Minimum starting pay for this role is $31.50 per hour. Additional consideration will be given, depending on relevant qualifications and experience. This position primarily coordinates and delivers educational programs for pre-K to 12th-grade school groups and teachers. Specific initiatives include on-site classroom programs for visiting school field trips, online teacher resources, family science nights, homeschool events, and leading grant-funded professional development opportunities. This staff member will also teach school and public programs and support floor interpretation as needed.
- The role supports the Education Department’s administration through guest coordination, scheduling, budget and metric tracking, ordering and inventory management, and guest communications.
- While the School and Teacher Programs Coordinator is not responsible for direct supervision of other education staff members, the position requires informal leadership and directed training and coaching of staff related to the implementation of their programs.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Coordinate the logistical and pedagogical elements of on-site school and teacher programs in five different teaching spaces, special events, and teacher workshops.
- Maintain an on-site five-day work schedule, Tuesday- Saturday, with varying start times to meet program operational needs.
- Ensure the safety and well-being of program participants and staff through protocols, communication with teachers and chaperones, and creative solutions.
- Work with management to plan strategies to continually evaluate programs.
- Adapt, update, and create new on-site school and teacher program materials and resources as needed to serve the changing needs of the audience.
- Maintain Guest Support Center protocols for school program bookings and website listings.
- Facilitate public and school programs, both on-site, online, and in the community.
- Assist in the onboarding and training of new educator staff members in implementing school programs.
- Support daily department operations, including ordering and inventory, reviewing monthly staff schedule drafts, tracking spending, and ensuring the office is ready for daily operations.
- Work with management and cross departments to report on the progress and support new grant-funded projects.
- Serve as the point-person for the department 1-2 days a week by answering radio calls, phone calls, and ensuring coverage on both the interpretation and volunteer schedules.
- Provide daily visitor support, including on-the-floor interpretation, shows, and station coverage.
- Train and serve as a resource for volunteers and interns.
KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS
- Strong background and training in the field of education and the implementation of education programs for school audiences. Effective use of instructional strategies to engage a variety of ages, group sizes, and abilities.
- Ability to work well with others in a team atmosphere.
- Excellent written communication skills, including phone manners.
- Excellent internal and external customer service.
- Outstanding time management and organizational skills.
- Ability to proactively solve problems and find solutions to complex problems. Making decisions that align with program and department goals.
- Proficiency in basic computer functions and applications for coordination tools such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
- Ability to focus on projects in a shared workspace with frequent interruptions.
- Ability to interact successfully with other zoos, aquariums, and informal education centers regarding related programs.
- Desire to instill a sense of wonder, respect, and stewardship for the Pacific Ocean, its inhabitants, and ecosystems
- Willingness to learn ecological, biological, and conservation principles.
QUALIFICATIONS
- To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.
- Minimum of two years of teaching experience in a formal and/or informal setting. Experience leading teacher workshops or coordinating school programs is a plus.
- Demonstrated ability to reflect and improve job performance.
- Experience supporting or leading project logistics.
- Bachelor’s degree in biology or related field preferred. Equivalent experience will be considered.
- Experience training, coaching, or mentoring peers or colleagues in a professional setting.
- Valid California driver’s license or the eligibility to attain one.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
- The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by the individual to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Ability to sit, stand, and walk for long periods of time
- Ability to balance, bend, squat, climb, kneel, crawl, twist
- Ability to lift and carry up to 0-50lbs
- Ability to pull and push up to 0-100lbs
- Full functional range of motion in all major body joints, from reaching, twisting, bending, simple and power gripping, fine and gross motor skills
- Ability to function while on board a mid-sized ocean vessel
MENTAL DEMANDS
- The mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by the individual to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Excellent conflict resolution skills to address issues and maintain positive relationships.
- Resilience and ability to maintain composure and handle difficult situations with professionalism in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong problem-solving skills to analyze issues and find effective solutions.
- Ability to prioritize tasks and work efficiently under pressure.
- Flexibility and adaptability to handle changes in schedules or responsibilities.
- Critical thinking and decision-making abilities to handle complex situations.
- Empathy and emotional intelligence to understand and respond to the needs of colleagues or customers.
- Ability to cope with occasional illness, injury, or loss of animals.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
- The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an individual encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Aquarium galleries, classrooms, theater, and informal learning environment
- Offsite areas conducting programs as needed
- Outside environments in varying weather conditions
- Open ocean environments
- Exposure to various temperatures, humidity, or wetness
- Exposure to common allergens, such as shellfish
- Wet, dirty, uneven surfaces and walkways
Exposure to confined spaces
INTERESTED & QUALIFIED?
- If you meet the requirements of this position, click on the link below to “APPLY NOW.” You will be directed to our web application process, the successful completion of which is required by all applicants. There are THREE simple steps to this process, which is administered by Hire Select:
- You will complete a brief web application;
- You will attach or build your resume;
- You will complete the PCI aptitude assessment.
- Upon completion of all THREE steps, your submission will be forwarded to our hiring team for consideration.
- If you are among the most qualified applicants, we will contact you within two to three weeks.
- If you do not hear from us within that time, feel free to reapply in the future as other opportunities arise.
- Thank you so much for your interest in the Aquarium of the Pacific!
- Aquarium of the Pacific is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome and celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all staff.
