What are the responsibilities and job description for the Marine Life Center Education Specialist position at Port of Bellingham?
About the Port of Bellingham
The Port of Bellingham is a Washington State special purpose municipal corporation serving all of Whatcom County. It is a unique organization that makes significant contributions to the local community through leveraging its resources by directly participating in revenue-earning lines of business, as well as by capitalizing on its strategic assets through special public agency powers.
By using combined expertise in both the business and government sectors, the Port has a role in job preservation and job creation, as well as a role in the operation of transportation facilities for seaports and airports. This combination is distinct from that of either the private sector or other government entities.
Mission Statement: To promote sustainable economic development, optimize transportation gateways, and manage publicly owned land and facilities to benefit Whatcom County.
This posting will close on May 7, 2025. Applications will be reviewed upon closing.
Cover letter required.
JOB SUMMARY
The Marine Life Center (MLC) Education Specialist contributes to the Port of Bellingham operations by assisting with the daily operations and maintenance of the Marine Life Center. Responsible for creating curriculum and educational presentations, schedule and host community groups and classes for tours and educational opportunities. The primary audience for the Marine Life Center is often families with small children and grade school-aged classes. Provide quality customer service to Marine Life Center patrons and community members by providing regular and dependable center hours.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
1. Develop curriculum, scheduling, and leading class visits in the Marine Life Center.
2. Create connections for visitors with Center habitats on an informal, one-on-one basis, sharing animals’ stories and conservation messaging to inspire action.
3. Use social media for education on the Marine Life Center, conservation, and local marine life and habitats.
4. Provide back up for display tank maintenance.
5. Accurately complete related paperwork and steps for facility operations.
6. Provide a high level of overall customer experience by through visitor greeting and informational services, assist in developing visual learning displays and designing exhibits.
7. Support mobile education outreach presentations to enhance community outreach.
8. Continually strive to operate the Marine Life center in a way that enhances the Port’s budget neutral financial goal, protects Port equipment/facilities, & maximizes the potential for successful events.
9. Performs other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
Required:
Position is responsible for specified tasks within the department and does not supervise the work of other employees. Position may be responsible for representing the Port to the public on a regular basis.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Never 0% 0 hrs. Seldom 1-10% 0-1 hr. Occasional 11-33% 1-3 hrs. Frequent 34-66% 3-6 hrs. Constant 67-100% 6 hrs.
Dirt
Fumes
Smoke
Water
Noise
Vibration
Grease, Oil
Contaminants: pollutants, gases, dust, odors
Very hot (above 90) or cold temperatures (below 32)
Extremely bright or inadequate lighting conditions
Confined spaces
High places
Hazardous conditions: high voltage electricity, flammable material, explosives, chemicals
Hazardous equipment: saws, machinery with moving parts, near vehicular traffic
Exposed to diseases or infections
Uneven, slippery surfaces
Never 1x/year , not monthly 1x/month , not weekly 1x/week , but not daily Daily
Work indoors (climate controlled)
Work indoors (not climate controlled)
Work outdoors exposed to all weather conditions
Work outdoors under cover
Work overtime
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Never 0% 0 hrs. Seldom 1-10% 0-1 hr. Occasional 11-33% 1-3 hrs. Frequent 34-66% 3-6 hrs. Constant 67-100% 6 hrs.
Sit
Stand
Perform work on a ladder
Climb ladder
Twist
Bend/Stoop
Squat/kneel
Crawl
Reach
Work above shoulders
Keyboard
Wrist (flexion/extension)
Grasp (forceful)
Fine manipulation
Lift/carry/push/pull up to 10 lbs.
Lift/carry/push/pull up to 20 lbs.
Lift/carry/push/pull up to 30 lbs.
Lift/carry/push/pull up to 40 lbs.
Lift/carry/push/pull up to 50 lbs. or more
Benefits include medical & prescription plans, dental, vision, orthodontia plans, employee assistance program, flexible spending accounts, basic and additional life and AD&D insurance, long-term disability, voluntary long-term care, vacation accrual starting at 18 days off per year, Washington paid sick leave, Washington State pension plans including PERS 2 or 3, deferred compensation, 11 paid holidays, and education assistance.
At its sole discretion, the Port of Bellingham may consider combinations of education, experience, certifications, and training in lieu of specifically required qualifications contained herein.
The Port of Bellingham participates in E-Verify.
The Port provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to any legally protected class, including but not limited to, race, color, citizenship status, ancestry, national origin, gender, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, age, disability, gender identity, genetic information, or service in the military. Equal employment opportunity governs all aspects of employment, including selection, job assignment, compensation, discipline, termination, and access to benefits and training.
The Port of Bellingham is a Washington State special purpose municipal corporation serving all of Whatcom County. It is a unique organization that makes significant contributions to the local community through leveraging its resources by directly participating in revenue-earning lines of business, as well as by capitalizing on its strategic assets through special public agency powers.
By using combined expertise in both the business and government sectors, the Port has a role in job preservation and job creation, as well as a role in the operation of transportation facilities for seaports and airports. This combination is distinct from that of either the private sector or other government entities.
Mission Statement: To promote sustainable economic development, optimize transportation gateways, and manage publicly owned land and facilities to benefit Whatcom County.
This posting will close on May 7, 2025. Applications will be reviewed upon closing.
Cover letter required.
JOB SUMMARY
The Marine Life Center (MLC) Education Specialist contributes to the Port of Bellingham operations by assisting with the daily operations and maintenance of the Marine Life Center. Responsible for creating curriculum and educational presentations, schedule and host community groups and classes for tours and educational opportunities. The primary audience for the Marine Life Center is often families with small children and grade school-aged classes. Provide quality customer service to Marine Life Center patrons and community members by providing regular and dependable center hours.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
1. Develop curriculum, scheduling, and leading class visits in the Marine Life Center.
2. Create connections for visitors with Center habitats on an informal, one-on-one basis, sharing animals’ stories and conservation messaging to inspire action.
3. Use social media for education on the Marine Life Center, conservation, and local marine life and habitats.
4. Provide back up for display tank maintenance.
5. Accurately complete related paperwork and steps for facility operations.
6. Provide a high level of overall customer experience by through visitor greeting and informational services, assist in developing visual learning displays and designing exhibits.
7. Support mobile education outreach presentations to enhance community outreach.
8. Continually strive to operate the Marine Life center in a way that enhances the Port’s budget neutral financial goal, protects Port equipment/facilities, & maximizes the potential for successful events.
9. Performs other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
Required:
- Associate's degree in an applicable field required.
- High school diploma/GED required.
- Minimum of three (3) years of experience providing excellent customer service.
- Bachelor’s degree in an applicable field preferred.
- Experience in grant writing preferred.
- Valid Washington State driver’s license is required.
- Must be able to obtain CPR/First Aid certification after hire.
- Center hours and community outreach events are often scheduled nights and weekends. Must be willing to work flexible hours to meet the operational needs of the center.
- Must be able to build effective work relationships to work collaboratively towards meeting shared objectives.
- The ability to successfully work with a high degree of flexibility and patience, as well as, the ability to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
- Strong computer skills, including but not limited to Microsoft Office Suites
- Must be self-motivated and be able to effectively work in a self-managed work team environment.
- Excellent skills in public relations and handling complaints.
Position is responsible for specified tasks within the department and does not supervise the work of other employees. Position may be responsible for representing the Port to the public on a regular basis.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Never 0% 0 hrs. Seldom 1-10% 0-1 hr. Occasional 11-33% 1-3 hrs. Frequent 34-66% 3-6 hrs. Constant 67-100% 6 hrs.
Dirt
Fumes
Smoke
Water
Noise
Vibration
Grease, Oil
Contaminants: pollutants, gases, dust, odors
Very hot (above 90) or cold temperatures (below 32)
Extremely bright or inadequate lighting conditions
Confined spaces
High places
Hazardous conditions: high voltage electricity, flammable material, explosives, chemicals
Hazardous equipment: saws, machinery with moving parts, near vehicular traffic
Exposed to diseases or infections
Uneven, slippery surfaces
Never 1x/year , not monthly 1x/month , not weekly 1x/week , but not daily Daily
Work indoors (climate controlled)
Work indoors (not climate controlled)
Work outdoors exposed to all weather conditions
Work outdoors under cover
Work overtime
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Never 0% 0 hrs. Seldom 1-10% 0-1 hr. Occasional 11-33% 1-3 hrs. Frequent 34-66% 3-6 hrs. Constant 67-100% 6 hrs.
Sit
Stand
Perform work on a ladder
Climb ladder
Twist
Bend/Stoop
Squat/kneel
Crawl
Reach
Work above shoulders
Keyboard
Wrist (flexion/extension)
Grasp (forceful)
Fine manipulation
Lift/carry/push/pull up to 10 lbs.
Lift/carry/push/pull up to 20 lbs.
Lift/carry/push/pull up to 30 lbs.
Lift/carry/push/pull up to 40 lbs.
Lift/carry/push/pull up to 50 lbs. or more
Benefits include medical & prescription plans, dental, vision, orthodontia plans, employee assistance program, flexible spending accounts, basic and additional life and AD&D insurance, long-term disability, voluntary long-term care, vacation accrual starting at 18 days off per year, Washington paid sick leave, Washington State pension plans including PERS 2 or 3, deferred compensation, 11 paid holidays, and education assistance.
At its sole discretion, the Port of Bellingham may consider combinations of education, experience, certifications, and training in lieu of specifically required qualifications contained herein.
The Port of Bellingham participates in E-Verify.
The Port provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to any legally protected class, including but not limited to, race, color, citizenship status, ancestry, national origin, gender, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, age, disability, gender identity, genetic information, or service in the military. Equal employment opportunity governs all aspects of employment, including selection, job assignment, compensation, discipline, termination, and access to benefits and training.
