Lead Outreach Educator

The Lead Outreach Educator 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 engage with program participants utilizing best practices in education and conservation messaging during onsite (in-reach) and offsite (outreach) programming along with supporting training needs within the Education Department.

Key Responsibilities

• Implement outreach (offsite), in-reach (onsite), and camp training needs for Outreach, Seasonal Camp Educators, and Fellows. Includes assisting with program rubric checkoffs.
• Assist and support with outreach, inreach, and camp as needed, including creating and updating curriculum.
• Learn and use suitable techniques for participant engagement, including storytelling/interpretation, inquiry based learning, and interactive experiences, while facilitating education programming of different types.
• Encourage active discovery and spark curiosity for our participants. Make impromptu changes to programs to meet the needs of various audiences.
• Maintain strong cross-departmental relationships to collaboratively develop and facilitate engaging educational experiences that provide participants with extraordinary opportunities.
• Follow all animal handling protocols along with obtaining and maintaining animal program certifications.
• Take part in learning experiences for best practices in engaging participants, animal care, and onsite safety.
• Actively participate in Education Department meetings, professional learning, events, and special projects.
• Ability and willingness to assist with any programming needs of the Education Department.

Key Qualifications

• Minimum of 6 months experience in outreach, early learning, school, or camp setting preferred.
• Storytelling/Interpretation and training experience preferred.
• Animal handling experience is preferred.
• Experience or coursework in Environmental Sciences, Biology, Education or a related field preferred.
• First Aid/CPR Certification preferred (training provided if needed).
• Driver's license required to operate Aquarium vehicles.
• Passion for the environment, nature, and communication.
• Communication and public speaking skills.
• Comfort with learning to handle a variety of Ambassador and exhibit animals, including invertebrates, fish, reptiles, amphibians, small birds, and small mammals.
• Bilingual preferred.

Part-time, hourly ($16/hour, 20-25 hours/week); schedule split between 3-4 days/week. Evenings, weekends, weekdays, and some holidays are required.

All submissions must be received by February 20, 2025.

Salary : $16