What are the responsibilities and job description for the Marine Educator position at fau?
Apply now to join FAU on its race to excellence. For more information on everything FAU has to offer, please visit www.fau.edu/jobs. Note: Current FAU employees must apply as an internal applicant by logging into their existing Workday employee account. Position Summary: The Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute at Florida Atlantic University in Ft. Pierce, FL is seeking a Marine Educator. Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute (HBO) is a world class research organization with a focus on exploring the marine environments, studying key species and understanding the connection between humans and the ocean. The Institute expands over 100 miles along and over 200 scientists, engineers, educators, staff and students that work and study at the site. This position works to support a robust portfolio which currently includes high school partnerships, teacher trainings/resources, field trips, afterschool and summer programs, public facilities, exhibitions, tour programs, group visits, citizen science projects, lecture series, special events, and more. Summary of Responsibilities: Leads K-12 partner programs, field trips to FAU Harbor Branch, after-school experiences, camps, and more, as well as public tour programs and special experiences as needed. Assists with planning, external communication, execution, and program assessments. Serves as a public-facing ambassador for the Institute. Provides expert guidance on science topics (with an emphasis on marine environments and the Institute’s research areas), tailors content to meet the needs of audiences served, and ensures high-quality experiences. Completes assigned education and outreach components of grant-funded projects, ensuring deliverables are fulfilled according to timelines. Works collaboratively with internal groups (research, administrative, and education staff), as well as community organizations and partners to achieve common goals. Works to promote FAU Harbor Branch programs with a goal of increasing visibility of the Institute, growing educational programs to serve new K-12 groups, and strengthening overall community engagement. Ensures all inquiries receive prompt, professional, positive, and accurate responses. Assists with upkeep of the Marine Education Center (general spaces and teaching laboratories), Ocean Discovery Visitors Center, and other on-campus sites used for public programming to ensure a clean, professional, and safe environment at all times. Maintains educational equipment and supplies as needed for programs. Generates photo, video, and written content for programs, exhibits, virtual resources, curricula, and more. Documents lab and field research as needed for science communication initiatives and promotes education and outreach programs to broader audiences. Hosts exhibits at community events, including science and nature-themed festivals, as well as other high-impact opportunities to educate attendees while sharing FAU Harbor Branch research and education programs. Assists with operations at the Ocean Discovery Visitors Center as needed, including visitor interaction, gift shop, answering phones, general guest services, and exhibit/aquarium maintenance. Tracks engagement for reporting and regularly shares feedback to benefit program growth. Works as needed with the on-site Marine and Oceanographic Academy High School program in partnership with St. Lucie County School District. Serves as an instructor for classes/labs, including but not limited to Environmental Science, Biology, Chemistry, Marine Science, and Physics. Assists with activity development, execution of lab and field activities, prep/cleanup of educational laboratories, as well as other efforts to benefit the program and students. Perform other job-related duties as assigned. FAU Benefits and Perks If Benefits & Perks are important to you, then FAU is the place to be! Working at FAU has its perks! In addition to helping drive change and having a positive impact by supporting our students, staff, and faculty, FAU offers: Excellent benefit packages including Medical (PPO/HMO $50 per month single & $180 per month family), Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Flexible Spending plans, Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and much more. State retirement options including tax-deferred annuities and Roth 403(b) plans. State employees Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. Sick Leave Pool Program. Paid time off (eligible employees) including vacation and sick leave, 1 personal day, 9 paid holidays, and paid winter break (at President’s discretion). Paid Community Engagement Volunteer Service Day Employee Educational Scholarship Program (EESP) for eligible Staff/Faculty - Tuition assistance after 6 months of full-time employment. For in-unit faculty, the EESP program may be extended to spouses and dependent children (eligibility rules apply). For details on FAU's amazing offers visit us at https://www.fau.edu/hr/benefits/index.php Explore Living in the Treasure Coast The goal is to provide local employers and new employees in the area a comprehensive guide with places to live. View it here: Moving Here | Life in Treasure Coast FL Minimum Qualifications: A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in an appropriate area of specialization and two years of appropriate experience; or a high school diploma and four years of appropriate experience required. Preferred Skills/Qualifications: A master’s degree from an accredited institution in Marine Science, Environmental Science, Science Education, or related field preferred. Experience in Science education at the K-12 level, as well as a familiarity with fundamentals of marine science, Florida coastal habitats, wildlife and ecology. Experience executing education programs and developing lessons, presentations, activities, and interpretive content related science and ocean topics. Excellent communication (verbal and written) skills, problem-solving skills, and working as part of a team. Exceptional people skills, willingness and proven ability to interact with public and staff in a positive and professional manner. Ability to adhere to the scheduled operation times for education programs. Comfortable executing public education programs outdoors and on a boat required; First aid certification preferred (or will be provided upon hire). Ability to adhere to FAU safety and animal use regulations. Experience working at a public education facility (such as an aquarium, science center, museum, nature center) preferred. Valid driver’s license and with acceptable driving record required. Willingness to obtain a Level 2 Background clearance, as required for working with minors. Skill in using Microsoft Office software. Salary: $21.55 hourly. Non-Exempt Support Personnel (SP) College or Department: Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute Location: Harbor Branch (HBOI) Work Days and Hours: Tuesday - Saturday, 9am -5pm. Occasional evenings are required for special events year round. Application Deadline: 2026-06-05 Special Instructions to Applicant: VETERANS’ PREFERENCE: Applicants may claim Veterans’ Preference on their application. The applicant claiming preference is responsible for providing required documentation at the time of making an application in Workday for a vacant position, or prior to the closing date of the vacancy announcement. If an applicant qualifies for Veterans' Preference and the SP position, they are shown preference by the guarantee of an interview. Veterans’ Preference does not guarantee a job. For additional information, please visit https://www.fau.edu/jobs/resources/veterans/. For assistance, please contact Recruitment Services at empl@fau.edu. APPLICATION DOCUMENTS REQUIRED: Resume Cover Letter OFFICIAL SEALED TRANSCRIPTS REQUIRED: Final candidate will be required to have official, sealed transcripts and original NACES evaluation, if applicable, sent from their educational institution to Human Resources prior to the start of employment. PRE-EMPLOYMENT SCREENINGS REQUIRED: Selected candidates must successfully complete and pass all employment screenings prior to the start of employment. Employment screenings may include a criminal background check (level I and level II), motor vehicle check, credit check, reference checks, alcohol, and drug screening check. REQUEST FOR ACCOMMODATIONS: Individuals with disabilities requiring accommodations may contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX at 561-297-3004 or send an email at accommodate@fau.edu. To contact Human Resources, please call 561-297-3057. For communication assistance call 7-1-1. Florida Atlantic University is where your future begins. With over 30,000 students from all 50 states and over 180 countries, 21 intercollegiate teams, 180 plus degree programs, and an administration that thrives on discovery and excellence, Florida Atlantic University is pushing the boundaries of higher education. At FAU, the faculty and staff are trailblazers and innovators with a passion for finding creative solutions while advancing science, art and technology in all disciplines. Student success, excellence and community engagement are some of our highest values as a university. These values are prominent throughout FAU's community and are essential to the employee experience. FAU is committed to the principles of engaged teaching, research and service, and reflects this commitment as a key Platform in its 2015 - 2025 Strategic Plan. Our work environment is a hub of cultures from across the nation and the world, making FAU a place where collaboration flourishes. All persons aspiring to achieve excellence in the practice of these principles are encouraged to apply. To learn more about the vision and mission of FAU, please visit: www.fau.edu In order to be considered for a position, you must apply through this job website. For more information on how to apply for a position, please review the applicable Applicant Tutorial. To contact Recruitment Services, send an e-mail to jobs@fau.edu. Florida Atlantic University is an equal access/equal opportunity employer that complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination. If you require an accommodation to participate in any part of the recruitment process, please contact Florida Atlantic’s Office of Civil Rights and Title IX at 561-297-3004 or send an email to accomodate@fau.edu. To contact Human Resources, please call 561-297-3057 or email jobs@fau.edu. For communications assistance, call 7-1-1. Clery Act Information Consumer Information Visit Florida Atlantic's Consumer Information page for more information about financial aid, its campus, facilities, student athletes, campus security, fire safety, as well as preventing drug and alcohol abuse. Paper copies are available upon request by contacting the Office of Student Financial Aid. Florida Statute 1010.35 - Screening Foreign Researchers Pursuant to Florida law, any applicant or student seeking employment in a research or research-related support position who is a citizen of a foreign country and not a permanent resident of the U.S., or who is a citizen or permanent resident but is affiliated with or has had at least 1 year of employment or training in China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, Cuba, Venezuela, or Syria is subject to additional screening. Applicants meeting those criteria will be required to provide the following information before any offer of employment can be made: every institution of higher education attended; all previous employment since the applicant’s 18th birthday; list of all published material, current and pending research funding from any source, including details about the research, your role, funding source, and amount; list and description of any non-university professional activities; any affiliation with an institution or program in a foreign country. Selected applicants will be required to provide additional information per the Statute, including a complete copy of your passport; and, if available, the most recently submitted DS-160 (Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application).