Position:  Education Interpreter I or II
Location:  Jekyll Island, GA
Job Id:  1602
# of Openings:  1
Job Title: Education Interpreter I or II
Department: Georgia Sea Turtle Center
Status: Full-Time, Regular Employee 
Pay: $14.38 - $16.38 per hour (DOQ)
Reports to: Education Program Manager 
Benefits: Full Benefits eligible including health insurance, flex benefits, 10 paid holidays, vacation and sick leave accrual, amenities pass and parking.
Retirement: State Employee Retirement System -GSEPS (Pension plus matching 401k)
Closing date: 4:00pm Monday, April 14, 2025 .  *Note: This position is subject to close at any time once a satisfactory applicant pool has been identified.  Incomplete applications or applications without accompanying documents when required will not be considered

Applicants who do not meet Education Interpreter II qualifications may be considered an Education Interpreter I; position requirements are listed below. Pay ranges are as follows: Education Interpreter I $14.38 - $14.88 (DOQ), Education Interpreter II $14.88 - $16.38 (DOQ).

Jekyll Island is dedicated to maintaining the delicate balance between nature and humankind through conservation, education, and preservation. Surrounded by salt marshes, expansive oceanfront, and ancient maritime forests, it is situated within the chain of the Golden Isles, and just a few miles from St. Simons Island, Sea Island, and Brunswick. As a State Park, Jekyll Island is a coastal haven where nature and humans peacefully co-exist. 

Job Summary:
Under general supervision, provide enthusiastic and innovative instruction for school groups and the public serving a broad range of audiences, and demonstrate dedication to a shared vision for the future of the education programs. The successful candidate will teach through hands-on inquiry methods encouraging exploration and stewardship of sea turtles and the natural environment. The position includes weekend and holiday coverage, performing daily interpretive presentations, and supporting seasonal staff and volunteers. 
 
Description of Duties: 
  • Leads group tours, field trips, field programming (ex. Evening Turtle Walks, Sunrise Walks, etc.), public tours, and teaches day camp curriculum.
  • Interacts with guests through public speaking presentations, frequently using a mic/PA System and often using live reptiles, including snakes
  • Participates in onsite and offsite educational events (ex. Shell-e-brate and CoastFest).
  • Assists with the creation of programmatic reports as directed 
  • Creates and edits educational copy and assets such as marketing materials, website content, online publications, and social media posts
  • Performs daily care and recordkeeping for a collection of educational animal ambassadors, which includes turtles and snakes 
  • Assists with daily operations, including opening and closing, answering phones, group check-in, and orientation, and customer service
  • Performs maintenance inspections on interpretive exhibits and light custodial duties
  • Performs other duties as assigned by the department supervisor
 
General Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 
  • Performs multiple tasks simultaneously, calmly, and efficiently in a high-pressure setting
  • Uses independent judgment, personal experience, and training to ensure quality guest interactions and exceptional customer service according to policy
  • Familiar with K-12 group management techniques and online teaching
  • Team player with excellent interpersonal and written communication skills 
  • Self-motivated; ability to self-manage time to ensure that all primary responsibilities are met
  • Outgoing and demonstrates enthusiasm
  • Ability to conduct programs for diverse audiences ranging in size (2-100).
  • Ability to maintain effective working relationships with all levels of the organization
  • Proficient in using social media, email marketing, and video conferencing
 
Qualifications:
  • 18+ years of age
  • Valid driver’s license    
  • CPR and First Aid certified or the ability to gain certification
  • Flexible availability is required, including weekends, holidays, evenings, and early mornings
  • Occasional travel, including overnight, required 
 
Education Interpreter I Qualifications:
  • HS Diploma or GED or greater and/or experience equivalent to two (2) years in fields such as formal or informal education, museum studies, or aquarium and zoo studies, using the required knowledge, skills, and abilities  
  • One (1) year or more of experience in engaging children and adult audiences in cultural or nature centers, zoos, aquariums, parks, museums, or similar industries as either staff or a volunteer
  • One (1) year or more of customer service experience in a related field
 
Education Interpreter II Qualifications:
  • Bachelor’s degree in a related field; and/or experience equivalent to four (4) years in fields such as formal or informal education, museum studies, or aquarium and zoo studies, using the required knowledge, skills, and abilities
  • Two (2) years or more of experience in engaging children and adult audiences in cultural or nature centers, zoos, aquariums, parks, museums, or similar industries as either staff or a volunteer
  • Two (2) years or more of customer service experience in a related field
  • Certified Interpretive Guide through the National Association of Interpretation and ability to maintain 10 CEUs annually to maintain certification preferred 
  • Experience training volunteers and/or seasonal staff 
  • Experience in program planning for special programs such as sea turtle camp and evening turtle walks.
 
Physical Requirements/Working Conditions:
  • Exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently and/or up-to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. 
  • More than 50% of the typical workday may be spent walking, sitting, standing, and using repetitive motions of the wrists, hands or fingers. 
  • Between 25% and 50% of the typical work day may be spent climbing stairs, pushing, and pulling. 
  • Less than 25% of the typical day is spent balancing, stooping and/or crouching, kneeling, and reaching. 
  • Sensory abilities require vision, touching, and feeling, with more than 50% of the day spent communicating, including talking and hearing.
  • Must have visual clarity for close-range works such as computer use and reading and distance such as operating motor vehicles and determining the accuracy, neatness, and thoroughness of work assigned. 
  • Work may be conducted inside a classroom, but most will include exposure to extreme heat, high humidity, and occasionally adverse weather conditions.
  • Will be exposed to hazards such as moving mechanical parts and moving vehicles.
  • May be subject to atmospheric conditions such as fumes, oils, odors, dust, mists, or poor ventilation.
  • Noise levels are generally considered normal. 
  • This position provides on-the-job training. 
 
This description of job responsibilities is intended to reflect the major responsibilities and duties of the job and is not intended to describe minor duties or other responsibilities that may be assigned from time to time. 

This position is subject to close at any time once a satisfactory applicant pool has been identified.  Applicants who complete the online application process will receive an email receipt of submission to the email address provided.  If the email confirmation is not received, the applicant may contact Human Resources at 912-635-4081 for confirmation; however, due to the volume of applicants received, we are unable to provide information on application status after receipt.  Applicants who need assistance to accommodate a disability may request an accommodation by contacting Human Resources at 912-635-4081. 

All qualified applicants will be considered but may not necessarily receive an interview. Incomplete applications or applications without accompanying documents when required will not be considered.  Selected applicants will be contacted for the next steps in the selection process. Successful completion of background checks is required, including credit when applicable to the position.  Relocation expenses are not authorized; applicants should consider this when applying.  

Jekyll Island Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Authority supports equal employment opportunities for all persons without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, veteran status, or any other status protected by law.   The Jekyll Island is a Drug-free Workplace.
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