Aquarium Educator

Maritime-Aquarium; East Norwalk (CT); On-site; USD 26,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

The Maritime Aquarium is seeking a full-time, in-person Aquarium Educator to teach a wide variety of programs onsite, offsite, aboard the Aquarium’s vessel, and online. You will use high-quality instructional strategies, participate in training, and attend department meetings.

This role runs Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM, with occasional evening/weekend hours. The hourly pay range is $19–$25 per hour, and a valid driver’s license is required.

Qualifications

• B.A./B.S. in science and/or education with a focus in biology, ecology, oceanography or related field, plus 2–3 years of teaching experience.
• Demonstrated teaching and presentation skills.
• Strong English written and verbal skills.
• Strong computer competencies with Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, and Excel).
• Excellent time management, organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to lift 60 pounds and work in environments such as forests, streams, coastal habitats in varying weather.
• Current driver’s license with a clean driving record.

Responsibilities

• Lead or assist educator in preparing and presenting classroom, gallery-based and field-based programs for a range of ages.
• Duties include class prep/set-up/take-down, teacher communication, and presenting curricula with live animals and educational tools.
• Administrative tasks: organizing and restocking education materials; attend required staff trainings and meetings.

Skills

Teaching

Presentation skills

English communication

Microsoft Office

Time management

Interpersonal skills

Physical stamina

Education

B.A./B.S. in science or education (biology/ecology/oceanography focus)

Tools

Word

PowerPoint

Excel

Job description

The Maritime Aquarium’s mission is to ignite a connection to Long Island Sound and the ocean to enrich the lives of all people and inspire action to protect our blue planet. For 38 years, the Aquarium has played a significant role in shaping the landscape of Norwalk and the region. The second largest family attraction in Connecticut, and 50 miles from New York City, the Aquarium hosts nearly 450,000 guests annually. Its primary exhibits take guests on a voyage from the shallow salt marshes and estuaries to the depths of the Long Island Sound and the ocean beyond, culminating with habitats for sharks and harbor seals.

Altogether, the Aquarium is home to more than 8,000 animals and 285 species in 75 exhibits. Anew 4D Theater offers a unique sensory film experience for guests. Its education programs introduce nearly 50,000 students, campers and scouts to marine and STEM education. The Aquarium is recognized as a top aquarium in the nation and is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. It is an active participant in the local and regional community. The strength of the Aquarium is its approximately 97 full-time and 78 part-time employees, seasonal staff, and our volunteers.

Position Description

The Aquarium Educator teaches a wide variety of programs: onsite, offsite, aboard the Aquarium’s vessel, and online. Responsible for using high-quality instructional strategies, attending training, and department meetings.

This is a full-time in-person position working Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM, with occasional evening and weekend hours as needed. The hourly pay range for this role is $19-$25 per hour.

Required Qualifications

• B.A. B.S. in science and/or education with a focus in biology, ecology, oceanography or related field, plus 2-3 years of experience teaching in formal and/or informal science education settings, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated teaching and presentation skills.
• Strong English written and verbal skills.
• Strong computer competencies with the ability to use the Microsoft Office suite of programs (Word, PowerPoint, and Excel).
• Excellent time management, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to lift 60 pounds and work in a variety of natural environments (e.g. forests, stream/river habitats and coastal habitats) in a range of weather conditions.
• Current driver’s license with a clean driving record.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience in early childhood education

Essential Functions

• Teaching
  • Assume role of lead or assistant educator in preparing and presenting classroom, exhibit gallery-based and field-based programs targeting children and adults representing a range of ages. Includes duties related to:
    • Class preparation / set-up / take-down;
    • Teacher communication;
    • The presentation of prepared curricula utilizing a variety of educational aids (e.g. live animals, audio/visual equipment, artifacts, microscopes, dissecting kits)
• Administrative and professional development
  • The organization, inventory, and restocking of education materials and supplies.
  • Attend all required staff training and meetings.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

The Maritime Aquarium is an equal opportunity employer with a commitment to diversity. All individuals, regardless of personal characteristics, are encouraged to apply.