Educator I

Position Summary
Conducts informal interpretive programs in all areas of the building, as well as Florida Aquarium offsite properties and outdoor spaces.  Ensures that guest encounters are engaging, factual, safe, and effective, as determined by evaluation, and in direct support of the mission of The Florida Aquarium. May begin training to handle education ambassador animals.

Essential Position Functions

• Responsible for the instruction and implementation of touch habitat protocols, tabling activities, and biofact interpretation.
• Facilitates field trip group entry and lunchtime.
• Delivers extraordinary customer service to all aquarium guests and internal customers.
• Maintains interpretation techniques and presentation skills.
• Maintains current animal handling certification (beginning after first 90 days) as available.
• Begin training on Educator II programs as desired.
• Must be highly motivated, reliable, and prompt.
• Supports TFA's Shared Purpose by participating in a Conservation Day of Action shift on an annual basis.
• Other duties as assigned.
  
  

Education Requirements and Technical Skills

• Interest in Biology, Education, or related discipline. An Associate’s degree working towards Bachelor’s degree or related work experience preferred.
• Hospitality, teaching and/or public speaking experience preferred
• Proficient in Microsoft Office preferred

Competencies

• Customer Service Orientation — Listening and understanding the customer (both internal and external) and anticipating and evaluating the customer’s needs; making the customer’s satisfaction a high priority in all areas of responsibility.
• Teamwork — Supporting, facilitating, and participating in activities that promote team effectiveness; demonstrating sensitivity for the feelings and needs of team members and supporting team goals.
• Communication (oral and written) — Effectively expressing ideas verbally and non-verbally and actively listening to individuals and groups; preparing and focusing presentations to the characteristics and needs of the audience; expressing ideas clearly and concisely in written form, through memoranda, letters, reports, and other documents.
• Creativity — Proactively combining ideas, resources and skills in new and adaptive ways to better meet outcomes and objectives; finding new ways of positioning the aquarium worldwide as a model of excellence.
• Information Gathering and Monitoring — Effectively collects relevant data using questioning or research techniques to monitor and manage projects and people
• Follow-up — Institutes methods for monitoring people and projects

Typical Physical Requirements

• Standing (8 hours per day)
• Walking (6 hours per day)
• More than normal talking
• Carrying up to 50 lbs. - Occasionally
• Lifting up to 50 lbs. - Occasionally
• Daily contact with a living collection of plants and animals in a central Florida climate
• Subject to bits, stings, and scrapes
• Ability to work outdoors for extended lengths of time
• Exposure to marked changes in temperature and humidity
• Exposure to salt water
• Possess a valid Florida Driver's License
• Ability to travel and drive a company vehicle as needed
• Flexibility in working weekends and evenings
• Flexibility in working holidays