DATE: January 3, 2011

TITLE: Educator

DEPT: Education

REPORTS TO: Education Programs Coordinator

AVAILABLE: Immediately

HOURS: Part Time (less than 20 hours per week)

JOB SUMMARY:

The Educator will join a team of up to 20 other Educators that work within the Education Department to present a variety of aquatic-themed educational programs in an outreach format, on-site in our Ocean Center, and in the Aquarium exhibits to children of various ages, the general public, and Aquarium members. Programming aims to increase an understanding of aquatic life and environments, strengthen scientific concepts and skills, and provide leadership for the preservation and sustainable use of aquatic resources. Programming formats generally vary between classroom style teaching (up to 30 participants), auditorium style (on a stage in front of up to 150 people), open house style (drop-in activities at 1 or 2 tables), and exhibit interpretation. Some programs will include live animals.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  1. Presents New England Aquarium programs across New England. Carries, transports, loads, and unloads all supplies and equipment needed for the programs. When applicable, maintains marine organisms and observes animal health during programs. May be responsible for transporting and supervising teen interns during out-of-school-time outreaches. Programming includes:
    1. Outreach to schools & daycare centers
    2. Outreach to member’s homes for birthday parties
    3. Outreach to community centers and after school sites
    4. Outreach/ on-site private & promotional events
    5. Outdoor programming with school groups & families at a field site
    6. On-site classes for school groups, families and members 2 years – 18 years
    7. On-site drop-in programming for public
  2. Assists the Visitor Education team in delivering high quality programming and informal interactions with a range of visitors in the Aquarium’s exhibits. Interact and mentor volunteers, interns and teen staff in their role as interpreters.
  3. Assists the Education Department in other program areas such as Aquarium Lectures, Teacher Resource Center, Harbor Discoveries Camp, etc. as assigned.
  4. Performs other position-related duties, as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Minimum Training & Experience

Requires Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience (2-3 years) with an emphasis on life science, environmental science, or education.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Required:

  • Massachusetts’s driver’s license, comfortable driving a 15 passenger van. Clean driving record.
  • Basic knowledge and interest in marine biology or local field habitats.
  • Comfortable handling marine organisms.
  • Comfortable interpreting and presenting on marine science topics in the Aquarium.
  • Able to work with people of diverse ages, interests, and backgrounds.
  • Excellent interpersonal, communication, customer service and organizational skills.
  • Comfortable taking initiative and working with minimal supervision.

Preferred (any combination of the following):

  • Experience working with early childhood (ages 2 through 8).
  • Experience in public speaking and/or theater.
  • Experience supervising teen or adult volunteers or training staff.
  • Summer camp background or experience teaching in the field.
  • Knowledge of Boston neighborhoods, Boston Public Schools, and/or Boston afterschool centers.
  • Fluency in a language other than English (preferred: Spanish, Cantonese, Vietnamese, Creole, ASL).
  • Experience working with English Language Learners and/or special needs audiences.
  • First Aid, CPR, or higher life saving certification.

PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT WWW.NEAQ.ORG TO APPLY ONLINE

AFFIRMATIVE ACTION / EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER