Youth & Community Educator

Tennessee-Aquarium; Chattanooga (TN); On-site; USD 18,000 - 26,000; Part time

Job summary

The Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga is seeking a Youth and Community Education Assistant to support the Education Department's mission of connecting people with nature and fostering conservation-minded learning. You will engage visitors with engaging, research-based methods during aquarium hours and at special events.

Responsibilities include facilitating youth and community programs, supporting staff training, and participating in program evaluation.

Qualifications

• Experience in informal or formal education preferred.
• Some classes in Environmental Sciences, Biology, Science Education, or related field preferred.
• First Aid/CPR Certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist in facilitation of youth programs and community programs, including day camps and evening events.
• Support training needs for seasonal camp staff, volunteers, and education hires.
• Use inquiry-based learning and interactive experiences to engage participants.
• Encourage inquiry, adapt programs for diverse audiences, and participate in program evaluation.
• Follow protocols for ambassador animal handling and earn program certificates.
• Participate in Education Department meetings and events; assist as needed.

Skills

Communication skills

Problem solving

Organizational skills

Bilingual (English, Spanish, or ASL)

Team collaboration

Empathy

Education

Environmental Sciences coursework / related field

Job description

Tennessee Aquarium
Chattanooga, TN 37402, USA

Description

The Youth and Community position supports the mission of the Tennessee Aquarium to connect people with nature and empower them to make informed decisions about water and wildlife. The Education Department is passionate about lifelong learning, respect for conservation, a recognition of the abilities of all people and of their experiences, the value of both using and contributing to research about informal education, and a collaborative, learning-based, respectful work environment. This position will engage program participants and visitors utilizing best practices in education and conservation messaging during aquarium hours as well as after hours for special events/programs.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in the facilitation of youth programs and community programs. This may include, but is not limited to, day camps, early childhood programs, and evening events.
• Assist and support with training needs including but not limited to seasonal camp staff training, counselor-in-training volunteers, and education new hire orientations/training as needed.
• Use suitable research-based education methods, such as techniques for engagement, inquiry based learning, and interactive experiences, while facilitating education programming of different types and for various ages.
• Encourage participants to actively discover, question, and engage in science-based programs inside and outside the Aquarium. Display adaptability by making impromptu changes to programs to meet the needs of various audiences.
• Participate in facilitation of program evaluation.
• Follow all protocols related to ambassador animal handling along with obtaining and maintaining animal program certificates.
• Actively participate in Education Department meetings, professional learning, events, and special projects, when applicable.
• Ability and willingness to assist with any program needs of the education department.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required

• Comfort with learning to handle a variety of ambassador animals including invertebrates, fish, reptiles, amphibians, small birds, and small mammals. This may include, but is not limited to various species of snakes, insects, marine invertebrates, and frogs.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with other departments and organizations.
• Excellent communication, problem solving, and organizational skills.
• Resilience and ability to maintain composure and handle difficult situations with professionalism in a fast-paced environment.
• Empathy and emotional intelligence to understand and respond to the needs of colleagues or customers.
• Bilingual in English, Spanish, or ASL preferred.

Educational/Experience Requirements

• Minimum of six months of experience in informal or formal education preferred.
• Previous camp and/or overnight program experience preferred.
• Some classes in Environmental Sciences, Biology, Science Education, or a related field preferred.
• First Aid/CPR Certification preferred.

License or Certification Required

• Valid driver’s license required to drive Aquarium vehicles

Working Conditions

• Work within indoor environments that may be warm, cool, and occasionally wet.
• Work in outdoor environments during all seasons and weather conditions.
• Crowded and loud environments indoors.
• Driving or riding in Aquarium vehicles for extended periods of time.
• Includes weekends, evenings, and holidays based on program needs.

Physical Demands

• Frequent walking, bending, and lifting (up to 50 lbs.) in different terrains.
• Standing for extended periods.
• Engaging with guests for extended periods.

Part-time, hourly ($16.00/hour); Includes weekends, evenings, and holidays based on program needs. No set schedule – schedules provided with minimum 2 weeks’ notice.

All submissions must be received by September 28, 2026, at 5:00 PM EST.

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.