Science Center Interpretive Lead

SSC Status:               Seasonal, full-time (35-40 hours/week) 

Job Duration:               Late April through early October  

Supervised by:               Visitor Experience Manager   

Compensation: $20/hour, subsidized housing available   

Place of Work:               834 Lincoln St., Sitka, Alaska   

About the Sitka Sound Science Center:  

The Sitka Sound Science Center is a non-profit organization dedicated to scientific research and science education. Based in Southeast Alaska, SSSC is focused on research topics and education programs that are relevant to our region and state. SSSC is made up of a team of people who enjoy collaborating across disciplines, thinking big and following through, and finding new ways to connect our community with the world around us. 

Inclusion and equity are core values of the Sitka Sound Science Center. We are passionate about building and sustaining an inclusive and equitable working and learning environment for students, researchers, and staff. We believe every member of our staff and visitor to our facility enriches our diversity by sharing a broad range of ways to understand and engage with the world, identify challenges, and discover solutions. We encourage you to pursue your interests, develop your potential, and bring your full self to work. 

SSSC considers equivalent combinations of experience and education for certain jobs. All candidates who believe they possess equivalent experience and education are encouraged to apply. 

About the Interpretive Lead Position:  

The Science Center Interpretive Lead oversees the seasonal guide staff and collaborates in establishing the public face of the Science Center. The position requires daily interaction with diverse groups of locals, tourists, and visitors to Sitka. Interpretive Leads have a central role in creating and maintaining a culture of fun, inclusion, education, and curiosity among the seasonal staff and our visitors. This position involves guiding tours of the hatchery and other sites, greeting guests of all ages and backgrounds, and answering questions about Sitka, marine life, hatcheries, and more. The Interpretive Leads will also coordinate the guide staff, assist with scheduling, monitor the visitor experience, and conduct daily briefings for seasonal staff. This position will work with the Visitor Experience Manager to develop and implement new programs, lead value-added experiences, and provide mentorship to seasonal guide staff as needed. Leads will set the tone and find new ways to create an environment in which our visitors have a positive, fun, and memorable experience as they explore and learn about Alaska hatcheries, fisheries, history, local marine life, and exciting research.   

Responsibilities:  

• Serve as a floor lead for daily visitor operations 
• Welcome visitors to our facility   
• Coordinate facility upkeep (general cleaning, restrooms, aquarium, public spaces, etc.)  
• Conduct daily briefings with guide staff  
• Assist with scheduling and daily planning  
• Oversee daily opening and closing procedures  
• Research and develop tours and programs for the hatchery and aquarium 
• Guide visitors on aquarium and hatchery tours  
• Guide value-added tours  
• Answer questions and share information about marine life, Sitka, hatcheries, research, and more  
• Collaborate with community partners/volunteers as needed 
• Lead the facilitation of children’s birthday parties when booked 
• Collaborate with the education team and other staff to create new visitor programs  
• Assist with staff training  
• Take the lead on cultivating a positive community among interpreters 

Skills & Qualifications:  

• You are familiar with marine and intertidal ecosystems. 
• You have experience supervising others. 
• You have cash management skills. 
• You have strong customer service skills. 
• You thrive in a busy environment 
• You have experience making schedules. 
• You actively work to build community with the people in your life.   
• You are comfortable providing constructive feedback.    
• You’re interested in interdisciplinary learning and communication. 
• You can successfully resolve conflicts. 
• You enjoy speaking to both large and small groups of people in formal and informal settings. 
• You are a good improviser.  
• Speaking a language other than English is a plus but not a requirement. 

Benefits for Interpretive Leads:  

• Subsidized housing  
• Exposure to and/or participation in hatchery work, research projects, education programming (e.g. summer camps), and other Science Center projects and programs 
• Opportunities to explore personal interests relating to visitor experience and the Science Center mission 
• Access to outdoor gear and equipment