Outreach Educator

The 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

• Assist 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 and for various ages. These duties may include facilitating storytelling/interpretation in galleries, curriculum-based programs, tours, animal encounters, and community events and festivals.
• Encourage active discovery and spark curiosity for our participants. Make impromptu changes to programs to meet the needs of various audiences, such as families, adults, or children of different ages and needs.
• Follow all protocols related to ambassador animal handling along with obtaining and maintaining animal program certifications.
• Take part in professional learning experiences for engaging participants, animal care, and 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 Requirements

• 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.
• Innovative, curious, growth mindset, and team player.
• Bilingual preferred.

Part-time, hourly ($15/hour); schedule split between 3-4 days/week. Evenings, weekends, weekdays, and some holidays are required.

All submissions must be received by February 27, 2025.

Salary : $15