Educator

National Aquarium; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 56,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

The National Aquarium in Abu Dhabi seeks an Educator to shape memorable guest experiences through education programs and engaging talks about animals and conservation. You will prepare interactive presentations, collaborate with schools, and help develop displays and signage to enhance visitor understanding.

Requirements include a relevant bachelor’s coursework and at least two years in education or science outreach; teaching or First Aid certification is a plus.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or coursework focusing on Education, Communications, Biology or related field.
• Two years of experience in formal or non-formal education or inquiry-based teaching.
• Teaching certification and/or First Aid certification are desirable but not mandatory.

Responsibilities

• Plan and coordinate education programs (outreach, school visits, workshops, tours, camps).
• Conduct educational presentations using animals and exhibits to promote conservation.
• Develop and improve educational materials and signage for accuracy and engagement.
• Coordinate with schools and maintain liaison for education activities.
• Ensure safety procedures and daily operations are followed on the floor.
• Deliver accurate, engaging interpretive talks; answer guest questions clearly.
• Maintain knowledge of aquarium activities and hours; stay informed about Al Qana Project.
• Complete all relevant documentation and participate in training as provided.

Skills

Public speaking

Customer service

Communication

Presentation skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree or coursework in Education/Communications/Biology

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Job Description:

Position Summary

The Educators at The National Aquarium are the front face to our visitors. Your role is very important and directly contributes to creating a memorable experience to our visitors. The Educators have the opportunity to learn about the animals at our aquarium, teach about their habits and habitats and develop an appreciation for nature, training will be provided to enhance customer service skills and preparation to interact with the visitors, promote environmental awareness through education and engagement with the animals.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and coordinate education programs such as group outreach programs, school visit, sleepovers, workshops, guided tours, summer camps, pop-ups and other educational recreational programs.
• Conduct educational presentations using animals and other exhibits, and utilizing the aquariums resources to enhance public understanding and appreciation of wildlife and support for conservation of endangered species.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement, development and design of educational initiatives, displays, signage and written materials for appropriateness and accuracy of data.
• Maintain liaison and coordinate education activities with schools visiting the aquarium and school visits.
• Adhere to company Health & Safety procedures at all times, being responsible for your own health & safety and that of others, ensuring fire precautions and emergency procedures are carried out as defined.
• Monitoring of the animals on display and reporting unusual behavior to an Aquarist or your supervisor.
• Ensure your work area is ready for operation according to the policies and procedures manual. Including but not limited to free of rubbish, acrylic is clean, music is playing and microphones/headsets are working.
• Need to ensure all interpretive talks are accurate, engaging, entertaining and consistently delivered.
• To have a high knowledge of all the animals on display and be able to answer guests questions in an appropriate way or have the ability to source to appropriate answer in a timely fashion.
• To learn detailed information about the Aquarium and basic information about the Al Qana Project. Ensure you know the operational hours and prices. Have a high knowledge about the other actives running within the National Aquarium at any time as well as basic knowledge of the upcoming activities.
• Carry out other duties as and when required as requested by your line manager.
• To know, understand and follow all safety policies and procedures related to the Front of House department.
• Ensure the safety of guests, colleagues and animals remains the highest priority.
• Report all safety issues immediately to your management team.
• Provide world-class guest service to all guests visiting The National Aquarium.
• Go above and beyond to exceed guest expectations.
• Follow and practice guest service guidelines.
• Ensure working and public areas are always clean and presentable for our staff and guests alike.
• Uniform and personal appearance should always be in conjunction with the style guide.
• Be knowledgeable of and willing to share information regarding all of aquarium’s products to guests.
• Contribution to success of the Front of House department and The National Aquarium as a whole.
• Engage in your job role and actively participate in the team-working environment.
• Support the team and all other aspects of The National Aquarium operation as required.
• Complete of all relevant documentation to standards expected by The National Aquarium.
• Undergo all training as provided by The National Aquarium.
• Work with your Supervisor in coaching sessions to review and improve your performance to ensure you achieve the highest standards possible.
• Develop yourself as per The National Aquarium employee development plan.

Internal and External Communication:

• When in need for assistance to address a situation on the floor communicate with the Duty Manager or Supervisor present during the shift.
• Report any abnormality of the animals to Duty Manager or Aquarists available in the zone.
• Follow the etiquette and guidelines for communication with visitors of any kind.
• Maintain a courteous communication with team members of the Aquarium and neighbour facilities.

Position Requirements:

Educational Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree or coursework with focus on Education, Communications, Biology or any field considered relatable to the role.

Work Experience:

• Two years of experience in formal or non-formal education and inquiry-based teaching.
• Working experience in animal facilities or entertainment facilities with emphasis on customer service.
• Experience in working with a diverse team in multidisciplinary set-ups.

Certifications and Accreditation:

• Teaching certification (desirable but not mandatory)
• First Aid Certificate (desirable but not mandatory)

Languages:

• English
• Arabic (desirable but not mandatory)

Computer Literacy:

• Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

Skills & Other Requirement:

• Desire to learn about animals and to be working around them
• Ability to deliver public presentations in a formal classroom setup as well as the general public.
• Good physical condition, strength and mobility is required.
• Must have excellent customer service skills.
• Must be comfortable with talking to groups of different sizes.
• Be prepared to work long or unsociable hours, weekends and public holidays.
• Trained or willing to be trained in First Aid, CPR, AED.