Education Specialist I

About the role

As part of the OdySea Aquarium Education team, this position participates in all educational activities within the Aquarium and in the community. The team member will work with the Animal Care & Education and Animal Care & Conservation teams to represent OdySea Aquarium through educational presentations and interpreting for all animal and educational floor programming.

A central responsibility is delivering formal and informal daily educational presentations and guest interactions, some involving live program animals. The individual will demonstrate strong interpretive skills and the ability to learn and retain scientific knowledge to enhance guest experiences. The role is integral in educating guests about species survival and conservation through presentations, underscoring the Aquarium’s educational and conservation mission.

Responsibilities

• Deliver daily floor programming and educational exhibit interpretation.
• Observe all animals at assigned exhibits and communicate with Animal Care staff regarding their welfare.
• Conduct Behind the Scenes Tours as an interpretive guide.
• Participate in educational animal presentations, exhibit demonstrations, encounter programs, or seasonal programming as needed and approved.
• Monitor school groups, field trips, and Special Events groups during educational tours and events.
• Represent OdySea Aquarium off-property through educational opportunities at schools, media events, and public engagements, including animal presentations where applicable.
• Provide positive guest interactions and experiences daily.
• Assist with implementation and execution of department Standard Operating Procedures.
• Train and mentor intern and volunteer team members.
• Foster a cooperative working environment promoting teamwork, positivity, inclusion, and growth.
• Participate in exhibit development, educational planning, research, and conservation activities.
• If approved, support care and handling of designated program animals.
• Inspect exhibits and related facilities daily for cleanliness, safety, and structural integrity.
• Maintain accurate and appropriate record keeping within the department.
• Communicate effectively with the Animal Care & Education team and departmental leadership.
• Ensure adherence to OdySea Aquarium standards, procedures, and compliance with professional associations and regulatory agencies.
• Maintain the highest level of animal husbandry practices.
• Represent the Animal Care & Education Department and OdySea Aquarium to visiting investors, professionals, guests, and media.
• Perform all other duties as assigned by the Director.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Education, Biology, Zoology, Conservation, Marine Science, or comparable experience.
• Experience working at an AZA-accredited or equivalent facility preferred.
• Excellent public speaking and showmanship experience.
• Availability to work evenings, weekends, holidays, or irregular hours dictated by facility or animal needs.

Physical and Medical Requirements

• Ability to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms.
• Ability to stand for long periods and walk.
• Ability to balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, climb stairs, or crawl.
• Frequent talking and hearing required.
• No impairment of sight, smell, hearing, touch, balance, or agility that might interfere with job performance.
• Specific vision requirements: close vision, color vision, depth perception, and ability to focus.
• Ability to take directional cues directly or indirectly.
• Ability to work in loud environments, all weather conditions (including extreme heat or cold), and wet or humid conditions.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.