JOB POSTING

Marine Science Instructor - Seasonal

Posted: Open to internal and external applicants

Reports to: School and Public Programs Manager

Status: Part-time, hourly, seasonal position

Duration: 2 positions will work through June 2024, 1 position will work through August 2024.

Hours of work: 16-24 hours each week; Standard Monday-Friday workweek, 8am-5pm. Occasional need for weekend or after-hours work as related to events and other projects.

Date needed: ASAP

Posting expires: Open until filled.

Position description:

The Seattle Aquarium, a leading marine conservation organization, is looking for three seasonal Marine Science Instructors (MSI's) to join the School and Public Programs (SPP) team. MSI's work with a professional team of marine educators under the guidance of SPP Coordinators and the SPP Manager to provide in-depth informal science programs serving K-12 students, teachers, families, community groups, and lifelong learners in the greater Seattle area and beyond through both on-site and outreach opportunities.

Key functions:

• Responsible for the daily instruction of on-site school programs, distance learning programs, school outreach programs, and year-round public programs for a diverse audience, including Pre-K to college students, families, Seattle Aquarium members, community groups, and more. Work with SPP staff to ensure that the highest level of programming is consistently delivered to our audience.
• Teach lessons on field-based data collection methods, identify Pacific Northwest intertidal species, scientific practices, and presentation skills to support the ongoing Community Science program. This includes data collection on local beaches and watersheds that follow established study protocols.
• Support ongoing and seasonal programs like Toddler Time, Aquarium Waterfront Programming, Community Days, Marine Summer Camp, and Puppet Shows, as needed. More programming may be added in the future under the oversight of SPP Coordinators in-line with Aquarium conservation education goals.
• Under the supervision of SPP staff, assist with the arrival and departure of school groups to the Seattle Aquarium campus, as well as on-site interpretation of exhibits to this audience.
• Mentor, virtually and in-person (when appropriate), middle school and high school youth through scientific investigations.
• Perform other related tasks as assigned, such as inventorying materials and supplies, printing, assembling program kits, and curriculum feedback.
• In collaboration with the rest of the SPP Team, work to make the Aquarium and our programs more welcoming and inclusive for all.
• Support special events, seasonal interpretation, and evening programming, as needed.
• Other tasks under the supervision of SPP Coordinators, such as maintenance and organization of SPP supplies, participation in regular meetings, & program focus groups as needed.
• Support the cleanliness and organization of education spaces, most notably the Aquarium Classrooms.
• Driving Aquarium vehicles, as needed, with Aquarium approval.
• Assist with the maintenance of Education collections both living and other.
• All Aquarium staff and volunteers are expected to participate in advancing and integrating into their work Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Regenerative practices in alignment with our S.A.L.I.S.H. Values.
• Perform other related duties of a comparable level/type assigned.

Required skills and experience:
We will consider various combinations of relevant experience and education to meet minimum requirements.

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Minimum of six months' experience at a zoo, aquarium, museum, school, nature center, or other informal/formal education facility, either as paid or volunteer experience.
• Requires a combination of education and work experience that demonstrates an understanding of environmental education, wildlife conservation, marine sciences, educational pedagogy, lesson and curriculum design, learning psychology, and/or child development (similar to what could be acquired through working towards a degree or certification in education, biology, environmental science, or related fields).
• Washington driver's license (or eligibility to obtain one upon arrival) required for offsite work.*
• First aid and CPR certifications required (can be certified by date of hire).

Other skills and abilities:

• Interest and expertise in marine science and conservation.
• Experience and confidence with delivering formal presentations and informal interpretation, both in-person and digitally; and/or teaching experience. Excellent written and verbal communication skills required.
• Models active and personal commitment to DEI education; basic understanding and literacy around DEI topics.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office software applications.
• Some experience with online teaching tools and equipment, such as Zoom, Teams, and A/V supplies.
• Comfortable presenting in front a variety of audiences (i.e. professional peers, school groups, families, donors, community leaders, etc.). Preference for second language spoken/written proficiency.
• Must be able to interact positively with all staff, volunteers, and program participants, be willing to teach and be supportive of all learners' and volunteers' abilities.
• Ability to work with people of all ages and handle a variety of situations-including those that may be complicated or challenging-with grace, empathy and tact.
• Demonstrates an understanding of the Aquarium's Mission and Values, including Regenerative and Equity work.

Working conditions:

• Heavy to moderate vocal demands to project talks and announcements and to direct an audience in loud areas.
• Frequent interruptions; walking, standing, sitting for extended periods of time.
• Requires duties to be carried out in offices, exhibits, classrooms, outdoor field sites, and local travel.
• Job requires working outdoors in all weather conditions and terrain.
• Flexible schedule and ability to work evenings, holidays, and weekends.

Pay and benefits:

$21.50 per hour. Temporary staff are not eligible for benefits but accrue paid sick time and are paid an additional $0.75/hour to assist with transportation costs.

How to apply: The Seattle Aquarium is committed to expanding a diverse, equitable, and inclusive conservation movement. We are invested in building an Aquarium with a wide variety of backgrounds, identities, languages, cultural ways of knowing, and life experiences. We know research shows that society has conditioned communities of color, trans and gender non-conforming people, immigrants, people with disabilities, and other marginalized candidates to more frequently not apply to a job because they don't feel that they meet all of the qualifications listed even if they are qualified. If you meet some of the requirements and you are passionate about our mission and our ocean, we encourage you to apply and look forward to learning more about you.

Interested candidates should upload a resume to our online application to be considered. Application review will begin immediately.

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

Note: If offered the position, candidates must pass a background check and motor vehicle records check. Conviction record is not an automatic disqualifier; we are a second chance employer. 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 Seattle Aquarium:

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 by providing an inspiring visitor experience, engaging daytime and evening events, conservation education programs for people of all ages and backgrounds, community outreach to marginalized 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, high-impact marketing and communications, and more.

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 & Aquariums, we're among the top 10 aquariums in the U.S. by attendance, and we welcome over 850,000 people each year. Guided by our mission of Inspiring Conservation of Our Marine Environment, we're working to substantially increase our conservation impact by expanding our campus with a new building, the Ocean Pavilion. Learn more at .

Timeline:

We anticipate the following recruiting schedulefor those candidates who are selected for consideration.The following dates are preliminary and subject to change.We will work with candidates to set interview dates.If hired, relocation assistance is not available.

• Application deadline: Open until filled.
• Interviewscompleted by end of April 2024.
• Start date: ASAP.