Environmental Educator

~ Georgia Aquarium is a nonprofit committed to inspiring awareness and preservation of our ocean and aquatic animals worldwide. ~ 

One of Georgia Aquarium’s goals is to be a leading facility for aquatic animal conservation and research. Georgia Aquarium conducts research to improve husbandry methods, develop innovative and exciting new exhibits, contribute to the understanding of the underwater world and apply new discoveries to the conservation of aquatic life.

Every day, researchers in the Aquarium’s exhibits and labs are learning more about marine life in order to develop new methods of animal care and veterinary medicine. By combining field research with the study of on-site animals in a controlled environment, the Aquarium is contributing to the advancement of human knowledge in the area of animal science.

Position Overview

The Environmental Educator will be responsible for leading educational programming and providing operational support for the department. This position engages students Pre-K through college along with teachers, parents and administrators.

The Environmental Educator will collaborate on the development of educational curriculum and exhibits to ensure an overall positive and dynamic learning experience that is tailored for guests. In addition, this person will participate in occasional evening or weekend events including but not limited to Educator Open House, outreach opportunities, and professional development events.

Responsibilities

• Provide learning experiences that are tailored to the needs of each individual group (schools, camps, and special interest groups).
• Assist with the development of education curricula that are hands-on and interdisciplinary (STEAM).
• Assist with the development of quality educational exhibits.
• Conduct pre-visit calls with external contacts to confirm details of a school’s visit.
• Ensure necessary preparations and follow-up for school group visits.
• Answer e-mails and phone inquiries regarding education programs.
• Greet school groups upon arrival and facilitate entrance into the aquarium.
• Serve as a liaison with group sales, interpretive programs, security, zoological operations, volunteers and other internal departments to create an exceptional guest experience.
• Provide daily support of all programs, including but not limited to: escorting chaperones throughout building, school group organization, supporting special events
• Undertake special assignments including partnerships, outreach, volunteer organization and other events.
• Provide the highest standard of customer service to guests.
• Adhere to all GAI Policies.
• Perform other duties as workload necessitates.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in a science or education related field required.
• 2 or more years of teaching experience preferred.
• Previous experience and a passion for working with children and animals is a plus.
• Current knowledge of wildlife conservation, scientific research, and environmental issues preferred.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills to interact and interpret exhibits to internal and external clients/guests required.
• Ability to organize, manage time and set priorities while meeting deadlines.
• Ability to be flexible and shift priorities to meet departmental requirements.
• Superior verbal and written communication skills as well as presentation skills are essential.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Physical Demands & Work Environment:

• The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk or hear; taste or smell.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color and peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.