MISSION

At The Marine Mammal Center, we are guided and inspired by a shared vision of a healthy ocean for marine mammals and humans alike.  The Marine Mammal Center advances global conservation through marine mammal rescue and rehabilitation, scientific research, and education.

OUR WORK

We rescue and rehabilitate sick and injured marine mammals at our state-of-the-art veterinary facilities by engaging a dedicated workforce and a supportive community.  We learn from the patients in our care and contribute to scientific understanding of the changing health of our ocean, taking action to address ocean threats and save endangered species.  We lead as a teaching hospital by training veterinary professionals locally and internationally, and inspiring future ocean stewards through innovative school and public education programs.

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION

The Marine Mammal Center is the largest facility of its kind in the world. Founded in 1975, The Center has grown into an internationally renowned and state-of-the art marine mammal hospital, research center and educational organization. Each year, The Center treats 600 – 800 sick, injured and orphaned marine mammals, with the goal of rehabilitation and release. Its professional staff collaborates with over 30 different scientific, educational, federal, state and non-profit organizations from around the world.

Marine mammal scientists and veterinarians from across the globe visit The Center and shadow its staff and volunteers to learn from the hundreds of animals treated each year, and from its acclaimed veterinary, scientific, and research staff. By collaborating with leading scientists and researchers to learn from the patients in their care, The Center expands and advances science to increase understanding of the health of the ocean and highlights implications for human health.

In addition to its work within the scientific community, The Center’s formal and informal education programs reach 100,000 children and adults ever year. Ultimately, The Center’s work inspires action and fosters stewardship toward the care of our environment.

Overlooking the ocean in the Marin Headlands, in Sausalito, CA, The Center operates three field stations in its 600-mile rescue range on the California coastline from San Luis Obispo through Mendocino County. Simultaneous to the construction of its new Kona, Hawaii facility, The Center’s rescue range has increased to include the entire Hawaiian archipelago. With an annual operating budget of almost $9M, 60 to 70 staff depending on the time of year, and 1,200 actively engaged volunteers, The Center operates 24 hours per day, 365 days per year.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Public Programs Coordinator leads the development of interpretive content and delivery methods for visitor programs, exhibits and other interpretive resources (i.e. guides, videos, interpretive stations, interactive materials, etc…).  This position will take a lead role in our visitor experience, including the creation and maintenance of resources for guests and facilitating a high level of visitor engagement.  This role frequently leads tours and other onsite programs.

The Public Programs Coordinator requires self-direction and initiative.  This role typically works a Thursday-Monday schedule, but may be required to work evenings, weekends and/or holidays, depending on program and training schedules.

The Public Programs Coordinator reports to the Guest Experience Manager.

Core Competencies:

• Strong communication, inter-personal, presentation and writing skills

• Willingness and ability to experiment with program design, content and delivery to exceed participants’ expectations and to advance the Center’s mission
• Ability to engage and teach marine science content to diverse audiences

• Ability to develop programs for mixed-age and public audiences
• Strong training skills, with the ability to teach marine science programs and content to program staff and volunteers

• Ability to provide exceptional customer service to a variety of audiences
• Self-directed and ability to take initiative and see projects through to completion with minimal direction

• Ability to integrate new methodologies and technologies into programs
• Ability to communicate well and work as part of a multidisciplinary team to advance the mission of the Center

Major Responsibilities:

• Develops content and materials for interpretive programs (i.e. tours, talks, demonstrations), and graphics and video displays, new and temporary exhibits and learning stations

• Oversees current and new public program offerings (docent-led tours, behind-the-scenes experiences, Marine Science Sundays, etc…), including scheduling, preparing and maintaining materials, training and budgeting

• Leads tours of the Center to visiting groups
• Manages the Guest Experience materials and resources for onsite visitor programs and offsite fairs/events, including the Center’s specimen inventory
• Serves as a mentor and guide for a core group of guest experience volunteer tour guides.
• Creates and maintains timely patient information for inclusion in Guest Experience programs. Ensures this information is disseminated and included in all education programs, as appropriate.
• Works collaboratively with colleagues in other departments (i.e. veterinary science, facilities, and marketing/communications) to optimize the development and delivery of exceptional guest experience programs.
• Performs evaluation of programs/tours and makes adjustments to programs accordingly
• Serves as a contact and point person for volunteers throughout the day as questions arise
• Assists in oversight of public areas of the facility for safety, visitor amenities, general maintenance

• Coordinates classroom logistics to ensure room is prepared for visitors
• Approaches and interacts with guests to personalize their Center experience
• Provides information related to the Center’s mission, core work, patients, exhibits and programs; as well as opportunities to support the Center (e.g. volunteering, membership, donations)

• Troubleshoots and diffuses potentially negative guest situations with a high level of hospitality and minimal supervision, and coordinate needed communication across the Guest Experience Team
• Stays abreast of Center and marine science news to be able to inform and enhance programs and inform the public
• Adheres to the Center’s personnel policies and procedures as defined in the employee handbook and as communicated by management

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in education, natural sciences or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Minimum 2 years’ experience developing and delivering informal education programs

• Minimum 2 years’ experience working with volunteers

• Proven program development and evaluation experience
• Background and/or experience in zoo/aquarium/museum settings is desirable

• Ability to provide exceptional customer service to a variety of audiences.

• Ability to multi-task efficiently and prioritize deliverables regularly & without supervision in a productive and proactive manner.
• Ability to drive Center vehicles and maintain a clean driving record
• Ability to stand/walk up to 3 hours without a break
• Ability to lift and/or move up to 30 pounds
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)
• Attention to detail and quick to assimilate new information.
• “Can-do” attitude and willing to take on new projects as needed
• Excellent oral and written communication skills