Senior Education Specialist

The Senior Education Specialist is responsible for engaging audiences (toddlers to adults) in marine science that supports the Aquarium of the Pacific’s 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 partners. Senior Education Specialists train and mentor Education Specialists and maintain standards for program implementation. Additionally, the Senior Education Specialist will support the education program coordinators by maintaining records, updating and developing educational resources and materials, and communicating with internal and external contacts for programs onsite, online, and in the community. Senior Education Specialists support daily education operations for both paid and volunteer staff.

The Senior Education Specialist position is a career-track position in the field of informal education. Ideal candidates have 2 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 teach a wide variety of education programs in various settings, both in person and virtual
• On-site programs include school field trips, family programs, day camp, and/ or floor interpretation.
• Offsite programs include Aquarium on Wheels, Mobile Ocean Classroom, community booths, and other community events.
• Online programs include Aquarium Online Academy, virtual school field trips, and custom community and school partnership programs.
• Drive Aquarium vehicles, including company vans and a 35’ box truck with a mobile tidepool onboard, to provide educational programming offsite.
• Commit to ongoing learning and dialog on diversity, equity, and inclusion, and consider how department practices can grow and change to promote equitable and inclusive experiences for staff and learners.
• Maintain the highest level of customer service to program participants and Aquarium guests.
• Support Program Coordinators and Managers with various programs. This may include updating and developing educational materials, maintaining program materials, communicating with internal and external partners, and sharing program updates.
• Use self-reflection as a tool to understand and improve educational practice under the guidance of a direct supervisor.
• Receive, reflect upon, and apply feedback from colleagues, leading to improved performance.
• Train and mentor education staff, interns, and volunteers.
• Monitor supplies and make recommendations to Education management when purchases are needed.
• Maintain a clean teaching space for programs and presentations.
• Demonstrate creativity and flexibility in completing tasks.
• Demonstrate animal handling and appropriate care of tidepool invertebrates. Initial training will be provided.
• Field routine education questions, including responses to general education emails.
• Serve as the point person for the department (Ed-1) by answering radio calls, phone calls, and ensuring coverage on both the interpretation and volunteer schedules.
• Provide daily visitor support including on the floor interpretation, shows and station coverage.
• Participate in Education and Aquarium-wide staff meetings, training, and professional development to stay current on Education Department goals, ocean sciences information and trends in education.
• Other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS

• Knowledge and expertise in ecological, biological, and conservation principles preferred.
• Experience in the field of education and the implementation of informal education programs including effective instructional strategies.
• Strong communication skills to transmit information to staff, volunteers, visitors, and program participants with enthusiasm.
• Open to develop professional skills through coaching and feedback.
• Ability to work well with others in a team atmosphere.
• Excellent written communication skills.
• Excellent internal and external customer service.
• Experience speaking in public on a microphone and/or to large audiences.

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 accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

• Comfort and experience operating large vehicles, including vans and trucks.
• Demonstrated ability to reflect on and improve upon job performance.
• 2+ years of experience teaching in zoo, aquarium, classroom, or museum (or related) field.
• Possess a valid CA driver’s license in good standing (minimum of 3 years driving experience).

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.

• Ability to sit, stand and walk for long periods of time
• Ability to balance, bend, squat, climb, kneel, crawl, twist
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs
• Ability to pull and push up to 100 lbs
• 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 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.
• Ability to cope with occasional illness, injury, or loss of animals.

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 galleries, classrooms, theater and informal learning environment
• Offsite areas conducting programs as needed
• Outside environments in varying weather conditions
• Exposure to variations in temperature, humidity or wetness
• Exposure to common allergens, such as shellfish
• Wet, dirty, uneven surfaces and walkways
• Exposure to confined spaces

INTERESTED & 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