Education Specialist

The Education Specialist (ES) will complete specialized tasks to facilitate logistics, volunteer operations, content development, and other functions under the direction and assignment of the Education Leadership team.

• The ES assigned to logistics will handle day-to-day scheduling operations of school outreach and field trip programs. They are the primary communicator between LLPA and schools.
• The ES assigned to content development will write interpretive signs, develop curriculum, and review and create other educational content.
• They will keep up with innovative best practices in the field of informal learning and interpretation.
• The ES assigned to volunteers will maintain and expand the volunteer program in the Education Department.
• They will recruit, train, and evaluate Education volunteers.
• The ES position does not include supervision of any employee or volunteer.

Qualifications:  

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional work experience preferred. Degree in education, communication, museum studies, non-profit management, or a related field strongly preferred.
•  Must be willing to submit to an additional background check required by the Utah Public Local Education Agency
•  Valid Utah driver’s license required

Critical Skills/Competencies:  

• National Association for Interpretation Certified Interpretive Guide status preferred
• Strong computer software skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office suite, Office 365, Volgistics, Galaxy, and other programs
• Excellent organization, communication, and time management skills
• High attention to detail
• Strong problem-solving skills
• Proactive and timely, able to focus and complete tasks under deadlines
• Professional, helpful attitude and ability to work with a wide variety of people including professionals, children, families, and people with disabilities
• Ability to follow animal handling protocols for animals including tarantulas, amphibians, birds, small mammals, and insects
• Strong understanding of basic science principles and teaching methods
• Strong presentation skills for both formal and informal situation
• Familiarity with 3D Science model of teaching a plus
• Bilingual English-Spanish a plus

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: 

The ES assigned to logistics:

• Acts as the primary contact for scheduling programs with schools and other organizations
• Answers questions from schools about the Education Department and the various programs offered
• Schedules visits through scheduling systems or over the phone when needed
• Directs phone calls, messages, and general questions to the appropriate individual
• Processes and manages incoming program requests
• Creates confirmation sheets and distributes them to the appropriate locations and individuals
• Books hotels and confirms travel itineraries for extended school outreach visits
• Assists with scheduling, sending emails, and providing information to teachers and guardians for the Education Department’s Summer Camp, School Break Camp, and Teacher Resources programs
• Confirms that all school outreach visits and field trip bookings have initial contact, finalized schedules, confirmation sheets, invoices if applicable, and final contact to confirm the visit or booking
• Completes other duties as assigned
• The ES assigned to content development:
• Ensures quality, engaging, accurate content across Education Department programs and materials
• Manages several projects at once
• Uses appropriate sources to learn about the subjects of Education Department programs and materials
• Learns and employs best professional practices in writing interpretive content
• Submits content projects to Education Manager for approval by all determined deadlines
• Completes other duties as assigned

The ES assigned to volunteers:

• Responds to requests for information about volunteer opportunities in the Education Department
• Conducts interviews, orientation sessions, and trainings for new Education volunteers
• Acts as a resource for Education volunteers during their shifts: greeting them, conducting pre-shift Education volunteer huddles, creating hourly schedules, and providing guidance
• Conducts regular evaluations of Education volunteers
• Maintains accurate records of Education volunteers and their schedules
• Organizes and participates in recognition programs and special events for Education volunteers
• Speaks as assigned to various community groups about volunteer opportunities in the Education Department
• Completes other duties as assigned

Physical Demands of the Job:  

• This job requires extended periods of standing as well as extended periods of sitting, including data entry, typing, and talking on the phone.
• During occasional presentations, periods of high energy and enthusiasm are essential, sometimes while holding animals up to 20 pounds.

Special Working Conditions:  

•  40 hours per week, with 10 hour shifts any time between 6:30 AM and 9:00 PM
•  May include weekends and holidays
•  Some travel may be required
• The job will primarily be in an office environment. This is a regular, full-time position.
• While this job description attempts to describe the essential functions of the position, it does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.
• It does not restrict management’s right to assign or reassign duties or responsibilities to this job at any time.
• The overall work environment while performing this job includes exposure to weather conditions and the noise level is usually moderate.
• The employee is expected to adhere to all policies and to act as a role model in the adherence to the policies.
• The Living Planet Aquarium is proud to be an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive environment for all. 
• We do not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, ancestry, creed, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or military status.   
• The Living Planet Aquarium is committed to ensuring individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application and interview process.  Should you require accommodations, please contact accommodation@livingplanetaquarium.org.