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 walks of life into our team and strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, veterans, and people with disabilities to apply.
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 school groups, teens, teachers and/or community members; assist in the design of these high-quality, mission-driven programs; coordinate all aspects of multiple Education projects; supervise and coaches 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, 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.
Preferred Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs):
- 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
- Strong understanding of marine science content and integrated STEM educational practices
- Knowledge of national and 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
- Able to write clearly, concisely, and fluently in English
- Strong speaking skills
- 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
- Ability to work within, and maintain Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Core Values
- Based on program focus, may prefer added qualifications:
- teaching credential
- extensive experience integrating STEAM, including experience training other educators in technology integration and maker tools, and managing Apple hardware
- fluent Spanish speaking and writing skills
Physical Requirements to Perform Essential Job Functions:
- Drive a standard vehicle, including large vans and pick-up trucks; utilize a laptop computer, tablet, cell phone, VR headset, and other hand-held technologies; 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
- 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, fieldwork (beach and coastal shoreline), ocean
Hourly Compensation Range:
$28.27- $34.62 USD per hour. Starting Rate will vary based on previous experience and relevant skill/knowledge set.