Posted: Open to internal and external applicants

Reports to: School outreach coordinator

Status: Part-time, hourly, benefitted position

Hours of work: Will work three full days and one half day per week between Monday and Friday, 25–30 hours per week. Must be flexible depending on the season and available to work occasional weekends and evenings as needed.

Date needed: On or before January 1, 2020

Posting expires: Open until filled

Position description: 

The Seattle Aquarium is hiring a part-time marine science outreach educator to join its school and public programs team. The marine science outreach educator will focus on implementing programs for the early childhood–12th grade school outreach programs within the school and public programs section. The educator will work with the school programs outreach coordinator to ensure the ongoing excellence of programs and to assist with the coordination and development of new programming as needed to help us meet our mission.

Essential functions:

• Deliver high-quality outreach programs including early childhood outreach, beach field labs and citizen science programs.
• Incorporate inclusive teaching strategies for our diverse audiences.
• Travel (in Aquarium vehicles) to off-site schools, community centers and outdoor teaching locations throughout the Puget Sound area.
• Work cooperatively with the outreach coordinator and senior outreach educator on specific programs as needed to coordinate logistics, materials, vehicles and staff schedules.
• Lift bins to transport supplies to program sites and set up programs.
• Work with senior outreach educator to maintain and organize program supplies.
• Work with coordinator to develop programs or create educational materials as needed and in languages other than English as applicable.
• Support the coordinator with customer-service-related communications with teachers as needed.
• Support the coordinator in the development of community science symposia.

Additional responsibilities:

• Contribute, through professional conduct, to a working environment that is energetic, innovative and collaborative.
• Stay familiar with current best practices and research in informal/non-formal learning environments, citizen science and marine science.
• Work cooperatively with other members of the school and public programs team during meetings and trainings.
• Act as a resource for temporary staff and volunteers in programming.
• Assist or instruct other programs as needed, such as classes, Toddler Time and camps.
• Enter seasonal program data to support our citizen science efforts.

Required skills, abilities: 

• Interest and expertise in marine science and conservation.
• Excellent logistical planning skills and attention to details.
• Excellent teaching and interpretive skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Customer service mindset.
• Ability to work independently, problem solve and focus on program goals when on outreach.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite; experience with Access desired.
• Knowledgeable of current informal teaching techniques.
• Familiarity with state and national educational standards and Ocean Literacy Principles.
• Comfortable handling intertidal invertebrates.
• Demonstrated reliability, responsibility and enthusiasm.
• Ability to convey information about marine science and conservation to the public with flexibility, strong listening skills and respect for learners’ prior knowledge and experiences.

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.
• Two years’ teaching experience in an informal education facility.
• One year or more experience working with racially and socioeconomically diverse audiences.
• Experience working on outreach programs and in the field.
• Current first aid and CPR certifications required. Please note that online certification is not accepted. If you do not have current certifications let us know and we can discuss during the hiring process.
• Washington or other state driver’s license, or eligibility to obtain one upon arrival and good driving record. Must complete a motor vehicles records check as part of the hiring process.*

Preferred: 

• Some experience with field research preferred.

Working conditions:

• Able to stand for long periods of time and lift 35 pounds or more.
• Requires duties to be carried out in offices, exhibits, classrooms, outdoor field excursions and off-site training and travel.
• Comfortable walking at least a mile on the beach/uneven surfaces.
• Job requires working outdoors in all weather conditions and terrain.
• Heavy to moderate vocal demands to project talks and announcements and to direct an audience in loud areas.
• Must be able to operate/drive a car and possess a valid Washington state or other state driver’s license.
• Working and typing at a computer.

Pay and benefits:

$16–$17.50/hour D.O.E. Please include pay expectations in your materials. Part-time staff are eligible for the Seattle Aquarium’s part-time benefits package to include medical, vision, employer-funded health reimbursement account, flexible spending account, a Family Plus membership and access to a subsidized ORCA pass, as well as paid sick time.

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.

*Note: Must pass a background check and motor vehicle records check, upon job offer, to be eligible for this position. Regarding driving records: within the last three years you must not have had more than two moving traffic violations or any major violation (DUI, reckless driving, negligent driving, etc.).

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.