Seasonal Educator/Ambassador Animal Assistant

Please email a Resume and Cover Letter to: jobs@aquarium.org

Candidate screening will begin April 14th, and the hiring authority may exercise the option to make a hiring decision at any time after. This position is open until filled.

This full-time, seasonal position is available until September 2025.

The Oregon Coast Aquarium is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

OREGON COAST AQUARIUM, INC.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

POSITION TITLE: Seasonal Educator/Ambassador Animal Assistant

REPORTS TO: Education Manager

JOB SUMMARY: The Seasonal Educator/Ambassador Animal Assistant delivers public programs and presentations in support of the Oregon Coast Aquarium’s mission. They also provide basic husbandry for the Aquarium’s ambassador animal program.

GENERAL ACCOUNTABILITES AND ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Under the direction of the Education Manager and in collaboration with the Animal Care Department, leads fee-based programs such as Behind-the-Scenes Tours and Animal Encounters.

2. Leads VIP/ donor tours and animal encounters as assigned.

3. Follows and enforces established policies for tours (max participants, min age, animal handling, service dog policies, safety protocols, etc.), while monitoring participants’ behavior.

4. Provides excellent customer service; Interacts with participants by encouraging and responding to questions; Assists those with special needs as required and/or works closely with any attendants.

5. Under the direction of the Education Manager and in collaboration with the Animal Care Department, leads or co-leads public presentations during scheduled animal feeding and training sessions. (ex. Pelicans)

6. Facilitates value-added programming for guests.

7. Under the direction of the Education Manager and utilizing approved policies and procedures, provides care, observation, and maintenance of all ambassador animals, including feeding, preparing food, cleaning, and general upkeep of habitats.

8. Maintains daily reports, logs, and other animal care records according to established guidelines and using OCAq directed tools and methods. Records and reports any abnormal animal health or behavioral issues to the Education Manager or Ambassador Animal Care Specialist.

9. Disseminates accurate information regarding the natural history, husbandry, conservation, and exhibit maintenance of the animals on display utilizing effective interpretation techniques and best practices for communicating with informal audiences of all ages.

10. Responds to public inquiries about education programs, the Oregon Coast Aquarium or general animal and conservation information.

11. Assists Education Manager and Education Specialists with data entry, survey dissemination and materials preparation for programs, events and trainings.

12. Attends professional departmental meetings as scheduled.

13. Proactively seeks to maximize impact through collaboration with Education Manager on program efficiencies and supporting others where logical.

The above accountabilities represent work performed by this position and are not all-inclusive. The omission of a specific accountability will not preclude it from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical extension of the position.

KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (Minimum levels)

· Experience in an informal education facility (camp, museum, zoo, aquarium, science center) in the natural sciences, education or a related field is required.

· Experience caring for animals at an AZA facility, wildlife rehab center, nature center, conservation center, or similar is required.

· Must have excellent communication and interpersonal skills that allows them to work closely and effectively with people from different backgrounds, cultures, ages and beliefs.

· Strong writing and verbal skills are essential.

· Knowledge of and ability to use computers and standard, commonly accepted computer programs is required.

· The ability to work under limited supervision, both independently and in a team environment is required.

· Excellent time management and organizational skills.

· Experience facilitating programs utilizing interpretive plans

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

· The work involves remaining stationary and completing extensive computer based work

· Must move self, animals and tools across uneven surfaces and narrow space in various weather conditions

· The work includes moving equipment up to 50 pounds.

MENTAL, HEARING, AND VISUAL DEMANDS:

· The work involves learning and remembering new information, problem solving, and making decisions.

· When conducting programs or working with animals, the work involves focusing and paying visual attention to assure the safety of program participants and animals.

· Work involves working with computers for extended periods of time

WORKING CONDITIONS:

· Some programs and tasks are conducted outside, and staff is exposed to various weather conditions for prolonged periods of time

· Some sedentary work is required when performing administrative duties at a computer station.

ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS:

· Compliance with appropriate company standards is required.

· Must be able to work holidays, weekends, and occasional evenings

Job Types: Full-time, Temporary

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Work Location: In person