Education Specialist

The Education Specialist is responsible for engaging audiences (toddlers to adults) in marine science that supports the Aquarium of the Pacific and its mission. They will implement the Aquarium’s existing educational programs which include in-person and virtual programming for families and school groups. They will deliver professional and educationally appropriate interactions with Aquarium guests, community members, and professional peers to support the mission and vision of the Aquarium of the Pacific. The Education Specialist position is not entry-level; this position is considered a career-track position in the field of informal education. Ideal candidates have 1 or more years of teaching experience in settings like schools, libraries, museums, zoos, aquariums, or afterschool programs. The Aquarium of the Pacific is specifically looking for applicants that can support the engagement and education of the diverse communities we serve.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Prepare for and implement a wide variety of education programs in various settings, both in person and virtual
• On-site programs include school field trips, family programs, and day camp.
• Offsite programs include Aquarium on Wheels and Mobile Ocean Classroom.
• Online programs include Aquarium Online Academy and virtual field trips.
• Maintain the highest level of professional interactions with program participants, community members, and Aquarium guests.
• Guide guests’ exploration of the natural history of animals, Pacific Ocean habitats, and conservation topics, including climate change in Pacific Visions gallery.
• Drive Aquarium vehicles such as a large (34-foot) truck and company vans to provide educational programming offsite. Training to drive large vehicles is provided by the Aquarium.
• Assist guest interactions with animals in Lorikeet Forest (an exhibit where birds fly freely as guests visit and feed the animals) and at touch exhibits, both at the Aquarium and on the outreach vehicle
• Ability and willingness to use self-reflection as a tool to understand and improve engagement and teaching skills.
• Communicate constructively and effectively with other Aquarium team members.
• Maintain a clean space for programs and presentations.
• Demonstrate creativity and flexibility in approach to educational practice.
• Work as a team player and problem-solver
• Receive, reflect upon, and apply feedback from colleagues, leading to improved performance.
• All other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS

• Fluency in Spanish, Khmer, or Mandarin a plus
• Able to work in both a team environment and individually.
• Knowledge of effective teaching and engagement strategies to support the education of a diversity of people with various abilities and a range of different ages.
• Ability to focus on projects in a shared workspace with frequent interruptions.
• Open to develop professional skills through coaching and feedback.
• Some knowledge of biology, ecology, and conservation principles, such as climate change
• Experience speaking in public on a microphone and/or to large audiences.
• Desire to instill a sense of wonder, respect and stewardship for the Pacific Ocean, its inhabitants, and ecosystems.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

• One or more year of experience engaging with and educating audiences (children and/or adults) in a classroom environment at schools, libraries, museums, zoos, aquariums, after school programs, etc.
• Experience engaging with and educating audiences (children and/or adults) in a classroom environment at schools, libraries, museums, zoos, aquariums, after school programs, etc.
• Excellent oral communication skills
• Current driver’s license in good standing
• Confident and experienced driver. Education Specialists will receive training to drive a large 34ft truck used for outreach programs at offsite locations.
• High school diploma or equivalent
• To comply with the requirements of partner organizations and schools, Specialists must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 and be willing to perform COVID-19 testing as required

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by the individual to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Able to speak for extended periods to audiences.
• Able to project voice to audiences for short periods when appropriate.
• Able to sit, stand, and walk for long periods of time.
• Able to balance, bend, squat, climb, kneel, crawl, twist.
• Able to lift and carry up to 25lbs.
• Able to pull and push up to 100lbs.
• Full functional range of motion in all major body joints from reaching, twisting, bending, simple and power gripping, fine and gross motor skills.

MENTAL DEMANDS

The mental and emotional demands described here are representative of those that must be met by the individual to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Excellent conflict resolution skills to address issues and maintain positive relationships.
• Resilience and ability to maintain composure and handle difficult situations with professionalism in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong problem-solving skills to analyze issues and find effective solutions.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and work efficiently under pressure.
• Flexibility and adaptability to handle changes in schedules or responsibilities.
• Critical thinking and decision-making abilities to handle complex situations.
• Empathy and emotional intelligence to understand and respond to the needs of colleagues or customers.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an individual encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Aquarium exhibits, classrooms, theaters, and informal learning environments.
• Offsite at school and community events
• Outside environments in varying weather conditions.
• Exposure to various temperatures, humidity, and/or wetness.
• Wet, dirty, and uneven surfaces and walkways.
• Exposure to confined spaces.
• In occasional contact with animals, including birds, invertebrates, and sharks. Aquarium exhibits, classrooms, theater, and informal learning environments

INTERESTED OR QUALIFIED?

If you meet the requirements of this position, click on the link below to “APPLY NOW.” You will be directed to our web application process, the successful completion of which is required by all applicants. There are THREE simple steps to this process, which is administered by Hire Select:

1. You will complete a brief web application;
2. You will attach or build your resume;
3. You will complete the PCI aptitude assessment.

Upon completion of all THREE steps, your submission will be forwarded to our hiring team for consideration. If you are among the most qualified applicants, we will contact you within two to three weeks. If you do not hear from us within that time, feel free to reapply in the future as other opportunities arise. Thank you so much for your interest in the Aquarium of the Pacific!

Aquarium of the Pacific is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome and celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all staff.

APPLY NOW