Bilingual Education Specialist I

At the Monterey Bay Aquarium, we are passionate about creating an inclusive workplace that celebrates and values diversity. 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.

About the role

Under direct supervision and with a focus on culturally relevant education, deliver education programs at the Aquarium and offsite for PreK-12th grade school groups, teens, teachers, and/or community members. Provide logistical program support, coordinate the acquisition of project supplies and resources, and supervise volunteers. This is a bilingual position; core activities and/or time allocation may change based on departmental workplan and bilingual offerings to support the Aquarium’s strategic plan. Candidates will be required to complete a language proficiency test assessment for Spanish if moved into the interview process.

Responsibilities

• Lead existing short-term educational sessions for PK-12 students, including:
  • Develop a full understanding of and expertise in the topic
  • Gather necessary learning tools, props, documents, and/or presentation slides, and set up classrooms
  • Facilitate in-person and online activities, including leading presentations, engaging students of various ages and learning levels, answering questions, and adjusting sessions based on developmental and learning needs
  • Build and maintain a positive, culturally responsive learning environment
• Schedule and coordinate the acquisition of program supplies, including food, outdoor equipment, and educational materials, under the direction of program leads
• Enter program participants’ demographic and attendance data into division databases
• Lead educational activities for PK-12 students at program recruitment events
• Oversee volunteers as they help set up programs and support students and chaperones in completing activities
• Administer simple existing evaluation tools, ensuring protocols are maintained, such as quick cards and/or surveys
• Represent the department, division, and the Aquarium to the public, visiting dignitaries, and the professional education community at various meetings, events, and professional conferences

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with an emphasis in natural science, formal or informal education, curriculum, youth, or educator development; or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
• Understanding or knowledge of marine science content and/or integrated STEM educational practices
• Knowledge of national and state standards, teaching methods, or youth development strategies
• Demonstrated success facilitating educational activities with PK-12 students
• Commitment to culturally responsive education
• Fluent bilingual (English/Spanish) verbal and written skills required, including:
  • Teaching and presenting existing lesson plans and evaluations
  • Answering participant questions
  • Recruiting for programs
  • Communicating with guardians and educators about program logistics
  • Conversing about medical needs and educational accommodations
  • Conversing with other staff educators about program adjustments
  • Reading and following lesson plans and slides
  • Modifying slides and writing/responding to emails
• Culturally coherent in Spanish-speaking cultures, with the ability to understand cultural implications tied to language
• Ability to work within and maintain Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Core Values

Preferred Skills

• Teaching credential
• Extensive experience integrating STEAM, including training other educators in technology integration and managing Apple hardware
• Effective speaking, interpersonal, and time management skills
• Flexibility with changes in work priorities
• Comfort using technology as an educational tool with students, including iPad apps, Google Suite, and web-based educational tools

Physical Requirements

• Use of typical office equipment, standard vehicles (including large vans and pick-up trucks), laptops, tablets, cell phones, VR headsets, and other hand-held technologies
• Constant sitting, standing, walking, and bending; standing to present for much of the day; regular walking and hiking indoors and outdoors
• Some pushing of carts of materials
• Occasional unassisted lifting up to 50 lbs
• Work in typical office environments, main aquarium and exhibits, classrooms (Bechtel Center for Ocean Education and Leadership, Aquarium labs, etc.), and in the field (beaches, wetlands, forests, parks, etc.)
• Comfort in the water to accompany students on water events, such as tide pooling, snorkeling, and boogie boarding

Pay

Hourly compensation range: $25.77–$29.33 USD per hour. Starting rate will vary based on previous experience and relevant skills/knowledge set.