What are the responsibilities and job description for the Guest Engagement Coordinator position at Tennessee Aquarium?
The Guest Engagement Coordinator position supports the mission of the Tennessee Aquarium to connect people with nature and empower them to make informed decisions about water and wildlife. The Education Department is passionate about lifelong learning, respect for conservation, recognizing the abilities of all people and their experiences, the value of both using and contributing to research about informal education, and a collaborative, learning-based, respectful work environment. This position will support educators, volunteers, and Visitor Services staff with effectively engaging visitors utilizing best practices in education and conservation messaging.
Key Responsibilities
- Coordinate and support the daily Guest Engagement Team schedule and program needs.
- Develop, implement, and evaluate floor programming (including but not limited to gallery interpretation, cart programs, Diver Chat programs), along with paid special experiences and resources.
- Develop and facilitate interpretative and storytelling training for Education, Visitor Services, and Education Volunteers.
- Provide coaching and mentoring on interpretative/storytelling skills, high quality guest service, and content.
- Follow all protocols related to ambassador animal handling along with obtaining and maintaining animal program certifications through at least tier 2.
- Assist Volunteer Services department with Education Gallery Volunteers as needed, including but not limited to onboarding, daily support, scheduling of Guest Engagement team, training, and mentoring.
- Assist Manager of Learning and Engagement with duties including team and floor management, tracking progress and guest engagement numbers, and troubleshooting challenges as they arise.
- Assist management with interviewing, hiring, onboarding, orientation, and training of all new Guest Engagement team members.
- Assist management with budget proposal and tracking as appropriate.
- Actively participate in Education Department meetings, professional learning, events, and special projects, when applicable.
- Take part in professional learning experiences to learn and use best practices in engaging guests about conservation.
- Establish cross-departmental relationships to collaboratively develop and facilitate engaging educational experiences, such as Deeper Dives and other special experiences which provide guests with extraordinary, unique opportunities.
- Ability and willingness to assist with any programming needs of the Education Department.
Key Requirements
- Minimum of 2 years' experience in informal or formal education or guest engagement
- Experience or coursework in Environmental Sciences, Biology, Science Education or a related field preferred.
- Experience in mentoring, coaching, and leading a team is preferred.
- Environmental interpretation experience preferred.
- Animal handling experience preferred.
- First Aid/CPR Certification preferred
- Comfort with learning to handle a variety of Ambassador and exhibit animals, including invertebrates, fish, reptiles, amphibians, small birds, and small mammals
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively with other departments
- Excellent record-keeping and organizational skills
- Bilingual preferred
Full-time, hourly ($22-24/hour, commensurate on experience and education); Tuesday - Saturday (Some evenings, weekends, and some holidays are required as needed).
All submissions must be received by May 1, 2025.
Salary : $22 - $24
