Job Title: Education Interpreter I or II
Department: Georgia Sea Turtle Center
Status: Regular Part-time, Hourly
Pay: $14.38 - $16.38 per hour (DOQ)
Reports to: Education Program Manager
Benefits: Amenity passes & Parking
Retirement: Georgia Defined Contribution Plan (GDCP)
Closing Date: Open Until Filled
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).
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 use hands-on inquiry methods that encourage exploration and stewardship of sea turtles and the natural environment. The position includes weekend and holiday coverage; hours vary (20-30 hours per week) seasonally depending on visitation and programmatic offerings.
Description of Duties:
- Increase visitor knowledge and awareness of sea turtle conservation through amplified daily presentations featuring rehabilitation patients for groups of up to 100.
- Utilize live animals and artifacts as educational tools to share conservation messages.
- Engage with visitors to answer questions while interpreting medical and natural history topics.
- Perform daily care and recordkeeping for a collection of educational animal ambassadors which includes turtles and snakes.
- Lead group tours, fieldtrips, field-programming (ex. Evening Turtle Walks, Sunrise Walks, etc.), public tours, and teaches day camp curriculum.
- As available, participate in educational tabling events leading activities related to sea turtle and diamondback terrapin conservation.
- Assists with daily operations including opening and closing, answering phones, light custodial duties, and customer service.
- Perform other duties as assigned by the department supervisor.
General Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Self-motivated and able to work both independently and within a team
- Express a positive and service-oriented attitude
- Excellent interpersonal skills, team ethic, and cooperation when working in a group setting
- Excellent organization and time management skills
- A flexible schedule that can include early morning and late evening shifts
- Experience and enthusiasm for educating or supervising children in an outdoor setting
- Experience approaching and conversing with adults that share different/conflicting opinions
- Public speaking experience with people of all ages and backgrounds
- Tolerance of extreme heat, high humidity, biting insects, navigating in low light conditions, and standing for long periods.
Minimum Qualifications:
- 18+ years of age
- Valid driver’s license and have access to reliable local transportation
- CPR and First Aid certified or the ability to gain certification
- Flexible availability averaging 30 hours per week is required including peak tourism times, weekends, holidays, evenings, and early mornings
- Occasional travel 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 industry 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 industry 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 CEU’s annually to maintain certification preferred
- Experience training volunteers and/or seasonal staff
- Experience in program planning for activities such as camps or field-based experiences
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 workday may be spent climbing stairs, pushing and pulling.
- Less than 25% of the typical day is spent balancing, stooping and/or crouching, kneeling, reaching.
- Sensory abilities required include vision, touching and feeling with more than 50% of the day spent communicating including talking and hearing.
- Must have visual clarity for both close range work such as computer use and reading and distance such as operating motor vehicles and determining the accuracy, neatness, and thoroughness of work assigned.
- Work is mostly indoors or in covered areas with some programmatic activities including 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, dusts, 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 912-635-4024 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 912-635-4024.
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.
