Education Specialist

Department: The Florida State University Coastal and Marine Laboratory (FSUCML) is located on the northeastern Gulf of Mexico coast in a relatively undeveloped area of rich biological diversity one hour south of the FSU main campus in Tallahassee. This Education Specialist position is located in Eastpoint, Florida at the Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve (ANERR).

Responsibilities

• Assist in creating educational materials and delivering programs on-site and off for K-12, home school, formal adult classes, and other groups, as well as the development and implementation of new curriculum and instructional strategies.
• Lead summer camp activities and coordinate and schedule with other partner organizations.
• Assist ANERR Aquarist with maintaining tanks, life support systems, opening and closing the nature center, and general nature center cleanliness as needed.
• Help maintain cleanliness of signage on nature trails and the plant guides and plant guide box.
• Train volunteers to assist with greeting and sharing information about Reserve programs and research activities with the visiting public in the Nature Center.
• Participate in outreach and special events.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent and four years of experience. (Note: post high-school education and/or experience may substitute at a comparable rate.)
• Must have a valid Florida or Georgia Driver’s License, or the ability to obtain prior to hire.

Preferred Qualifications

• A strong foundational understanding of ecological principles, ecosystems, biodiversity, and other environmental issues along with knowledge of local flora, fauna, and the natural history of the region.
• Effective customer service skills.
• Effective communication verbally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to prepare, coordinate, and conduct workshops.
• Ability to prioritize, organize, and perform multiple work assignments simultaneously.
• Ability to understand and follow written and oral instructions.
• Ability to utilize technical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to utilize multimedia approaches to training.
• Knowledge of and ability to identify safety hazards and necessary safety precautions to establish a safe work environment.
• Knowledge of applicable computer applications and basic computer functions, as well as applicable computer software and operating systems.
• Knowledge of and ability to perform First Aid response.

About the Organization

One of the nation's elite research universities, Florida State University preserves, expands, and disseminates knowledge in the sciences, technology, arts, humanities, and professions, while embracing a philosophy of learning strongly rooted in the traditions of the liberal arts and critical thinking. Founded in 1851, Florida State University is the oldest continuous site of higher education in Florida. FSU is a community steeped in tradition that fosters research and encourages creativity.

This is a University Support Personnel System (USPS) position. Successful completion of a criminal history background check is required. Working weekends and after-hours may be required.