Aquarium of the Bay - Educator (Part Time)

Part-Time Seasonal Educator (Summer)

Job Description

Aquarium of the Bay is currently hiring a part-time seasonal Educator for the summer. The Aquarium of the Bay Educators welcome and engage with guests via a variety of methods including formal and informal presentations, casual interactions, and animal ambassador encounters. Additionally, Educators are expected to use specific communication tools to help increase climate change and environmental literacy and encourage behavioral changes related to those issues. This position reports to the Education Manager and Assistant Manager. Candidates must be available to work three to four days a week, including at least one weekend day.

PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

• Lead Aquarium of the Bay public programs including:
• Informal interpretation to Aquarium guests
• Daily presentations in the Aquarium exhibit spaces
• Climate change science activities and animal ambassador encounters
• Present and discuss with varied audiences the conservation issues affecting San Francisco Bay and marine mammals
• Provide engaging conservation and science education programming to elementary, middle, and high school students
• Assist with set up and execution of special events including leading activities and delivering themed presentations
• Works on special projects as assigned
• Adheres to all organizational policies and procedures including, but not limited to attendance, uniform, and grooming standards
• Attendance at and participation in team meetings as scheduled
• Other duties as assigned

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

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

• Working towards higher education or equivalent experience
• Excellent communication and customer service skills, especially speaking in front of groups
• Flexible and committed to working as a team player
• Able to stand for several hours at a time, walk up and down stairs, and lift up to 25 lbs
• Basic understanding of biology, ecology, or conservation
• Previous experience working in a museum setting or in informal education (preferred)
• Proficiency in a foreign language (preferred)

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• A general enthusiasm for communicating to the general public and continued learning
• Knowledge of local ecology, conservation issues, and interpretation best practices
• Outstanding interpersonal, verbal, and written skills
• Positive attitude
• Good leadership and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work independently and in teams
• Willingness to deal with animal messes
• Comfortable with answering questions and discussing climate science, conservation issues, and solutions with varied guests
• Customer service oriented and the ability to interact with staff, volunteers, and general public appropriately
• Ability to think on your feet and adapt to new environments and audiences
• Comfort/ability to be proactive in engaging and inviting guests to join your activities or touch animal ambassadors, and in talking about the mission of the Aquarium of the Bay and bay.org
• Interest and ability to be trained on all public programs including animal handling/animal presentation
• Able to pass a background check
• Ability to take initiative and see projects through to completion with minimal supervision

LANGUAGE SKILLS:

Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write reports and correspondence. Ability to write and present engaging science programs. Ability to speak effectively before groups or individuals.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand (for up to 8 hours), sit, walk, and reach with hands and arms, and talk or hear. The position requires frequent visits to the exhibit areas (walking on concrete floors, climbing stairs), extensive time standing, intervals of time outdoors in varying environmental conditions, tolerance of high levels of noise, and extensive public speaking, sometimes in noisy environments. Must be able to lift 25 lbs.

Position Specifics:

• This is a part-time, hourly (non-exempt) position – scheduled for 20-29 hours per week.
• Work schedule is Thursday through Saturday.

Job Type: Part-time

To be considered for this position, please send a resume and cover letter describing your interest and experience related to the position to educationjob@bay.org.