Education and Engagement Specialist, KKO

Location: Kailua-Kona, Hawai’i

Reports to: Director, Ke Kai Ola

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, as job duties demand. Some local travel is required.

About the Role

The Education and Engagement Specialist coordinates and delivers engaging marine science education programs for diverse audiences ranging from 4th grade students to adult learners. This position uses best-practice instructional approaches to create meaningful learning experiences while providing excellent customer service and ensuring a consistently safe, welcoming, inclusive, and positive learning environment. The role supports the planning, implementation, and ongoing improvement of education and engagement programs in collaboration with teams across The Marine Mammal Center and external stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Education Program Delivery (65%):
  • Deliver engaging marine science education programs for audiences ranging from 4th grade students to adult learners using best-practice instructional approaches and age-appropriate learning strategies.
  • Coordinate and manage program logistics, including scheduling activities, preparing materials and supplies, setting up learning spaces, maintaining participant documentation, and tracking and recording program data.
  • Provide a safe, welcoming, inclusive, and positive learning environment for students, educators, volunteers, staff, and other program participants.
  • Build and maintain strong working relationships with teams across the Center, as well as external stakeholders, including teachers, community members, and partner organizations.
  • Respond to program inquiries and participant needs with timely, accurate, and professional communication, escalating questions or concerns to management as appropriate.
  • Follow safety protocols and emergency procedures to support the well-being of education participants, volunteers, and staff.
  • Document and communicate incidents, concerns, or program issues to management in a timely and effective manner.
• Community Engagement (20%):
  • Coordinate and support community outreach and engagement activities for diverse audiences, including youth, community groups, educational institutions, and partners.
  • Plan, facilitate, and conduct youth site visits, presentations, and educational experiences that promote understanding of the organization's mission, programs, and impact.
  • Develop, cultivate, and maintain positive relationships with community partners and collaborators to strengthen engagement and advance organizational goals.
  • Represent the organization at community events and outreach opportunities, serving as a knowledgeable and professional ambassador for the program.
  • Support the planning and implementation of onsite tours, special events, donor cultivation activities, and other community engagement opportunities.
• Curriculum, Evaluation, and Improvement (10%):
  • Identify program gaps, emerging needs, and opportunities for improvement, and recommend and support the development of responsive updates to curriculum, resources, and program delivery based on current environmental and wildlife issues, audience needs, and the Center’s priorities.
  • Apply innovative teaching strategies and integrate technology and supporting resources to enhance participant learning and engagement.
  • Implement program monitoring and evaluation protocols to assess effectiveness, outcomes, participant experience, and overall program impact.
  • Contribute program content, data, and insights to support grant proposals, reports, donor communications, and other organizational needs.
• Other Duties as Assigned (5%):
  • Support other Ke Kai Ola areas as assigned.
  • Perform special projects and research as assigned.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Combination of education and experience equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in education, natural sciences, or related field.
• 3 years of experience working with school groups, participating in program design, and leading tours or programs.
• Background in environmental education, natural sciences, or school environmental experience is highly desirable.
• Ability to obtain clearance via livescan fingerprinting for U.S. Department of Justice to work directly with students.
• Valid driver’s license with acceptable motor vehicle record to maintain standards of insurability (must be 21+ years old, as frequently driving company vehicles is required).

Skills

• Strong passion for marine and environmental conservation and the mission of The Marine Mammal Center.
• Ability to provide exceptional customer service to a variety of audiences, including frequent interactions with visitors and volunteers.
• Knowledge of marine science and ocean literacy principles.
• Desire for continual learning.
• Understanding of Hawaiian culture and communities in Hawai’i is highly desirable.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to understand and follow written and verbal instructions and priorities as set by management.
• Ability to work independently while seeking direction/approval from management to complete projects, priorities, fulfill commitments, and meet deadlines.
• Ability to gather, analyze, and interpret data to identify potential problems and offer solutions.
• Ability to troubleshoot, identify improvements, and make routine decisions independently.
• Strong organizational skills, including multitasking and time management.
• Ability to work collaboratively and maintain open, professional communication in a team-oriented environment.
• Ability to adapt and learn from change, challenges, and feedback.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, SharePoint, Word) and virtual collaboration tools (Asana, Slack, Teams, Zoom).
• Ability to build and sustain effective working relationships with people from diverse backgrounds while demonstrating self-awareness, respect, and professionalism.
• Willingness to support and participate in the Center’s diversity, equity, and inclusion programs.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

• Operates in a professional office and hospital environment, both indoors and outdoors, with access to various parts of the facilities via outdoor pathways.
• Routinely uses standard office equipment requiring repetitive motion in tasks.
• Ability to work at a desk for extended periods using a computer.
• Ability to work in an open cubicle office space with many distractions.
• Works in outdoor weather conditions and elements throughout the year.
• Ability to walk up to 5+ miles during a shift on a frequent basis.
• Ability to safely walk on beaches of various terrains to assist with animal rescues in various locations across Hawai’i.
• Ability to spend extended periods on your feet, walking, standing, crouching, and climbing stairs (potentially in inclement weather conditions).
• Ability to work closely with wild animals, requiring physical strength, dexterity, and reflexes to ensure safety for themselves and others.
• Ability to perform physical work requiring manual dexterity, agility, strength, and coordination, including lifting and/or moving up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to operate equipment safely and competently to carry out duties.
• Ability to drive/operate a vehicle for extensive periods of time.
• Exposure to risks associated with animal handling, such as animal bites or scratches.
• Exposure to allergens and zoonotic diseases.
• Involves strong smells associated with dead animals (carcasses) and the care of live animals.

Pay

$30.00 - $34.00/hour

Benefits

• Holidays
• Sick Time
• Vacation
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Long Term Disability Insurance
• 401k Retirement Plan
• Employee Assistance Program

About The Marine Mammal Center

The Marine Mammal Center advances ocean health through marine mammal rescue and rehabilitation, research, and education. The Center is leading the field in ocean conservation through marine mammal rescue, veterinary medicine, science, and education. For more information, visit www.marinemammalcenter.org.