Guest Engagement Educator - Part-Time

At the Tennessee Aquarium, our mission is to connect people with nature and empower them to make informed decisions about water and wildlife. We are passionate about several values which include respect for research and conservation, a mindset of lifelong learning, and a diverse, collaborative, and learning-based work environment.

This position will engage with visitors utilizing best practices in education and conservation messaging during interactions with Aquarium guests during their visit.

Key Responsibilities

• Use suitable research-based education methods, such as techniques for engagement, inquiry based learning, and interactive experiences, while facilitating education programming of different types and for various ages. These duties may include but not limited to facilitating interpretation in galleries, special events, cart programs, tours, and animal encounters.
• Encourage guests to actively discover, question, and participate in science and discovery while visiting the Aquarium. Make impromptu changes to programs to meet the needs of various audiences, such as families, adults, or children of different ages and needs.
• Establish strong cross-departmental relationships to collaboratively develop and facilitate engaging educational experiences, such as dive and gallery presentations which provide guests with extraordinary opportunities unique to the Tennessee Aquarium.
• Follow all protocols related to ambassador animal handling along with obtaining and maintaining animal program certifications.
• Take part in professional learning experiences in order to learn and use best practices in engaging guests and in animal care.
• Actively participate in Education Department meetings, professional learning, events, and special projects, when applicable
• Ability and willingness to assist with any programming needs of the Education Department

Key Qualifications

• Experience or coursework in Environmental Sciences, Biology, Science Education, or a related field preferred.
• Experience in using inquiry, the practices of science, and/or best practices in environmental education a plus.
• Interpretation experience a plus.
• Animal handling a plus.
• Bilingual a plus.
• First Aid/CPR Certification a plus
• Comfort with learning to handle a variety of Ambassador and exhibit animals, including invertebrates, fish, reptiles, amphibians, small birds, and small mammals.

Part-time, hourly ($15/hour, 20 hours/week); work week either Sunday through Wednesday or Wednesday through Saturday. Will include some evenings, holidays, and special events.

All submissions must be received by May 3, 2024.

The Tennessee Aquarium is an equal opportunity employer committed to promoting an inclusive environment that values and supports diversity and equality among staff, volunteers, and its audiences.