Education and Engagement Specialist

Location: Kailua-Kona, Hawai’i

This is a full-time, onsite position. The work schedule is generally eight hours per day, Monday through Friday. Days and hours may vary, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, based on job duties. Some local travel is required.

About the role

The Education and Engagement Specialist coordinates and delivers engaging marine science education programs for diverse audiences, from 4th grade students to adult learners. This role uses best-practice instructional approaches to create meaningful learning experiences while ensuring a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment. The Specialist collaborates with teams across The Marine Mammal Center and external stakeholders to support program planning, implementation, and improvement.

Responsibilities

• Education Program Delivery (65%):
  • Deliver marine science education programs for audiences ranging from 4th grade students to adult learners using age-appropriate strategies.
  • Coordinate program logistics, including scheduling, material preparation, participant documentation, and data tracking.
  • Maintain a safe, welcoming, and inclusive learning environment for all participants.
  • Build and sustain relationships with internal teams and external stakeholders, including educators and community partners.
  • Respond to program inquiries professionally and escalate concerns to management as needed.
  • Follow safety protocols and emergency procedures to ensure participant well-being.
  • Document and communicate incidents or program issues to management.
• Community Engagement (20%):
  • Coordinate and support outreach activities for diverse audiences, including youth, community groups, and partners.
  • Plan and facilitate youth site visits, presentations, and educational experiences aligned with the organization’s mission.
  • Develop and maintain relationships with community partners to advance organizational goals.
  • Represent the organization at community events and outreach opportunities.
  • Support onsite tours, special events, and donor cultivation activities.
• Curriculum, Evaluation, and Improvement (10%):
  • Identify program gaps and opportunities for improvement, recommending updates to curriculum and resources.
  • Apply innovative teaching strategies and integrate technology to enhance learning and engagement.
  • Implement program evaluation protocols to assess effectiveness, outcomes, and participant experience.
  • Contribute program content, data, and insights to support grant proposals, reports, and donor communications.
• Other Duties (5%):
  • Support other Ke Kai Ola areas as assigned.
  • Perform special projects, research, and additional duties as needed.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in education, natural sciences, or a related field (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
• 3+ years of experience working with school groups, program design, or leading tours.
• Background in environmental education, natural sciences, or school environmental experience (highly desirable).
• Ability to obtain U.S. Department of Justice clearance via livescan fingerprinting for student interaction.
• Valid driver’s license (must be 21+ years old) with an acceptable motor vehicle record for insurability.

Skills

• Strong passion for marine and environmental conservation.
• Exceptional customer service skills for diverse audiences, including visitors and volunteers.
• Knowledge of marine science and ocean literacy principles.
• Commitment to continual learning and understanding of Hawaiian culture and communities (highly desirable).
• Clear and concise verbal and written communication.
• Ability to work independently, troubleshoot, and make routine decisions.
• Strong organizational, multitasking, and time management skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, SharePoint, Word) and virtual collaboration tools (Asana, Slack, Teams, Zoom).
• Ability to build and sustain relationships with people from diverse backgrounds while demonstrating self-awareness and professionalism.
• Willingness to support diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

• Works in professional office and hospital environments, both indoors and outdoors, with access to various facilities via outdoor pathways.
• Routine use of standard office equipment requiring repetitive motion.
• Ability to work at a desk for extended periods using a computer.
• Works in an open cubicle environment with potential distractions.
• Exposure to outdoor weather conditions year-round.
• Frequent walking (up to 5+ miles per shift) and ability to navigate beaches of various terrains for animal rescues.
• Extended periods of standing, walking, crouching, and climbing stairs, potentially in inclement weather.
• Physical strength, dexterity, and reflexes required for safe interaction with wild animals.
• Ability to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to operate equipment safely and drive vehicles for extended periods.
• Exposure to risks such as animal bites, scratches, allergens, zoonotic diseases, and strong odors from animal care.

Benefits

• Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Life insurance and long-term disability insurance.
• 401k retirement plan.
• Employee Assistance Program.

Pay

$30.00 - $34.00 per hour.