Education Specialist I

Description

POSITION SUMMARY:

As part of the OdySea Aquarium Education team, this position will participate in all educational activities within the Aquarium and our role in conjunction with the community.  Team member will work with the Animal Care & Education and Animal Care & Conservation teams to represent OdySea Aquarium through educational presentations and interpreting for all animal and educational floor programming.  A central responsibility of this position will be formal and informal daily educational presentations and interactions with guests, some involving live program animals. Individual will demonstrate strong interpretive skills and ability to learn and retain scientific knowledge in order to enhance guest experience opportunities.   Individual will be integral in educating Aquarium guests about species survival and conservation through presentations. Team member will demonstrate elevated, interactive guest experiences that underscore the educational and conservation mission of Odysea Aquarium.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Responsible for all daily floor programming and educational and exhibit interpretation.
• Responsible for general observation of all animals at assigned exhibits and direct communication with Animal Care staff as needed regarding their welfare.
• Conduct Behind the Scenes Tours with guests as interpretive guide.
• Participate in educational animal presentations, exhibit demonstrations, encounter programs, or seasonal programming as needed and if approved within the Aquarium.
• Monitor school groups, field trips, and Special Events groups throughout the Aquarium during all educational tours and events.
• Represent OdySea Aquarium off property through educational opportunities at schools, media events, and other public engagements, with animals where applicable and with appropriate training.
• Representation of OdySea Aquarium through positive guest interactions and experiences daily.
• Assists with implementation and execution of all department Standard Operating Procedures.
• Assist in training and mentoring of intern and volunteer team members.
• Participate in a cooperative working environment that promotes a culture of teamwork, positivity, inclusion, and growth.
• Participate in development of exhibits and educational planning, and research and conservation activities.
• If approved, work as supporting team member for care and handling of designated program animals.
• Inspect exhibits and related facilities daily for cleanliness, safety, and structural integrity.
• Ensure accurate and appropriate record keeping is maintained within the department.
• Communicate effectively with the rest of the Animal Care & Education team and departmental leadership.
• Ensure adherence to Odysea Aquarium standards and procedures as well as compliance with the requirements of various professional associations and regulatory agencies.  Maintain highest level of animal husbandry practices.
• Represent the Animal Care & Education Department and OdySea Aquarium to visiting investors, professionals, guests, and media. 
• Perform all other duties as assigned by Director.

Requirements

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in Education, Biology, Zoology, Conservation, Marine Science or comparable experience. 
• experience preferred working at an AZA accredited or equivalent facility.
• Excellent public speaking and showmanship experience.
• Availability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays, or irregular hours dictated by facility or animal need.

PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS: 

• Ability to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms.
• Ability to stand for long periods of time, as well as walk.
• Ability to balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, climb stairs, or crawl.
• Required to frequently talk and hear.
• No impairment of sight, smell, hearing, touch, balance and agility of movement which might interfere with ability to work.
• Specific vision requirement for this job include close vision, color vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus.
• Must be able to take directional cues directly or indirectly.
• Ability to work in an environment that may be loud at times.
• Ability to work in all weather conditions, including occasional extreme hot or cold, and wet and/or humid conditions.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.