At the Monterey Bay Aquarium, we are passionate about creating an inclusive workplace that celebrates and values diversity. We firmly believe that having a team of diverse backgrounds and voices, working together, increases our capacity to serve our visitors and fulfill our mission. We welcome people from all walks of life into our team and strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, veterans, and people with disabilities to apply.
Priority deadline for applications is 8/31/2026. Due to the volume of incoming applications, the role may be closed earlier than 8/31/2026.
Job Summary:
Under direct supervision and with a focus on culturally relevant education, deliver education programs at the Aquarium and offsite for PreK-12th grade school groups, teens, teachers and/or community members; provide logistical program support, coordinating the acquisition of project supplies and resources; supervise volunteers; perform other duties as assigned.
*Bilingual Position: Core Activities and/or time allocation may change slightly based on departmental workplan and bilingual offerings as it supports the Aquarium’s strategic plan and will be required to perform some core activities in both English and Spanish as assigned.
Candidates will be required to complete a language proficiency test assessment for Spanish if moved into the interview process.
Core Activities:
- Program Delivery: Lead existing short-term educational sessions for PK-12 students, including:
- Develop a full understanding of and expertise in the topic
- Gather necessary learning tools, props, documents, and/or presentation slides, and setting up classrooms.
- Facilitate in-person and online activities, including leading in-person presentations, engaging students of various ages and learning levels, answering students’ questions, as well as assessing and adjusting as-needed during the sessions based on the developmental and learning needs of the specific audience
- Build and maintain a positive, culturally responsive learning environment
- Schedule and coordinate the acquisition of program supplies, including food, outdoor equipment, and educational materials, under the direction of program leads.
- Enter program participants’ demographic and attendance data into division databases.
- Lead existing short-term educational activities for PK-12 students at program recruitment events.
- Oversee volunteers as they help set up short-term Education programs and as they support students and chaperones in completing activities.
- Administer simple existing evaluation tools, ensuring protocols are maintained, such as quick cards and/or surveys.
- Represent the department, division, and the Aquarium to the public, visiting dignitaries, and the professional education community, at various meetings, events, and professional conferences.
Preferred Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs):
- Bachelor’s degree with an emphasis in natural science, formal or informal education, curriculum, youth or educator development; or equivalent combination of education, training and experience
- Understanding or knowledge of marine science content and/or integrated STEM educational practices
- Knowledge of national and state standards, teaching methods, or youth development strategies
- Demonstrated success facilitating educational activities with PK-12 students
- Commitment to culturally responsive education
- Able to write clearly, concisely, and fluently in English
- Effective speaking skills
- Effective interpersonal skills
- Effective time management skills with the ability to support multiple simultaneous projects
- Flexible with changes in work priorities
- Comfort using technology as an educational tool with students, including but not limited to iPad apps, Google Suite, and web-based educational tools
- Fluent bilingual (English/Spanish) verbal skills required. Specifically, able to do the following in both Spanish and English: teach and present existing lesson plans and evaluations, answer participant questions, recruit for programs, communicate with guardians and educators about program logistics, converse with guardians and participants about medical needs and educational accommodations, and converse with other staff educators about program adjustments.
- Fluent bilingual (English/Spanish) written proficiency required. Specifically, able to do the following in both Spanish and English: read and follow lesson plans and slides, modify slides, and write and respond to emails.
- Culturally coherent in Spanish-speaking cultures required. Specifically, able to understand cultural implications tied to language in the above uses.
- Ability to work within and maintain Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Core Values
- Based on program focus, may prefer added qualifications: 1) teaching credential, 2) extensive experience integrating STEAM, including experience training other educators in technology integration and maker tools, and managing Apple hardware
Physical Requirements to Perform Essential Job Functions:
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Typical office equipment; standard vehicle, including large vans and pick-up trucks; utilize a laptop computer, tablet, cell phone, VR headset, and other hand-held technologies
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Constant sitting, standing, walking, bending; Standing to present for much of the day; regularly walking and hiking indoors and outdoors; Some pushing carts of materials
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Occasional unassisted lifting up to 50 lbs
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Typical office environment, main aquarium and exhibits, occasional offsite events; ; present in classrooms (Bechtel Center for Ocean Education and Leadership, Aquarium labs, etc.) and in the field (on beaches, wetlands, forests, parks, etc.); comfort in the water to be able to accompany students on water events, such as tide pooling, snorkeling, and boogie boarding.
Hourly Compensation Range:
$25.77-$29.33 USD per hour. Starting rate will vary based on previous experience and relevant skills/knowledge set.
