeman at bfreeman@coastalexpeditions.com 

• The deadline for applying is January 5, 2025