Education Specialist I or II

Summary:

This position is responsible for delivering dynamic and effective educational programs, focusing on conservation, empathy, scientific studies, and inclusion of Alaska’s ecosystems, animals, and culture. Candidates will present to a variety of audiences and assist in the development and maintenance of education projects. This position will work closely with Guest Services and Communications teams to deliver onsite, outreach, and online programs that engage audiences and support learning. As a member of the Education team, this position also works closely with Exhibits and Interpretation teams to ensure a positive and educational experience for our guests throughout the Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC).

Education/Training Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree in a field complimentary to the Center’s mission, knowledge of marine science or relevant disciplines, such as science communication, education, or informal learning, and experience as an intern, teacher, or interpreter in an aquarium, museum, camp, or similar setting. Experience in curriculum writing and development is preferred.

Essential Duties:

1. Facilitate activities and logistics for learning programs for a variety of scheduled programs and activities emphasizing conservation, empathy, and diversity with a focus on current marine research in Alaska, Alaskan ecosystems, and native culture. Programs and activities may include nocturnes, day and evening programs, family programs, community and educational events, narrating animal feeds and training sessions, leading group tours, structured learning engagement, summer camps, virtual programing, and daily interpretive opportunities throughout the Center for guests of all ages.

2. With the support of the Learning Engagement Manager, assists in the conceptualization, development, supervision, and implementation of a broad spectrum of on and off-site learning programs, such as virtual programming, summer camps, and outreach for organized groups, families, and schools.

3. Maintains an effective working relationship with ASLC staff. Must be able to work both independently and as a team member, while handling multiple priorities in an efficient manner. Able to learn and adapt in a constantly changing environment.

4. Familiar with K-12 group management techniques and online teaching.

5. Works with other ASLC departments to complete new or ongoing projects that fulfill the ASLC’s institutional and educational goals as needed.

6. Stays up to date on changes in exhibits and programs and informed on current events at the Center and in Seward, AK.

7. Assists with daily operations, including opening and closing, answering emails, group check-in and orientation, and customer service.

8. Interprets on the exhibit floor, including supervision of public interaction with the touch tank and aviary as needed.

9. Must be available to work weekends, evenings, and holidays.

10. Fosters good relations with visitors, volunteers, community leaders, contractors, and fellow staff members by promoting positive attitudes, good will, cooperation, and providing high standards of service.

11. Complies with all Alaska SeaLife Center policies, procedures, and programs.

12. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Other Skills and Abilities:

1. Self-motivated, enthusiastic, and reliable with a positive attitude, fostering good relations with visitors, volunteers, community leaders, contractors, and fellow staff members by promoting positive attitudes, good will, cooperation, and providing high standards of service.

2. Able to speak or write another language, including ASL, a plus.

3. Must have outstanding presentation skills and be confident engaging students and adults of various ages and learning levels, assessing and adjusting during a learning session based on developmental and learning needs of the specific audience to optimize the learning experience.

4. Knowledge of video recording and editing, proficiency in Adobe Premiere Pro, Canva, Google workspace, and Microsoft programs a plus.

5. Strong writing skills, creativity, and innovative activity development are an asset.

Physical Requirements:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Ability to see and hear; sit, stand, and walk; stoop, kneel, and crouch; use arms and hands; handle objects, tools, and controls. Ability to lift and move 20 pounds.

The role requires extended periods of time on the exhibit floor, which may require remaining in a stationary position during that time while using repetitive motions of the wrists, hands, or fingers.

The role requires ongoing interactions with people. Much of the typical workday is spent communicating with visitors in a busy environment.

Education Specialist 2

Summary:

This position is responsible for delivering dynamic and effective educational programs, focusing on conservation, empathy, scientific studies, and inclusion of Alaska’s ecosystems, animals, and culture. Candidates will present to a variety of audiences and assist in the development and maintenance of education projects. This position will work closely with Guest Services and Communications teams to deliver onsite, outreach, and online programs that engage audiences and support learning. As a member of the Education team, this position also works closely with Exhibits and Interpretation teams to ensure a positive and educational experience for our guests throughout the Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC).

Education/Training Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree in a field complimentary to the Center’s mission, knowledge of marine science or relevant disciplines, such as science communication, education, or informal learning.  Minimum of 2 years’ experience as an intern, teacher, or interpreter in an aquarium, museum, camp, or similar setting. Experience in curriculum writing and development is preferred.

Essential Duties:

1. Facilitate activities and logistics for learning programs for a variety of scheduled programs and activities emphasizing conservation, empathy, and diversity with a focus on current marine research in Alaska, Alaskan ecosystems, and native culture. Programs and activities may include nocturnes, day and evening programs, family programs, community and educational events, narrating animal feeds and training sessions, leading group tours, structured learning engagement, summer camps, virtual programing, and daily interpretive opportunities throughout the Center for guests of all ages.

2. With the support of the Learning Engagement Manager, initiates and leads in the conceptualization, development, supervision, and implementation of a broad spectrum of on and off-site learning programs, such as virtual programming, summer camps, and outreach for organized groups, families, and schools.

3. Maintains an effective working relationship with ASLC staff. Must be able to work both independently and as a team member, while handling multiple priorities in an efficient manner. Able to learn and adapt in a constantly changing environment.

4. Gathers and creates necessary learning tools, props, documents, presentation slides for program set up and execution. Conducts related source material research.

5. Familiar with K-12 group management techniques and online teaching.

6. Works with other ASLC departments to complete new or ongoing projects that fulfill the ASLC’s institutional and educational goals as needed.

7. Stays up to date on changes in exhibits and programs and informed on current events at the Center and in Seward, AK.

8. Takes responsibility for daily operations, including opening and closing, answering emails, group check-in and orientation, and customer service.

9. Interprets on the exhibit floor, including supervision of public interaction with the touch tank and aviary as needed. Mentors interns and seasonal staff and assists with intern and seasonal training program delivery.

10. Must be available to work weekends, evenings, and holidays.

11. Fosters good relations with visitors, volunteers, community leaders, contractors, and fellow staff members by promoting positive attitudes, good will, cooperation, and providing high standards of service.

12. Complies with all Alaska SeaLife Center policies, procedures, and programs.

13. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Other Skills and Abilities:

1. Self-motivated, enthusiastic, and reliable with a positive attitude, fostering good relations with visitors, volunteers, community leaders, contractors, and fellow staff members by promoting positive attitudes, good will, cooperation, and providing high standards of service.

2. Able to speak or write another language, including ASL, a plus.

3. Must have outstanding presentation skills and be confident engaging students and adults of various ages and learning levels, assessing and adjusting during a learning session based on developmental and learning needs of the specific audience to optimize the learning experience.

4. Knowledge of video recording and editing, proficiency in Adobe Premiere Pro, Canva, Google workspace, and Microsoft programs a plus.

5. Strong writing skills, creativity, and innovative activity development are an asset.

Physical Requirements:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Ability to see and hear; sit, stand, and walk; stoop, kneel, and crouch; use arms and hands; handle objects, tools, and controls. Ability to lift and move 20 pounds.

The role requires extended periods of time on the exhibit floor, which may require remaining in a stationary position during that time while using repetitive motions of the wrists, hands, or fingers.

The role requires ongoing interactions with people. Much of the typical workday is spent communicating with visitors in a busy environment.