Teen Programs Instructor - Part Time, Seasonal

COME JOIN OUR TEAM

Located along the pristine harbor in the heart of historic Charleston, the South Carolina Aquarium has been inspiring visitors for over twenty years. From our over 5,000 animals to our award-winning education team, from the Sea Turtle Care Center™ to our conservation programs protecting local species, visitors are struck with awe and inspiration as they journey through all our exhibits, representing the mountains to the sea of South Carolina. We are a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization and an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums with a mission to inspire conservation of the natural world by exhibiting and caring for animals, by excelling in education and research and by providing an exceptional visitor experience. We invite you to join the #1 visitor attraction located in one of the Top Cities in the World (Conde Nast, 2021).

We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace that celebrates and values diversity. Our culture is built on having a team of diverse backgrounds and voices working together to increase our capacity to serve our visitors and fulfill our mission. It brings us together in ways that help us stand out. We welcome people from all walks of life into our team and strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ individuals, veterans, and people with disabilities to apply.

Job Summary:

The Teen Programs Instructor reports to the Teen Programs Coordinator. The Teen Programs Instructor is responsible for implementing and enhancing educational programs for teens at the Aquarium. This includes leading curriculum-based programs, managing high school intern activities, planning Teen Science Cafes with students, execute Teen Job Shadow Days, plan, assist, and lead Teen Conservation Crew activities.
The primary role for the Teen Programs Instructor is to foster teen engagement through dynamic teaching, collaboration with students and interpretive strategies.

Essential Functions:

• Teach and assist science-based educational programs for teens, including high school interns, teen science cafes, teen conservation crew, and teen job shadow days.
• Assist in evaluations for teens' performance with students to enhance teen initiated, teen led lessons.
• Assist with recruitment, training, and evaluate teen participants in leadership and educational programs.
• Engage with visitors through gallery interpretation, guided tours, and interactive shows.
• Plan and deliver off-site teen programs as well as on-site activities, including floor engagement.
• Assist with the development and execution of teen-focused science programming.
• Operate program vehicles and handle live animals during demonstrations.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Strong interpretive and communication skills to effectively engage teens and diverse audiences.
• Ability to design and deliver creative, inquiry-based, and interactive educational experiences.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and projects.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and other educational tools.
• Knowledge of South Carolina ecosystems and science education pedagogy.
• Teamwork-oriented with a strong sense of humor and adaptability.
• Experience with conflict management and leadership in youth-focused programs.

Education and Experience Required:

• Experience in informal environmental education, or a related field preferred.
• Desire to work with teens.
• Certified in First Aid, CPR, and AED or willingness to obtain before start date.
• Valid driver's license required.

Physical Requirements:

• Requires standing, walking, lifting 25 lbs., and performing tasks in various settings, including outdoor environments.
• Must be available and flexible for working weekends, evenings, and occasional overnight events.

Working Conditions:

Often normal office environment, public contact, weekends, evenings and occasional overnights. Required to wear a radio. Outdoor work required.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not construed to be an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by the personnel classified.

The Aquarium is an "at-will" employer, and as such, employment with the Aquarium is not for a fixed term, or definite period and may be terminated at the will of either party, with or without cause, and without prior notice. The Aquarium is a drug-free and alcohol-free employer. Background screenings are administered for all positions.