Salary Range :44000.00 To 50000.00 (USD) Annually

JOB POSTING

On-site school programs coordinator

Posted: Open to internal and external applicants

Reports to: School and public programs manager

Status: Full-time, salaried, benefitted position

Hours of work: Standard Monday–Friday workweek, 8am–5pm. Occasional need for weekend, holiday or after-hours work as related to programs.

Date needed: Fall 2019

Posting expires: Open until filled

About the organization:

The Seattle Aquarium is a respected authority on Puget Sound, the Salish Sea and the world’s one ocean. Our passionate staff increases awareness and drives the change needed to preserve and protect our marine environment through a variety of channels including: a compelling exhibit experience and engaging daytime and evening events; conservation education programs for people of all ages and backgrounds; community outreach to underserved populations; research that advances understanding of animals in our care and their counterparts in the wild; advocacy and policy work; an award-winning volunteer program; strong and consistent marketing efforts; and more.

We’re noted for our collaborative, communicative and team-oriented working environment. Our values, developed in conjunction with our staff, include commitments to adopting and promoting sustainable practices; creating awe-inspiring experiences; constantly learning and improving; fostering an inclusive community; maintaining scientific credibility through evidence-based practices; and honoring our unique place by using our location and history as a lens for larger understanding.

Proudly accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, we’re the eighth-largest aquarium in the U.S. by attendance and we welcome over 850,000 people through our front doors each year. Guided by our mission of Inspiring Conservation of Our Marine Environment, we’ve developed a master plan to substantially increase in size and impact by opening a new exhibit building, the Ocean Pavilion. Our current annual budget is $18 million.

Position description:

The Seattle Aquarium is searching for an on-site school programs coordinator to lead the daily operations and development of on-site school programs for the preK-college audience within the School and Public Programs (SPP) department. The coordinator will work with the school and public programs manager to oversee staff while instructing in the classroom, ensure the ongoing excellence of school programs, and develop new classroom programming and self-guided materials as needed. The Seattle Aquarium aims to engage all people and communities that live and work along the shores and in the watersheds of Puget Sound to meet our mission of Inspiring Conservation of Our Marine Environment, with an understanding that “our” means everyone’s marine environment. This is particularly important because environmental degradation disproportionately affects communities of color and low-income communities, and because environmental challenges will not be solved without bringing to bear the knowledge, skills and diverse views of the entire human community.

The successful candidate will bring the following to our team of professional educators: enthusiasm for marine science and education; an ability to work collaboratively in a team setting; strong networking and communication abilities; and excellent interpersonal skills for working with teachers, students and the general public.

Essential functions:

  • Oversee the daily instruction of on-site school programs for a preK-college, adult chaperone and teacher audience for in-classroom programs and self-guided visits. Work with SPP and Conservation Engagement & Learning staff to ensure that the highest level of programming is consistently delivered to our audience.
  • Working cooperatively with the SPP manager, lead the development of new and existing curriculum for on-site school programs aligned with the Seattle Aquarium’s mission and outcomes including but not limited to: utilizing effective practices; ensuring age appropriateness; and addressing appropriate standards, such as the Next Generation Science Standards and Ocean Literacy Principles.
  • Regularly instruct classroom programs, trainings, presentations and/or workshops.
  • Supervise SPP program staff while working on school programs. Work with public programs coordinator to supervise the part-time marine science educator. Work with the SPP manager to appropriately train and evaluate staff instructing in the classrooms.
  • Work collaboratively with the SPP manager and others to maintain appropriate staffing levels and scheduling for the classroom. This includes hiring and training seasonal marine science instructors throughout the year as needed.
  • Develop and conduct in-house opportunities for the teacher audience, such as professional development workshops and advisory boards.

Additional responsibilities:

  • Contribute through professional conduct to a working environment that is energetic, innovative and collaborative.
  • Keep familiar with current research in informal/non-formal learning environments.
  • Other tasks such as maintenance and organization of school supplies, participation in regular meetings and program focus groups as needed.
  • Work collaboratively with the SPP manager, school outreach coordinator, public programs coordinator and senior educators to effectively provide trainings for staff, volunteers and external audiences.
  • Work collaboratively with the SPP manager, school outreach coordinator and senior educators to effectively communicate with teachers through print or online materials such as website content, e-newsletter content and others.
  • Work collaboratively and serve on internal committees with other Aquarium staff to support events such as DreamNight, Open House, Salmon Homecoming, Community Science Symposium and others.
  • Assist with the maintenance and/or creation of education collections both living and other.

Required skills, abilities:

  • Interest and expertise in marine science and conservation.
  • Experience in program design; specifically with writing curriculum that supports the Next Generation Science Standards.
  • Excellent teaching and interpretive skills.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Proficiency in office software applications.
  • Comfort with instructional technologies.
  • Comfortable presenting in front a variety of audiences (i.e. professional peers, school groups, donors, community leaders, etc.).
  • Familiarity with state and national educational standards, Next Generation Science Standards and Ocean Literacy Principles.
  • Washington driver’s license (or eligibility to obtain one upon arrival).*
  • First aid and CPR certifications.

Experience, education and certifications: We will consider various combinations of relevant experience and education in order to meet minimum requirements.

Required:

  • B.A./B.S. degree in education, science or related field.
  • Three years’ teaching experience in an informal education facility.
  • Two to three years’ education program development experience in informal and/or formal education facility.
  • One to two years’ experience supervising teams of at least two people.

Working conditions:

  • Washington state driver’s license, or willingness to obtain one, and good driving record required for local travel.
  • Ability to stand for long periods of time and lift 30 pounds or more.
  • Requires duties to be carried out in offices, exhibits, classrooms, outdoor field excursions and off-site training and travel, often driving an Aquarium vehicle.
  • Requires time spent in the offices, exhibits, service areas, classrooms and in the field.
  • Requires working outdoors in all weather conditions and terrain.
  • Flexible schedule and ability to work evenings, holidays and weekends.

Salary and benefits:

$44,000–$50,000/year, D.O.E. Please include salary expectations in your materials. Full-time staff are eligible for the Seattle Aquarium’s comprehensive benefits package to include medical, vision, dental, health reimbursement account, medical and dental flexible spending accounts, life insurance, short- and long-term disability, access to a subsidized ORCA pass, an Aquarium Family Plus membership and generous paid time off.

How to apply:

The Seattle Aquarium is a progressive, equal opportunity employer that values a diverse workforce. All candidates are encouraged to apply by uploading a résumé and one-page letter detailing interest and relevant experience in our online application.

Please let us know if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for this job.

Application link can be found here: https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=98930ce8-632f-495a-bf7b-12cd372446bd&ccId=19000101_000001&jobId=300855&source=CC3&lang=en_US

*Note: Must pass a background check and motor vehicle records check, upon job offer, to be eligible for this position. Regarding driving records: during the last 36 months you must not have had any of the following experiences: left the scene of an accident; been convicted of reckless, negligent or careless driving; had automobile insurance canceled, declined or not renewed; been convicted of an alcohol- or drug-related offense; had driver license suspended or revoked; been convicted of three or more speeding violations.