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,
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