Education Programs Instructor

Come Join Us In Reshaping The Future Join a team of passionate individuals at Charleston's No. 1 family attraction! Every South Carolina Aquarium employee plays a crucial part in helping us care for sick and injured sea turtles, provide education programming for students, continue critical conservation work and create an exceptional visitor experience.

• Inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility are core values of our institution, and we are committed to fostering a workplace filled with active participation from diverse voices throughout all departments and leadership roles.
• We look forward to applications from all who qualify, and we encourage people of color, LGBTQIA+ individuals, veterans and those with disabilities to apply.
• The South Carolina Aquarium is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).

​​​​​Job Summary:

• The primary responsibilities of the Education Programs Coordinator will be to work with the Senior School Programs Manager to coordinate all virtual programming for the Aquarium and other education programming with the opening of the Boeing Learning Lab.
• The main duties of this position will be coordinating and teaching virtual programs as well as helping with the transition of new programming in the Boeing Learning Lab.
• In addition to responsibilities listed above, this position will also help with outreach, school programs and visitor experience.

Essential Functions:

• Coordinate Virtual Field Trips, Virtual Events and Partner Broadcasts for all virtual programs.
• Coordinate the Aquarium's Aquabot (Robot) programs with hospital and other venues.
• Work with marketing to create YouTube shorts (videos) for the Aquarium's YouTube channel.
• Work closely with Sea Turtle Release Team to determine live stream needs for turtle releases.
• Help create and pilot new education programs with the opening of the Boeing Learning Lab.
• Learn and use Altru reservation software. This includes taking payment and up keeping reservations.
• Teach virtual programs weekly and coordinate with manager for other staffing needs.
• Work closely with Education Instructor for programming help.
• Evaluate program success and make changes as needed. Create new programs to meet demands of audience.
• Upkeep program stats and work closely with manager and Advancement to provide information for continued grant funding.
• Model and evaluate effective teaching techniques for science-based instruction.
• Integrate state and national science standards, as well as standards and themes from other disciplines, into K-12 school program content delivery.
• Help maintain South Carolina Aquarium on-line curriculum to meet audience needs.
• Upkeep purchase card and expense reporting for programming.
• Teach K-12 school programs for groups of visiting students as needed.
• Participate in outreach programs as needed.
• Engage guests through daily shows, guided tours, and gallery interpretation as needed.
• Assist in member and community programs.
• Ability to adapt to changing work plans as the Aquarium grows and changes.
• Adhere to the South Carolina Aquarium Policies.

Other Duties and Responsibilities:

• Support the mission by participating in Aquarium sponsored programs and events on a regular basis.
• Collaborate with other Aquarium divisions and departments to ensure the success of programs.
• SCA 1st Responder.
• Other duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of science and South Carolina ecosystems.
• Good working knowledge of the science standards at both the state and national level.
• Demonstrated knowledge of interactive, inquiry-based teaching and learning skills.
• Skills needed to combine creativity, enthusiasm, and exemplary teaching methods to engage school children in science related activities.
• Must have valid driver's license and the ability to drive small to large size vehicles (car, truck, large van).
• Ability to work some weekends, early mornings, evenings, overnights and long days, as needed.
• Experience using Microsoft Word, spreadsheet programs and e-mail.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and produce high quality work while meeting deadlines.
• Must have strong reasoning and risk management skills to work with students/people of all ages.
• Outstanding interpretive skills.
• Excellent group presentation and management skills.
• Ability to work with audiences of all ages.
• Ability to maintain a sense of humor.
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Excellent organizational skills with ability to organize tasks and meet deadlines.
• Strong teamwork ethic and leadership skills.
• High quality standards.
• High approachability and flexibility.
• Must be able to work effectively with all personalities.
• Experience and/or willingness to work with a variety of animals including reptiles, amphibians, mammals, birds and invertebrates.

Licenses & Certifications Required:

• Valid Driver's License
• First Aid, CPR and AED - required to either possess or obtain prior to start date

Supervision of Others:

• N/A

Physical Requirements:

• Often requires standing or sitting, carrying up to 50 lbs, and driving; average walking, bending stooping, crouching, climbing ladders, knelling, balancing, pushing and pulling, computer and phone tasks and travel.

Working Conditions:

• Usually normal office environment with public contact; rotating schedules and weekend work on occasion.
• Also, occasional overnight travel.
• Outdoor work required and must wear a radio for communication.
• The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification.
• They are not construed to be an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by the personnel classified.

Experience Required

• Education and Experience Required: Bachelor of Arts in science or education preferred.
• 3-5 years teaching experience in formal or informal education settings.
• Some virtual program experience.
• Some program/project coordination experience.
• Must be familiar with state and national science standards

Perks

• Full benefits package including medical,
• dental,
• vision,
• life and disability insurance,
• 401k with employer match,
• paid holidays,
• family bonding leave,
• parental leave,
• and generous paid time off.

Salary

• $38K-$42K per year