Come be a part of something BIG
Located along the pristine harbor in the heart of historic Charleston, the South Carolina Aquarium has been inspiring visitors for over twenty years. From our over 5,000 animals to our award-winning education team, from the Sea Turtle Care Center™ to our conservation programs protecting local species, visitors are struck with awe and inspiration as they journey through all our exhibits, representing the mountains to the sea of South Carolina.
About the South Carolina Aquarium
We are a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization and an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums with a mission to inspire conservation of the natural world by exhibiting and caring for animals, by excelling in education and research and by providing an exceptional visitor experience. We invite you to join the #1 visitor attraction located in one of the Top Cities in the World (Conde Nast, 2021).
At the South Carolina Aquarium, we are committed to creating an inclusive workplace that celebrates and values diversity. Our culture is built on having a team of diverse backgrounds and voices working together to increase our capacity to serve our visitors and fulfill our mission. It brings us together in ways that help us stand out. 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:
This seasonal position will primarily work during Aquarium Aglow, a seasonal event at the Aquarium with shifts that run from 5:00pm - 10:00pm on select nights in November and December 2024. Exact shift times may vary each night. Weekends are required. Full availability between December 14 and December 31 is required. Guaranteed days off on November 28, December 24 and December 25.
Essential Functions:
- Adhere to the South Carolina Aquarium Policies
- Provide an exceptional visitor experience for all guests
- Engage guests of Aquarium Aglow through gallery interpretation, touch tank facilitation, and educational public presentations
- Develop familiarity with all aquarium exhibits, services and events in order to become an information resource to our guests
- Assist in event set up and tear down
- Support other departments as-needed to ensure smooth operation of the Aglow promotion
- SCA 1st Responder- training will be provided
- Other duties as required
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Interest in developing interpretation skills
- Ability to work with audiences of all ages
- Must be able to give educational interpretive talks to groups of 10-200 people
- Skills needed to combine creativity, enthusiasm, and exemplary engagement of visitors
- Excellent interpersonal communication skills, both written and verbal
- Must be a team player and self-motivated
- Ability to maintain a sense of humor
- Must be able to facilitate live animal encounters
- Professional image required
- Must have a working knowledge of Aquarium exhibits and animals
- Ability to work weekends and evenings throughout the entire promotion timeline (will receive around 20-30 hours per week with option to receive more over holiday weeks)
Education and Experience Required:
- Hold or working toward a Bachelor's Degree in science, interpretation, education or related field or have interest in a similar field of study.
Licenses and Certifications Required:
- Valid Driver's License
- First Aid, CPR, and AED - preferred
Supervision of others:
Physical Requirements:
Often requires carrying up to 50 lbs, walking, standing, bending, stooping, crouching, sitting, pushing and pulling, computer and phone tasks.
Working Conditions:
Often requires working outdoors sometimes in cold/windy conditions, contact with public, rotating shifts, working weekends and required to carry a two-way radio.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not construed to be an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by the personnel classified.
The Aquarium is an "at-will" employer, and as such, employment with the Aquarium is not for a fixed term, or definite period and may be terminated at the will of either party, with or without cause, and without prior notice.
The South Carolina Aquarium is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.