Education Specialist II, Bilingual (Elementary Educator Programs)

Monterey Bay Aquarium; Monterey (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Monterey Bay Aquarium is seeking an Education Specialist II, Bilingual to deliver education programs for PreK-12 audiences and assist in program development. The role requires Spanish-English fluency, teaching credentials, and experience with youth education.

You will supervise volunteers and coordinate multiple projects, working on-site in Monterey, CA. The position emphasizes culturally responsive education and collaboration with educators, volunteers, and staff to advance the Aquarium's

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with emphasis in natural science, education, curriculum, youth or educator development; or equivalent experience.
• Teaching credential or proof of formal teacher training.
• Fluent bilingual (English/Spanish) verbal skills required to teach and communicate in both languages.
• Fluent bilingual (English/Spanish) written proficiency required for lesson plans and emails.
• Ability to work within Monterey Bay Aquarium's Core Values and demonstrate cultural awareness.

Responsibilities

• Deliver education programs for PK-12 students and educators in English and Spanish.
• Assist in designing high-quality, mission-driven programs and coordinating multiple Education projects.
• Supervise and coach volunteers, program assistants, and interns.
• Coordinate procurement of project supplies and track participant data.
• Represent the department and Aquarium at meetings, events, and conferences.

Skills

Bilingual English/Spanish

Teaching / Education

Program coordination

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in natural science or education

Teaching credential

Tools

Google Suite

iPad apps

Web-based educational tools

Job description

Education Specialist II, Bilingual (Elementary Educator Programs)

Job Category: EDU Program Design / Delivery

Requisition Number: EDUCA002139

• Posted : September 10, 2026
• Full-Time
• On-site

Locations

Showing 1 location

Description

At the Monterey Bay Aquarium, we are passionate about creating an inclusive workplace that celebrates and values diversity. We firmly believe that having a team of diverse backgrounds and voices, working together, increases our capacity to serve our visitors and fulfill our mission.We welcome people from all backgrounds into our team and strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, veterans, and people with disabilities to apply.

The priority deadline for applications is 09/28/2026. Due to the volume of incoming applications, the role may be closed earlier than 09/28/2026.

*Bilingual Position: Core Activities and/or time allocation may change slightly based on departmental workplan and bilingual offerings as it supports the Aquarium's strategic plan and will be required to perform some core activities in both English and Spanish as assigned.

Candidates will be required to complete a language proficiency test assessment for Spanish if moved into the interview process.

Job Summary:

Under general supervision and with a focus on culturally relevant education, deliver education programs at the Aquarium and offsite for PreK - 12th grade educators and field trip groups, with a focus on Elementry educators; assist in the design of these high-quality, mission-driven programs; coordinate all aspects of multiple Education projects; supervise and coach volunteers, program assistants, and interns; perform other duties as assigned.

Core Activities:

• Program Delivery: lead existing short-term and long-term educational sessions for PK-12 students and educators, including:
  • Develop a full understanding of and expertise in the topic.
  • Gather necessary learning tools, props, documents, and/or presentation slides.
  • Recommend and implement modifications to existing learning tools, props, documents, and/or presentation slides based on the needs of the specific audience and the latest research.
  • Facilitate in-person and online activities, including leading presentations, engaging students of various ages and learning levels, answering students' questions, as well as assessing and adjusting as-needed during the sessions based on the developmental and learning needs of the specific audience.
  • Build and maintain a positive, culturally responsive program environment that encourages strong relationships among and between program participants, volunteers, and staff.
• Program Development: collaborate with colleagues to create, test, and iterate short- and long-term programs, including:
  • Front-end audience evaluation and research to understand the needs of the specific audience.
  • The identification of existing and needed curriculum for the program to meet stated learning goals.
  • The creation of program agendas with estimated timing and materials.
  • The inclusion of culturally responsive education strategies.
• Identify, schedule, and coordinate the acquisition of project supplies and resources, including food, outdoor equipment, volunteers, and educational materials, under the direction of program leads.
• Gather, enter, and maintain program participants' demographic and attendance data into division databases.
• Lead existing educational activities for PK - 12 students and/or educators at program recruitment events.
• Support leads in the program application review and acceptance process, with a focus on equity.
• Stay informed on the latest science, research, opinions, strategies, and academic standards with respect to formal and informal STEM education and programming.
• Supervise program assistants, interns, and/or volunteers as they plan and deliver parts of long-term Education programs.
• Become familiar with program budget and accounting processes, under the direction of program leads.
• Implement existing evaluation tools, ensuring protocols are maintained, such as focus groups and/or interviews.
• Represent the department, division, and the Aquarium to the public, visiting dignitaries, and the professional education community, at various meetings, events, and professional conferences. Begin to develop relationships with program participants, community members, and other educators.
• Bachelor's degree with an emphasis in natural science, formal or informal education, curriculum, youth or educator development; or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
• Teaching credential or proof of formal teacher training
• Strong understanding of marine science content and integrated STEAM educational practices
• Knowledge of Next Generation Science Standards, Common Core State Standards, teaching methods, and youth development strategies
• Two or more years of experience facilitating educational activities with PK - 12 students
• Commitment to culturally responsive education
• Demonstrated success building and maintaining positive learning environments, including strong team building skills and classroom management
• Able to write clearly, concisely, and fluently in English
• Strong organizational skills
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Strong time management skills with the ability to contribute to multiple simultaneous projects
• Flexible with changes in work priorities
• Familiarity with Monterey Bay natural history, as well as marine and basic science
• Experience and comfort in the use of technology as an educational tool with students, including but not limited to iPad apps, Google Suite, and web-based educational tools
• Fluent bilingual (English/Spanish) verbal skills required. Specifically, able to do the following in both Spanish and English: teach and present existing lesson plans and evaluations, answer participant questions, recruit for programs, communicate with guardians and educators about program logistics, converse with guardians and participants about medical needs and educational accommodations, and converse with other staff educators about program adjustments.
• Fluent bilingual (English/Spanish) written proficiency required. Specifically, able to do the following in both Spanish and English: read and follow lesson plans and slides, modify slides, and write and respond to emails.
• Culturally coherent in Spanish-speaking cultures required. Specifically, able to understand cultural implications tied to language in the above uses
• Ability to work within, and maintain, Monterey Bay Aquarium's Core Values
• Preferred skills and qualifications:
  
  • Extensive experience integrating STEAM, including experience training other educators in technology integration and maker tools
  • Fluent Spanish speaking and writing skills

Physical Requirements to Perform Essential Job Functions:

• Typical office equipment; standard vehicle, including large vans and pick-up trucks; utilize a laptop computer, tablet, cell phone, VR headset, and other hand-held technologies
• Constant sitting, standing, walking, bending; Standing to present for much of the day; regularly walking and hiking indoors and outdoors; some pushing carts of materials
• Occasional unassisted lifting up to 50 lbs.
• Typical office environment, main aquarium and exhibits, occasional offsite events; present in classrooms (Bechtel Center for Ocean Education and Leadership, Aquarium labs, etc.), and in the field (on beaches, wetlands, forests, parks, etc.); comfort in the water to be able to accompany students on water events, such as tide pooling, snorkeling, and boogie boarding

Annual Compensation Range:
$70,304-$76,000 USD annually. Starting rate will vary based on previous experience and relevant skills/knowledge set.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.