The Guest Engagement Educator 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, recognizing the abilities of all people and 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 with guests utilizing best practices in conservation education messaging during interactions with Aquarium guests during their visit.
Key Responsibilities
- Learns and uses suitable techniques for guest engagement, including storytelling/interpretation, inquiry based learning, and interactive experiences, while facilitating programming of different types and for various ages.
- Encourages active discovery and spark curiosity for our guests as they visit the Aquarium. Makes impromptu changes to programs to meet the needs of various audiences.
- Establishes strong cross-departmental relationships to collaboratively develop and facilitate engaging educational experiences which provide guests with extraordinary opportunities unique to the Tennessee Aquarium.
- Follows all protocols related to ambassador animal handling along with obtaining and maintaining animal program certifications.
- Actively participates in Education Department meetings, professional learning experiences, events, and special projects, when applicable.
- Assists with any programming needs of the Education Department.
Key Requirements
- Storytelling/Interpretation experience preferred
- Animal handling experience preferred
- Experience or coursework in Environmental Sciences, Biology, Education or a related field preferred
- Passion for the environment, nature, and communication.
- Communication and public speaking skills
- Comfort with learning to handle a variety of Ambassador and exhibit animals, which may include invertebrates, fish, reptiles, amphibians, small birds, and small mammals depending on team needs
- Innovative, curious, growth mindset, and team player
- 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, guests, and animals.
- Bilingual preferred
- First Aid/CPR Certification preferred
Seasonal, hourly ($15.00/hour); April – August. Holidays, weekends, and evenings as needed. Set schedule of either Sun – Wed or Wed – Sat depending on the needs of the team.
To apply, submit an online application, resume, and cover letter through the Aquarium’s career site at https://tnaqua.org/get-involved/
All submissions must be received by March 4, 2026.
