JOB SUMMARY:
The National Aquarium is seeking an Education Specialist, reporting to the Manager of Education Programs as part of the Conservation Education Team, to develop curriculum for new and existing programs and teach a variety of education programs to students in a variety of settings for different programs. The Education Specialist may serve school groups, students, volunteers, teachers, and home-school students inside the Aquarium, at schools in the region, and at sites in the field. The Education Specialist develops and presents teacher training and teacher orientations. The Education Specialist will advance the objectives of all Conservation Education programs and will work collaboratively to deliver engaging, exceptional experiences to support or create hopeful conservationists.
The Education Specialist is responsible for the organization, maintenance and storage of education materials. The Education Specialist develops new programs/resources and updates existing programs/resources.Secondary duties include departmental activities such as outreach education programs, cultural events, fairs/festivals, youth programs, volunteer training, and special evening events.
KEY REQUIREMENTS:
Essential responsibilities include
- Plan, develop and deliver on-site and off-site youth education programming, including field study trips.
- Research and identifies opportunities to streamline or improve existing programs in alignment with department goals.
- Work effectively as a member of a team and with a wide range of audiences and colleagues in a professional manner.
- Create, write and edit materials to support youth education programs.
- Oversee progress towards specific program goals as set by VP, Conservation Education and/or Manager of Education Programs.
- Maintain and update information files relating to process documentation, surveys, activities and programs.
- Participate as need in any other education program activities, such as camps.
- Train other staff and volunteers to deliver youth education programs.
- Supervise and oversee staff or volunteers who are assisting during programs and field study trips.
- Support additional department activities such as outreach education programs, cultural events, fairs/festivals, youth programs, volunteer training, and special evening events.
- In partnership with Senior Education Specialist, track expenses for program and assist with budgets and reports as necessary to ensure fiscal management of the overall program and grant management.
- Collaborate with Manager, Education Programs and Senior Education Specialist to provide Philanthropy support for any information requests for grant management.
- Other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s degree in science, education, or related field or combination of experience and education required.
- Two years experience working with students is required, preferably in a non-formal education setting.
- STEM Background Preferred.
- Strong written and verbal communication and presentation skills.
- First Aid/CPR, wilderness first aid, canoe and kayak instruction and/or lifeguard certifications are desirable.
- Current Maryland driver’s license and a clean driving record.
- Possess or is able to acquire a DOT License and able to safely operate an 8-15 passenger van.
- Working knowledge of educational technology, social media, and digital learning formats.
- Highly proficient in MS Office, Excel, PowerPoint and other appropriate programs.
Total Compensation Information
Hourly range: $17.80-23.92 with hours worked over 40 paid as overtime, holiday premium pay, and extra pay for night work. National Aquarium provides an excellent benefits package including four weeks paid time off, six paid floating holidays, up to four weeks of paid family leave and conservation day leave.Employees are eligible for health care (single and family) after 30 days of full-time work and 401(k) plan participation with employer match available. Employees receive a family membership package and Aquarium tickets.
About the National Aquarium
Established in 1981, the National Aquarium in Baltimore, Maryland, is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to connect people with nature to inspire compassion and care for our ocean planet. The Aquarium’s award-winning habitats are home to thousands of animals representing hundreds of species of fish, birds, amphibians, reptiles and mammals. We are proud to be accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and exceed industry standards in all aspects of animal care and welfare.
More than 1.2 million people visit the Aquarium each year to experience our immersive exhibits, and we reach far more through our science-based education programs and hands-on field conservation work. The National Aquarium is one of the top three aquariums in the United States and the largest paid cultural attraction in Maryland.
Our Mission and Goals
The Aquarium’s mission—to connect people with nature to inspire compassion and care for our ocean planet—begins within the walls of its buildings, but it does not end there. The Aquarium protects, enhances and restores natural resources through education and engagement, habitat restoration, animal rescue and sustainable business practices, with its conservation work guided by three overarching goals—to combat climate change, save wildlife and habitats, and stop plastic pollution.
Our Values
At the National Aquarium, our core values form the basis for our beliefs about our organization, our colleagues and ourselves, and serve as the framework to guide our behaviors and actions to achieve our mission.
Connection: We take the time to build lasting connections with each other, our guests, the animals in our care and the nature that surrounds us. We communicate clearly and collaborate readily within and across teams. We engage thoughtfully with our partners. We practice shared accountability.
Curiosity: We center learning and growth in all that we do. Our people are empowered to explore new approaches. We support taking risks. We value diverse perspectives and bold ideas. We embrace change.
Optimism: We celebrate the power of positive moments and shared experiences. We seek out opportunities to have fun. We reconnect with our purpose through sharing successes with our colleagues.
Service: We are in service to each other, our guests and our communities. We make intentional decisions and actions for the benefit of the people and animals within our organization.
Wellbeing: We ensure our people and animals have what they need mentally and physically to thrive. We are committed to improving the wellbeing of communities and sharing the healing power of natural for all.
Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice
National Aquarium values an inclusive and diverse environment for all employees, volunteers, and interns. Our goal is to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people from a candidate pool representative of the variety of communities we serve. With a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice, the Aquarium is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and promotes an environment free from all discrimination and harassment.
In the selection and retention of employees, volunteers, and interns, we do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, national, social, or ethnic origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, physical, mental, or sensory disability, sex (including pregnancy or childbirth), marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, arrest record, family or caregiver status, HIV status, socioeconomic status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
Our organization is dedicated to this policy with respect to all terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to recruitment, training, promotions, performance management, and separation, and general treatment during time of employment.
