Educator

St. Louis Aquarium; St. Louis (MO); Hybrid; USD 40,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

The St. Louis Aquarium Foundation seeks an enthusiastic educator to join our team, delivering engaging K-12 classes, outreach programs, and special events. You may also support school break camps and act as a counselor for youth programs, working with volunteers and education staff.

Responsibilities include handling Ambassador animals, researching aquatic science, and assisting the Senior Educator with ongoing projects to advance conservation education and equitable access to STEM learning.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in education, science, or related field or comparable experience.
• Experience teaching preferred.
• Animal handling experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Teach K-12 classes, outreach programs, and special events.
• Counsel for school break camps and support education volunteers.
• Handle Ambassador Animal collection as part of education classes.
• Research aquatic animals and ecosystems to ensure up-to-date content.
• Assist Senior Educator and Education Manager with projects.

Skills

Presentation

Communication

Detail-oriented

Adaptability

Teamwork

Tech proficiency

Education

Bachelor’s degree in education/science/related field

Comparable experience

Job description

Educator# Educator## DescriptionThe St. Louis Aquarium Foundation is the nonprofit partner to the St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station. Our mission is to engage individuals through access, conservation, and education programs, building powerful communities for water stewardship. The education, volunteering, fundraising, and conservation programs are managed through the Aquarium Foundation. This includes managing conservation initiatives, developing and presenting STEM education programs, and our H2O Friends program, which provides free Aquarium admission to community partners and Title I schools.**Reports to:** Senior Educator**Status:** Full-time/Part-time**Schedule:** 8:30AM - 5:00PM Monday-Friday typically; occasional Saturday programs; occasional Fri-Sat overnight programming with minimum 2-week notice**Position Summary:**The St. Louis Aquarium Foundation is looking for an enthusiastic and upbeat educator to join our team. Responsibilities include teaching our K-12 classes, outreach programming for all ages, special events, and acting as a counselor for school break camps. This position may work alongside volunteers.**Essential Duties & Responsibilities:*** Act as primary teacher for programs, present engaging and interactive programs ranging from school groups, secondary, adults, family programs, laboratory and field classes, outreach programs, summer camps, and specialized classes for all identities and abilities* Handle animals from our Ambassador Animal collection (includes snakes, reptiles, insects, and amphibians) as part of education classes* Ensure all participants have a positive and educational experience* Work alongside and provide support for education volunteers* Research aquatic animals and ecosystems to ensure programs stay up to date with current science* Assist the Senior Educator and Education Manager with other projects as requested**Education & Experience:*** Bachelor’s degree in education, science, or related field **OR** comparable experience* Experience teaching preferred* Animal handling experience preferred**Critical Skills Competencies:*** Proficient in computer software applications and able to utilize spreadsheets and create high-quality documents/presentations* Detail-oriented, with strong presentation and communication skills* Capable of being a role model for youth and facilitating a positive educational experience for all identities and abilities* Ability to adapt and maintain flexibility in changing environments* Help maintain a positive work environment and work cooperatively and collaboratively within a team* Passion for conservation and marine biology is a plus!**Working Conditions and Requirements of the Job:*** Requires periods of standing and walking, sometimes outdoors; lifting objects; as well as occasional periods of sitting and working on a computer* Requires the ability to work effectively, comfortably and respectfully with all ages and a variety of backgrounds, races, and nationalities* Comfortable being trained on and using appropriate animal handling procedures per St. Louis Aquarium guidelines* May include additional weekend day/events, and evenings* Due to our facility being open 365 days a year, this position may be required to work some holidays* The St. Louis Aquarium and the St. Louis Aquarium Foundation is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, gender (including gender identity or gender expression), religion, marital or domestic partner status, age, physical, mental or medical disability, sexual orientation, citizenship, military service status, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by the state or federal law or local ordinance.## QualificationsEducation & Experience:* Bachelor’s degree in education, science or related field, with experience teaching preferred* Minimum of one year experience working with youth* Animal handling experience preferredCritical Skills Competencies:* Proficiency in a computer software applications and able to utilize spreadsheets and create high quality documents/presentations* Detail-oriented, with strong presentation and communication skills* Capable of being a role model for youth and facilitating a positive educational experience for all* Ability to adapt and maintain flexibility in changing environments* Help maintain a positive work environment and work cooperatively and collaboratively within a team* Passion for conservation and marine biology is a plus!Working Conditions and Requirements of the Job:* Requires occasional periods of standing and walking, sometimes outdoors; lifting objects; as well as periods of sitting and working on a computer* Requires the ability to work effectively, comfortably and respectfully with all ages and a variety of backgrounds, races, and nationalities* Ability to be comfortable being trained on and using appropriate animal handling procedures per St. Louis Aquarium guidelines* May include additional weekend day/events, and evenings* Due to our facility being open 365 days a year, this position may be required to work some holidaysThe St. Louis Aquarium and the St. Louis Aquarium Foundation is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, gender (including gender identity or gender expression), religion, marital or domestic partner status, age, physical, mental or medical disability, sexual orientation, citizenship, military service status, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by the state or federal law or local ordinance.