Youth Engagement Coordinator

The Seattle Aquarium, a leading marine conservation organization, is looking for a Youth Engagement Mentor II to join the volunteer engagement team.  This position works with the Youth Engagement team to implement the Youth Ocean Advocates volunteer program for high school age youth in a manner that is both beneficial to the youth participating in the program and to the Aquarium’s mission.   

Youth Engagement Mentors (YEM’s) assist in stewarding a suite of service-based programs for high school and middle school aged youth including the Youth Ocean Advocates (YOA) volunteer program, Marine Science Club, Youth Ocean Conservation Summit (YOCS), and additional youth learning and service opportunities.  These programs value the diverse young people of our region, including members of the BIPOC, LGBTQ+ and disability community, as present and future partners and leaders in ocean conservation.  The position will work to improve the program, particularly our focus on developing a program which is welcoming of all youth and is respectful and appreciative of our community’s diversity.  Further, this position will support planning, equitable recruitment and administrative functions of the program. This work includes supervising, mentoring, and supporting youth volunteers, leading field conservation activities, delivering trainings, and leading field trips with and for youth.  

Experience Required

• 2 years of experience working in informal or cultural education, and/OR a combination of experience and education to meet the minimum requirements of the position.
• Interest and experience working with or mentoring diverse populations of youth utilizing positive youth development principles and practices focusing on the strengths and opportunities associated with high school aged youth.
• Demonstrates an understanding of the Aquarium’s Mission and Values, including Regenerative and Equity work.
• A demonstrated commitment to and experience building a positive, welcoming culture respectful of the diversity in our community.
• Enthusiasm for and skills in networking, developing relationships with people from diverse backgrounds and building strong ties with the youth-serving community.
• Proven ability to work effectively with people from a wide array of cultures and communities.
• Demonstrated commitment to environmental justice and desire to serve, engage and work in solidarity with communities that are disproportionally affected by environmental degradation.
• Interest and personal, cultural, or professional experience in marine science, conservation, and environmental justice. Excellent oral and written communication skills, including experience delivering formal presentations. Multilingual and multicultural communication skills and experience are preferred. Consistently and proactively communicate, track, and organize work to keep self on track and others in the loop.
• Ability to shift priorities in a rapidly changing work environment. Washington driver’s license (or eligibility to obtain one upon arrival).
• Position will require driving Aquarium vehicles for field trips, including a 15-passenger van.
• Adult, child and baby first aid and CPR/AED training and certification required within 30 days of employment. Resources on where to obtain low cost/free training will be provided.