Temporary Marine Science Educator, Ke Kai Ola

Description

Location of Internship: Kailua-Kona, Hawai’i 

Reports to: Director, Ke Kai Ola

Position Classification & Expected Hours of Work, and Travel:

• This is a temporary, part-time position.  
• Approximately from March 9, 2026, through June 1, 2026 (12 weeks) with potential for extension.
• Regular onsite work is required. 
• Schedule is generally eight hours per day, Monday through Wednesday.
• Days and hours of work may vary according to the needs of The Marine Mammal      Center. 
• Evening, weekend, and holiday work may be required as job duties demand. 
• Some local travel may be required as job duties demand.

Compensation Range: $28.00 per hour

Benefits:   

• Holidays 
• Sick Time 
• Vacation  
• Medical, Dental, and Vision 
• Life Insurance 
• Long Term Disability Insurance 
• 401k Retirement Plan 
• Employee Assistance Program 

Job Summary:

The Marine Science Educator, KKO is a temporary 12-week position responsible for coordinating and delivering engaging marine science education programs for audiences ranging from 4th grade students to adults, using best-practice instructional approaches while providing excellent customer service and ensuring a consistently safe, welcoming, and positive learning environment. In collaboration with teams across The Marine Mammal Center and with external stakeholders as needed, this role supports successful program delivery by coordinating program logistics such as scheduling support, preparing supplies and learning spaces, gathering required participant paperwork, facilitating check-in/check-out procedures, and tracking and recording program data; responding to participant inquiries during programs; following all safety and emergency protocols; communicating incidents or concerns promptly to management; coordinating volunteer communications and support as needed; and providing additional support to Ke Kai Ola operations as assigned.

Essential Functions:

Program Implementation: 95%

• Delivers and engages marine science content to ages 4th grade to adult while providing excellent customer service by presenting marine science curriculum through best practices all while providing a safe and positive learning environment.
• Maintains relationships with teams across the Center as well as a variety of stakeholders and community members, including but not limited to teachers and other non-profit and/or partner organizations.
• Organize logistical aspects including, but not limited to, scheduling activities, gathering supplies, setting up learning spaces, gathering all necessary paperwork for participants, and tracking and recording data.
• Facilitate check-in and check-out procedures for assigned programs. 
• Address inquiries and provide timely and helpful responses during programs, escalating to management as needed.
• Follow safety protocols and emergency procedures to ensure the well-being of education participants, volunteers, and staff. 
• Communicate incidents, altercations, or other work-related issues effectively with management.
• Provide support to all areas of Ke Kai Ola operations, as assigned.

Other Duties as Assigned: 5%

• Perform special projects and research as assigned.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibility: 

None

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• Passion for marine and environmental conservation and the mission of The Marine Mammal Center. 
• Knowledge of Marine Science and Ocean Literacy Principles.
• A desire for continual learning.
• Ability to provide exceptional customer service to a variety of audiences which includes frequent interactions with visitors and volunteers.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to understand and follow written and verbal instructions and priorities as set by management. 
• Ability to troubleshoot, identify improvements, and make routine decisions independently.
• Strong organizational skills including multitasking and time management.
• Ability to work collaboratively and maintain open, professional communication in a team-oriented environment.
• Ability to adapt and learn from change, challenges, and feedback.
• · Skills using Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, SharePoint, Word) and virtual collaboration tools (Asana, Slack, Teams, Zoom). 
• Ability to build and sustain effective working relationships with people from diverse backgrounds while demonstrating self-awareness, respect, and professionalism. 
• Willingness to support and participate in the Center’s diversity, equity, and inclusion programs.

Qualifications and Experience: 

• Ability to obtain clearance via livescan fingerprinting for U.S. Department of Justice to work directly with students.
• Valid driver license with acceptable motor vehicle record to maintain standards of insurability. (Must be 21 years old as frequently driving company vehicles is required for this position.)
• This position requires a combination of education and experience equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in education, natural sciences, or related field; and at least 2 years of experience working with school groups and leading tours or programs. A background in environmental education, or natural sciences, and school environmental experience are all highly desirabl

Work Environment & Physical Requirements: 

• This position operates in a professional office and hospital environment both indoors and outdoors with access to various parts of the facilities via outdoor pathways. 
• Routinely uses standard office equipment requiring repetitive motion in tasks.
• Ability to work at a desk for extended periods of time using a computer.
• Ability to work in an open cubicle office space environment with many distractions. 
• Working in outdoor weather conditions and elements throughout the year.
• Ability to walk up to 5 miles during a shift on a frequent basis.
• Ability to safely walk on beaches of various terrains to assist with animal rescues in various locations across Hawai’i. 
• Ability to spend extended periods on your feet, walking, standing, crouching, and climbing stairs (potentially in inclement weather conditions). 
• Ability to work closely with wild animals requires physical strength, dexterity, and reflexes to keep themselves and other personnel around them safe.
• Ability to perform physical work which requires manual dexterity, agility, strength, and coordination, including the ability to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to operate equipment safely and competently to carry out their duties.
• Ability to drive/operate a vehicle for extensive periods of time.
• Risks associated with animal handling such as animal bites or scratches.
• Exposure to allergens and zoonotic diseases.

OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY 

The Marine Mammal Center actively engages individuals from all backgrounds. We are committed to embracing diversity within our organization because we firmly believe that diverse employee teams help us to achieve our best organizational outcomes and provide the most effective support to the communities we serve. We are deeply dedicated to creating and maintaining an inclusive, equitable and supportive work environment.  We strongly encourage people from underrepresented groups to apply. The Marine Mammal Center believes in growth and supporting our employees as best we can so they can become their best selves in and outside of work. We believe that a healthy work environment means building an inclusive culture where people can thrive together and feel supported and empowered. We believe in stretch versus constraint. 

OUR MISSION 

The Marine Mammal Center advances ocean health through marine mammal rescue and rehabilitation, research, and education. 

ABOUT THE MARINE MAMMAL CENTER
For more information, please visit our “About Us” page at www.marinemammalcenter.org 

To Apply:
Please submit a cover letter and resume and provide a brief description about how your experience aligns with the role. 

Note that applications without a cover letter will not be considered. 

In your cover letter, please feel free to note which pronouns you use (For example – she/her/hers, he/him/his, they/them/theirs, etc).  

We strongly encourage people of color, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and non-binary people, veterans, parents, and individuals with disabilities to apply. The Center is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes everyone to our team. If you need reasonable accommodation at any point in the application or interview process, please let us know. 

Salary : $28