Program Educator

Program Educator

General Description and Purpose of Job:

The Program Educator will help develop, implement and present a variety of education programs and presentations to Aquarium guests and program participants, both on-site and off-site, in a professional and developmentally appropriate manner. A Program Educator will: follow established procedures to ensure content accuracy and proper care and use of Education materials and animals; promote a professional image and ensure a high level of customer service when teaching and representing the Roundhouse Aquarium Teaching Center; work a variety of days and times, including weekends, evenings, holidays and closing shifts as assigned. Work will include other duties as assigned or required.

Reports to: Aquarium Program Services Senior Director

Essential Job Functions:

Facilitation & Teaching of Programs

• • Facilitates and teaches on-site and off-site education programs for multiple grade bands including family/public programs (public education during public hours, community events, MB farmer’s market, summer camp, guided behind the scenes tours, and birthday parties), on-site School Programs (virtual classes, classes in collaboration with West Basin, 1hr and 2hr onsite classroom programs, squid/fish dissections, plankton classes, beach exploration classes, and other class program types), Adult Programs (volunteer education, speaker series, and special events), and Outreach Programs (libraries, after school classes, Ocean Discovery Outreaches, and other types of outreaches.
  • Exhibit Interpretation on our exhibit pathway.
  • Deliver all programs in Spanish when needed or requested by guests.

Other Duties

• • Develops curriculum and content materials for programs in accordance with NGSS and the OTS Program Department’s Education and Science mission and professional standards.
  • Prepares materials/supplies for all education programming as needed.
  • Takes lead on specific departmental responsibilities (aquarium events, scout programs, day programs, evening programs, weekend programs, etc.)
  • Assists in the care of Education Program animals as needed.
  • Orders/purchases teaching tools and materials within budget guidelines and with proper authorization and only as assigned.
  • Participates in the evaluation of programs to ensure high quality programs and teaching performance.
  • Collaborate with all members of the Programs Education Team on other projects as assigned.
• Coordinate social media postings, including crafting and designing effective communications and messages that engage, stewards various audiences such as the community, donors and supporters to inspire excitement for our mission.
• Schedules and coordinates staffing for tabling community events including science fairs with partner organizations, subject to the approval of the Aquarium Programs Senior Director.
• Perform other tasks and duties as assigned and required, including but not limited to fundraising, marketing, communications, etc.

Experience Required:

• Bachelor of Science in education and/or science-related field required, and/or equivalent experience.
• Fluent in Spanish is preferred but not required.
• At least 2 years of experience teaching in an informal education setting.
• Experience teaching and presenting to multiple age levels and a variety of group sizes.
• Experience or comfort with using a microphone or voice amplifier.
• Basic knowledge of developmental learning theories.
• Current knowledge of major national education and interpretation trends and the NGS Standards, and FOSS Next Gen and Amplify teaching frameworks.
• Proficiency in use of computers including Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Canva, and Excel.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and an insurable driving record.

Additional Position Requirements:

• Excellent time management and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently as well as participate as a team member.
• Ability to work positively and effectively with paid and unpaid Aquarium personnel.
• Ability to actively engage children in educational settings.
• Ability to write appropriate lesson plans for a variety of ages and audiences.
• Ability to speak comfortably to adults, children and educators in both small and large groups.
• Ability to lift 50 pounds and stand for six hours.
• Ability to work with hands in water for an hour at a time.
• Comfortable with handling a variety of small animals.
• Excellent writing and public speaking skills.
• Live Scan and TB test