AGLOW Education Host

SC Aquarium; Charleston (SC); On-site; USD 17,000 - 22,000; Part time

Job summary

South Carolina Aquarium is seeking a seasonal Interpretive Guest Educator to support Aquarium Aglow events in Charleston. Shifts run 5:00pm–9:30pm on select November/December nights, with weekends required and full availability between December 18–31, 2026.

Responsibilities include gallery interpretation, touch tank facilitation, and live animal encounters, along with presenting educational talks to groups of 10–200 guests. Prior interpretation experience is preferred.

Qualifications

• Interest in developing interpretation skills.
• Ability to work with audiences of all ages.
• Must be able to give educational interpretive talks to groups of 10-200 people.
• Skills to combine creativity, enthusiasm, and exemplary engagement of visitors.
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Must be a team player and self-motivated.
• Ability to maintain a sense of humor.
• Must be able to facilitate live animal encounters.
• Professional image required.
• Must have a working knowledge of Aquarium exhibits and animals.
• Ability to work weekends and evenings throughout the entire promotion timeline (will receive around 10-20 hours per week with option to receive more over holiday weeks).

Responsibilities

• Adhere to the South Carolina Aquarium Policies.
• Provide an exceptional visitor experience for all guests.
• Engage guests of Aquarium Aglow through gallery interpretation, touch tank facilitation, and educational public presentations.
• Develop familiarity with all aquarium exhibits, services and events to become an information resource for guests.
• Assist in event set up and tear down.
• Support other departments as-needed to ensure smooth operation of the Aglow promotion.
• Other duties as required.

Skills

Interpretation skills

Audience engagement

Public speaking

Communication skills

Team player

Live animal encounters

Exhibit knowledge

Weekend/evening availability

Education

Bachelor's Degree in science/interpretation/education (or in progress)

Job description

Job Summary:

This seasonal position will primarily work during Aquarium Aglow, a seasonal event at the Aquarium with shifts that run from 5:00pm - 9:30pm on select nights in November and December 2026. Exact shift times may vary each night. Weekends are required. Full availability between December 18 and December 31 is required. Guaranteed days off on November 26, December 24 and December 25.

Essential Functions:

• Adhere to the South Carolina Aquarium Policies
• Provide an exceptional visitor experience for all guests
• Engage guests of Aquarium Aglow through gallery interpretation, touch tank facilitation, and educational public presentations
• Develop familiarity with all aquarium exhibits, services and events in order to become an information resource to our guests
• Assist in event set up and tear down
• Support other departments as-needed to ensure smooth operation of the Aglow promotion
• Other duties as required

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Interest in developing interpretation skills
• Ability to work with audiences of all ages
• Must be able to give educational interpretive talks to groups of 10-200 people
• Skills needed to combine creativity, enthusiasm, and exemplary engagement of visitors
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills, both written and verbal
• Must be a team player and self-motivated
• Ability to maintain a sense of humor
• Must be able to facilitate live animal encounters
• Professional image required
• Must have a working knowledge of Aquarium exhibits and animals
• Ability to work weekends and evenings throughout the entire promotion timeline (will receive around 10-20 hours per week with option to receive more over holiday weeks)

Education and Experience Required:

• Hold or working toward a Bachelor's Degree in science, interpretation, education or related field or have interest in a similar field of study.

Licenses and Certifications Required:

• Valid Driver's License
• First Aid, CPR, and AED - preferred

Supervision of others:

• N/A

Physical Requirements:

Often requires carrying up to 50 lbs, walking, standing, bending, stooping, crouching, sitting, pushing and pulling, computer and phone tasks.

Working Conditions:

Often requires working outdoors sometimes in cold/windy conditions, contact with public, rotating shifts, working weekends and required to carry a two-way radio.