Aquarium Educator Jobs
Aquarium educators are the bridge between marine science and the public. They design and deliver programs that connect visitors of all ages with ocean conservation, marine biology, and environmental stewardship. If you love science and you love people, this is one of the most rewarding careers an aquarium can offer.
We list educator positions from public aquariums, marine science centers, and conservation organizations. New openings are added regularly, so bookmark this page or check back often.
What Does an Aquarium Educator Do?
Education roles at aquariums cover a broad spectrum of responsibilities:
- Program delivery: Leading guided tours, animal encounters, dive shows, and interactive presentations for visitors ranging from toddlers to retirees.
- Curriculum development: Creating lesson plans, activity guides, and educational materials and frameworks.
- School and group programs: Facilitating field trips, lab activities, and overnight programs for K-12 students. This is often the largest part of an education department's work.
- Camp and youth programs: Running summer camps, teen volunteer programs, and after-school clubs. These programs are major revenue drivers for many aquariums.
- Volunteer and docent management: Recruiting, training, and supporting volunteers who form the front line of visitor engagement.
- Community outreach: Bringing programs to schools, libraries, community centers, and events beyond the aquarium walls, often focused on reaching underserved audiences.
Job titles in this field include Educator, Education Specialist, Program Coordinator, Outreach Manager, and Director of Education. Many positions blend public speaking, content creation, and hands-on animal interaction.
How to Become an Aquarium Educator
Most aquarium educators start with a bachelor's degree in marine science, biology, education, environmental studies, or science communication. But what really sets candidates apart is experience in informal education settings: museums, nature centers, zoos, or aquariums. Completing an education internship at an aquarium is one of the best ways to get your foot in the door.
Many educators enter through part-time positions or camp counselor positions and move into full-time roles as they build experience. Strong public speaking skills, comfort working with all age groups, and a genuine ability to make complex science accessible and fun are what hiring managers look for above almost everything else.
Browse our current listings below, or use the search to find positions in your area. New opportunities are added regularly, so check back often or join our newsletter to get notified of new postings.
Frequently Asked Questions About Aquarium Educator Jobs
What qualifications do I need to become an aquarium educator?
Most positions require a bachelor's degree in marine science, biology, education, environmental studies, or science communication. Experience in informal or museum education is highly valued, and for many hiring managers it matters more than which specific degree you hold. Strong public speaking skills, comfort working with diverse audiences from young children to adults, and genuine enthusiasm for marine life are essential.
What does a typical day look like for an aquarium educator?
No two days are exactly the same, which is part of the appeal. A morning might start with leading a school group through a guided tour or lab activity. The afternoon could involve developing new curriculum, training volunteers, or prepping materials for an upcoming camp session. Many educators also handle live animals during presentations and participate in outreach events on evenings or weekends. Expect to be on your feet and talking to people most of the day.
What is the career path for aquarium educators?
A common path starts with part-time roles or camp counselor roles, then moves to full-time Educator, Education Specialist, Program Coordinator, Education Manager, and eventually Director of Education or VP of Guest Experience. Some educators specialize along the way in curriculum design, community outreach, digital content, or accessibility programming. Others transition into related fields like science communication, nonprofit management, or museum leadership.
Do aquarium educators handle animals?
Often, yes. Many education programs involve live animal encounters, touch tanks, and behind-the-scenes experiences where educators present and handle invertebrates, small fish, or other ambassador animals. The level of animal interaction varies by institution, but comfort around live animals is expected in most roles. If you're looking for deeper animal care responsibilities, you may want to explore aquarist roles instead.
Can I become an aquarium educator with a science degree but no education background?
Absolutely. Many aquarium educators come from pure science backgrounds and learn education skills on the job. Aquariums care more about your ability to communicate science clearly and engage an audience than whether you studied pedagogy formally. Volunteering at a museum or nature center, leading campus outreach, or tutoring are all easy ways to build that experience before applying.
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