Position: Aquarium Educator

Reports To: Education Assistant Manager

Position Summary: 

The Aquarium Educator’s role is critical to delivering our mission at the aquarium and throughout Utah. While at the aquarium, an Educator’s primary responsibility is to enhance the guest experience. Educators will interact in a positive and pleasant manner with Loveland Living Planet Aquarium (LLPA) visitors of all ages and backgrounds. Educators also deliver informal science education programs to Pre K – high school students throughout the state and perform a variety of programs both at the aquarium itself as well as offsite as assigned.

Educators report directly to Education Assistant Managers and collaborates with the assistant managers, managers, and fellow presenters to improve current programs and develop new ones.

Qualifications:

• College degree in Biology, Zoology, Marine Science, Environmental Science, Education, or a related field is preferred
• Experience interacting with children, small groups and/or large audiences, and the ability to adapt programs to audience age level and size
• Experience working in a similar guest-related industry such as hospitality, performing arts, teaching, or zoo/aquarium and museum interpretation preferred
• Experience in STEM programming; development and implementation is preferred
• Must be willing to go through an additional background check required by the UT Public Local Education Agency (LEA)
• Bilingual English/Spanish is a plus

Critical Skills/Competencies: 

• Possess superior customer service skills and willingness to go beyond expectations to create a fun and safe environment for guests (and staff alike) of all ages and backgrounds; Skills include: spoken, written, and visual communication skills; active listening; and understanding guest needs and using appropriate judgement to fulfill those needs
• Ability to confidently and safely handle animals, especially reptiles and insects, after training
• Be punctual, maintain a professional work attitude, communicate clearly with supervisors, take direction well, ask questions, and collaborate.
• Ability to quickly learn complex and/or factual information, then communicate it to a wide variety of age groups in an engaging and creative manner
• Knowledge of science processes, marine biology, zoology and/or ecology with willingness to increase knowledge
• Ability to operate company vehicles and follow vehicle protocol. Must keep a favorable driving record and be willing to permit a periodic review of your driving record, if necessary
• Basic computer knowledge and skills
• A valid driver’s license is preferred

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Interact with guests in a positive and pleasant manner that enhances their experience
• Assist in maintaining a clean working environment; ensure all areas of the Aquarium are organized and hazard free
• Upon completion of training:
• Perform as a highly skilled interpreter and educational guide for people of all ages and backgrounds
• Be knowledgeable about the creatures, ecosystems, and the educational and conservation programs we deliver in each gallery, outdoor plaza, and virtual educational program
• Safely handle ambassador animals and engage with guests in a meaningful educational interaction with ambassador animals
• Deliver engaging and accurate educational presentations in elementary & secondary schools and in LLPA `s field trip presentations that follow the Utah State Core standards
• Understand, support and share with others LLPA’s mission and vision
• Respond to student behaviors effectively/appropriately using effective classroom management techniques
• Prepare, manage and utilize presentation supplies and materials appropriately
• Assist in educational events and additional programs as needed
• Assisting with the creation, improvement, and execution of LLPA summer camps
• Additional duties as assigned

Physical Demands of the Job:

• Periods of standing and walking
• Ability to maintain high-energy, positive engagements with guests for the duration of shift
• Occasionally lift up to 30 pounds.

Special Working Conditions: 

• Schedule may include weekends, evenings, and holidays (excluding Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day)
• Full-time positions require four, 10-hour shifts a week. Shift times vary and may start as early as 6:30 AM and as late as 10:00 PM.
• Noisy workspaces, small and large crowds, cool and warm environments

While this job description attempts to describe the essential functions of the position, it does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned. It does not restrict management’s right to assign or reassign duties or responsibilities to this job at any time. The overall work environment while performing this job includes exposure to weather conditions and the noise level is usually moderate. The employee is expected to adhere to all policies and to act as a role model in the adherence to the policies.