Hotel Online
News for the Hospitality Executive


advertisement
 
 

The Peabody Orlando Launches National Search
For New Duck Master

Do You Have What it Takes?

 
Orlando, Fla� June 9, 2010   - The Peabody Orlando, famous for its five marching mallard ducks, has embarked on a national search for a new Duck Master� .  This unique job opportunity is just one of three such positions in the world.  The Peabody Orlando plans to have the new Duck Master on board and trained in time to host the grand opening duck march for its $450-million expansion, which will open in late September 2010. 

The tradition of the famous Peabody Marching Ducks began in 1932, when Frank Schutt, general manager of The Peabody Memphis, and a friend, Chip Barwick, returned empty-handed from a weekend hunting trip.  As a prank the two put their live duck decoys (which were legal at the time) in the fountain in the hotel�s Grand Lobby.  The reaction from hotel guests was nothing short of enthusiastic.  Since then, every day at 11 a.m., the ducks are led by the Duck Master down the elevator from their �Duck Palace� on the roof to the marble fountain in The Peabody Grand Lobby.  The ceremony is reversed at 5 p.m., when the ducks march back down the red carpet through crowds of admiring spectators to retire for the evening. 

�We�re looking for a captivating and talented individual with a love for animals and passion for working with people,� stated Alan Villaverde, managing director of The Peabody Orlando.  �This tradition is very important to The Peabody Hotel and its history.  Our Duck Masters are known and loved around the world, and we look forward to opening the new expansion at The Peabody Orlando with a new Duck Master to commemorate this monumental time in the hotel�s history.� 

The Duck Master at The Peabody Orlando will be responsible for maintaining the health, diet, rotation and living quarters for the five mallard ducks and conducting the twice daily March of The Peabody Ducks before hotel guests and off-property audiences. 

The Duck Master will also coordinate off-site presentations and conduct media interviews about wildlife, ducks and the environment.  Additional responsibilities include working within the Guest Services and Front Office areas in accordance with business needs. 
 

Duck Master�  Job Code: 5572
Division: Peabody Orlando
Location: ORLANDO, FL US 

Travel Involved: None/Not Specified
Job Type: Full Time
Job Level:  1 to 5 Years
Education: Some college 
Category: Bell/Guest Services
Compensation: Not Specified

Position Summary:
Responsible for handling and maintaining the health, diet, rotation and living quarters for the five mallard ducks and conducting the daily march of The Peabody Ducks before hotel audiences and off-property audiences. Required to take the ducks to schools and give presentations about wildlife, ducks, and the environment. Required to work closely with management to do media interviews and hotel tours. Additional responsibilities include working within the Guest Services and Front Office areas in the capacity of a Concierge, Bell Person/Expeditor, Valet Cashier, Guest Services Representative or other position as determined by management in accordance with business needs. Performing the duties in the following job descriptions is essential.

Essential Elements:

  • Ability to understand and execute all safety and emergency procedures (i.e. fire, crowd control, inclement weather and bomb threats)         .
  • Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with guests/associates and be able to direct/escort them to various facilities and functions within the hotel.
  • Ability to clearly communicate while speaking with guests and members of the press.
  • Ability to interact with guests/media and other associates in a courteous, empathetic, and discreet manner.
  • Ability to interact with children of all ages and engage in events such as story-telling and honorary duck marches.
  • Ability to utilize basic office equipment (i.e. fax, copier, telephone, computer, e-mail, and pager).
  • Ability to be able to problem-solve using all available resources.
  • Ability to operate Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Outlook, Epitome, Concierge Assistant and Unifocus.
  • Ability to read and write effectively.
  • Ability to perform basic arithmetic, including use of percentages.
  • Ability to move freely within the duck palace, duck closet, elevators and lobby.
  • Ability to push approximately 150 pounds up and down inclines (e.g. march carpet and staircase)
  • Ability to lift and carry 50 pounds, store items in overhead areas and roll-out/ roll-up carpet along a 150 foot pathway.
  • Ability to bend squat, kneel, climb, run and reach.
  • Ability to sit or stand for prolonged periods of time.
  • Ability to work in extreme temperatures.
  • Ability to travel out of state or within state with the ducks for Public Relations ventures.
  • Ability to adhere to company vehicle driving qualifications and standards.
  • Ability to maintain regular and punctual attendance.
  • Ability to adhere to Peabody Grooming Standards.
  • Ability to exemplify Peabody Service Excellence®.
  • Ability to hear guest voices through a closed door.
Requirements
Job Tasks:
  • Conduct daily duck marches on property at 11am and at 5pm. 
  • Interact with media personnel and assist management with tours and hosting as required.
  • Conduct school and group tours and hosting of media personnel as directed by management.
  • Assist in writing correspondence concerning the care, training and promotion of The Peabody Ducks.
  • Handle all details involved with the care, training and maintenance of The Peabody Ducks both on and off property.
  • Provide the utmost in guest service by adhering to the Peabody Service Excellence® standards.
  • Provide accurate information pertaining to the ducks, hotel and local area to our guests.
  • Perform all other duties as specified in additional job descriptions and as assigned by management.
SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS:
Must possess a valid Florida Driver�s License. 

http://bit.ly/DuckMaster

About The Peabody Orlando: 
The Peabody Orlando, opened in November 1986, is a staple in the Orlando-area convention and tourism industry and famous for its Peabody Ducks. The hotel has received the prestigious Forbes Travel Guide Four Star rating for 21 consecutive years. Located directly across from and adjacent to the Orange County Convention Center and in the heart of the International Drive entertainment district, The Peabody Orlando currently offers 891 guest rooms, 57,000 square feet of flexible meeting space and a wide variety of dining, entertainment and recreation opportunities. Peabody Hotels, comprising The Peabody Orlando, The Peabody Memphis and The Peabody Little Rock (all Forbes Travel Guide Four Star rated hotels) is a division within the portfolio Peabody Hotel Group of Memphis, Tennessee. To learn more about The Peabody Orlando, visit www.peabodyorlando.com, become a fan on Facebook or follow on Twitter.

.
Contact: 

Allie Stevens
(407) 883.8903
[email protected]
 

.
.
 
Also See: A Team of Famed Peabody Ducks Take Limo to Little Rock to Open the Refurbished 418-room The Peabody Little Rock / Jan 2002
Look for the Ducks / Harry Nobles / April 2007
.

To search Hotel Online data base of News and Trends Go to Hotel.OnlineSearch
Home | Welcome| Hospitality News | Classifieds| One-on-One |
Viewpoint Forum | Industry Resources | Press Releases
Please contact Hotel.Onlinewith your comments and suggestions.