Posted: Open to all internal and external applicants.
Reports to: Training and onboarding coordinator.
Status: Part-time, hourly, cannot work more than 1,000 hours per year.
Duration: Work available through mid-January 2021 with potential to continue in the winter/spring, depending on performance and department needs.
Hours of work: Vary by season, average 8–16 hours per week. The Aquarium is open seven days a week. Interpretive shifts vary in length from 6 to 10 hours, most often between the hours of 8:30am and 7pm. Shifts can run as late as 11pm when events resume in the future. This position will regularly fill weekend shift openings, but weekdays will also be scheduled.
Dated needed: ASAP.
Posting expires: Open until filled.
Position overview:
Temporary marine science interpreters are shift supervisors in the exhibits at the Seattle Aquarium, leading our interpretation volunteers and engaging guests through formal interpretation and casual conversations. This position will primarily work daytime, interpretive and volunteer support shifts. These staff members will provide coverage for last-minute schedule changes and vacation requests, most often Thursday–Monday, in addition to working regularly scheduled hours; flexibility in scheduling is required.
Please note, the marine science interpreter position has been modified to meet our current operations. In the long term, this position is also required to perform the following duties. For more on our COVID-19 operations, see the end of this job posting.*
- Provide regular announcements encouraging guests to wear a mask at all times, maintain appropriate physical distance and refrain from touching exhibits.
- Help with crowd control, wayfinding and guest flow through the Aquarium.
- Support Seattle Aquarium COVID-19 policies with guests and volunteers by modeling and/or explaining proper procedures.
Primary job functions:
- Interpret Aquarium exhibits to visitors on an informal, one-on-one basis.
- Communicate openly with coworkers from all Aquarium departments.
- Prepare and deliver interpretive mini talks to Aquarium visitors.
- Supervise and support interpretation volunteers, including some training of volunteers.
- Some administrative work, such as email and maintaining volunteer records.
- Assist with maintenance of props, exhibits and office/lounge spaces.
- Other projects as assigned.
Required skills, abilities:
- Excellent oral, presentation and written communication skills.
- Excellent leadership abilities and willingness to take charge and work independently as primary interpretation staff.
- Strong organizational skills.
- Familiarity with MS Office programs, including Word, Excel and Outlook. Familiarity with, or ability to learn, volunteer databases (Volgistics).
- Critical thinking and excellent judgment.
- Knowledge of marine science and conservation.
- Ability to change priorities in a rapidly changing work environment; shift gears comfortably or when needed; and decide and act without having the total picture.
- Team player with a healthy sense of humor.
- Strive to incorporate the Aquarium values to create an inclusive learning environment full of awe-inspiring moments that honor our unique location and history.
Experience, education and certifications:
We will consider various combinations of relevant experience and education in order to meet minimum requirements.
- Minimum two years’ academic experience in education, biology, environmental science or similar field, preferred B.A./B.S. degree.
- Degree in education, biology, environmental science or similar field preferred.
- Minimum two years’ experience working in an aquarium, zoo, environmental education center or similar institution required.
- Previous experience leading and working with volunteers preferred.
Working conditions:
- Skill and comfort with talking and presenting to both large groups and individuals. Use of microphone and other voice-enhancing equipment.
- Must be able to walk, stand or sit for extended periods of time.
- Occasional extended exposure to outside weather conditions.
- Flexible schedule required; this position will regularly be assigned to work both Saturday and Sunday.
Pay and benefits:
$16.50/hour; number of hours vary week to week. Temporary staff are not eligible for benefits but accrue paid sick time and are paid an additional $0.75/hour to assist with transportation costs.
How to apply:
The Seattle Aquarium is a progressive, equal opportunity employer that values a diverse workforce. One of our core values is fostering an inclusive community, and we want our staff to reflect our community. To that end, we encourage diverse candidates to apply, including but not limited to Black, Indigenous and People of Color applicants. All candidates are encouraged to apply by uploading a résumé and one-page letter detailing interest and relevant experience in our online application.
Please let us know if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for this job.
Note: Must pass a background check, upon job offer, to be eligible for this position.
About the Seattle Aquarium:
The Seattle Aquarium is a respected authority on Puget Sound, the Salish Sea and the world’s one ocean. Our passionate staff increases awareness and drives the change needed to preserve and protect our marine environment through a variety of channels, including a compelling exhibit experience and engaging daytime and evening events; conservation education programs for people of all ages and backgrounds; community outreach to underserved populations; research that advances understanding of animals in our care and their counterparts in the wild; advocacy and policy work; an award-winning volunteer program; strong and consistent marketing efforts; and more.
We’re noted for our collaborative, communicative and team-oriented working environment. Our values, developed in conjunction with our staff, include commitments to adopting and promoting sustainable practices; creating awe-inspiring experiences; constantly learning and improving; fostering an inclusive community; maintaining scientific credibility through evidence-based practices; and honoring our unique place by using our location and history as a lens for larger understanding.
Proudly accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, we’re the eighth-largest aquarium in the U.S. by attendance and we welcome over 850,000 people through our front doors each year. Guided by our mission of Inspiring Conservation of Our Marine Environment, we’ve developed a master plan to substantially increase in size and impact by opening a new exhibit building, the Ocean Pavilion. Our current annual budget is $18 million.
*Regarding COVID-19:
The Aquarium prioritizes health and safety for our staff and visitors, embracing science to guide our operations. Staff members are required to wear face masks while working, maintain physical distancing at all times and check their temperature before starting work each day. In addition, we maintain high standards of cleanliness and all high-touch surfaces (like windows, railings, restrooms and elevators) are continuously cleaned.