Education Interpreter

The Education Interpreter engages guests in discussions about ocean animals, Pacific Ocean habitats, and conservation concepts through exploration and storytelling. This work involves guiding guest experiences in different settings: one-on-one, in small groups, and to large groups using a microphone. The Aquarium of the Pacific is invested in cultivating and building a diverse workforce that represents our multicultural and diverse audience. This position is seasonal, with the potential to become part-time regular based on performance and the needs of the department.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Exhibit a positive customer service attitude and an obvious interest in achieving the mission of the Aquarium.
• Guide guests’ exploration of the natural history of animals, Pacific Ocean habitats, and conservation topics, including climate change.
• Facilitate conversations with guests as they explore Earth in new, visual ways using the Science on A Sphere® platform in Ocean Science Center.
• Assist guest interactions with animals in Lorikeet Forest (an exhibit where birds fly freely as guests visit and feed the animals) and at touch exhibits.
• Support Aquarium volunteers during evening hours, including answering questions, fielding radio calls, and starting station rotations.
• Lead Aquarium animal encounters and tours onsite.
• Speak on a microphone at assigned Aquarium exhibits.
• Interact with guests, staff, and volunteers in a positive manner.
• Think about and review performance to identify strengths and areas of improvement.
• Receive and apply feedback from colleagues, leading to improved performance.
• Communicate constructively and effectively with Aquarium team members.
• Potential to lead whale-watching excursions offsite, which requires constructive and effective communication with boat operations staff.
• Willingness to learn about ocean science and conservation.
• Willingness to learn how to interpret basic animal behaviors, adaptations, habitats, and conservation.

KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS

• Fluency in Spanish, Khmer, or Mandarin is a plus.
• Ability to speak in public.
• Ability to communicate to a variety of audiences, which includes audiences of different ages, abilities, and languages.
• Ability to work in both a team environment and individually.
• Ability to tell engaging stories to large audiences.
• Open to develop professional skills through coaching and feedback.
• Ability to engage with people in an enthusiastic and sincere manner.
• Ability to speak on the microphone and use props such as animal artifacts and replicas in conversations.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience working with the public.
• Interest in marine biology.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by the individual to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Able to speak for extended periods to audiences.
• Able to project voice to audiences for short periods when appropriate.
• Able to sit, stand, and walk for long periods of time.
• Able to balance, bend, squat, climb, kneel, and twist.
• Able to lift and carry up to 25lbs.
• Able to pull and push up to 100lbs.
• Full functional range of motion in all major body joints from reaching, twisting, bending, simple and power gripping, fine and gross motor skills.
• Able to move and work aboard a whale watch boat in open ocean and near-shore environments in variable weather conditions.

MENTAL DEMANDS

The mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by the individual to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Excellent conflict resolution skills to address issues and maintain positive relationships.
• Resilience and ability to maintain composure and handle difficult situations with professionalism in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong problem-solving skills to analyze issues and find effective solutions.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and work efficiently under pressure.
• Flexibility and adaptability to handle changes in schedules or responsibilities.
• Critical thinking and decision-making abilities to handle complex situations.
• Empathy and emotional intelligence to understand and respond to the needs of colleagues or customers.
• Ability to cope with occasional illness, injury, or loss of animals.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an individual encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Aquarium exhibits, classrooms, theaters, and informal learning environments
• Outside environments in varying weather conditions
• Open ocean environments
• Offsite, onboard a mid-sized ocean vessel in an open ocean environment. Wind and wave conditions vary depending on the weather.
• Exposure to various temperatures, humidity, and/or wetness
• Wet, dirty, and uneven surfaces and walkways
• Exposure to confined spaces
• In occasional contact with animals, including birds, invertebrates, and sharks

INTERESTED & QUALIFIED?

If you meet the requirements of this position, click on the link below to “APPLY NOW.” You will be directed to our web application process, the successful completion of which is required by all applicants. There are THREE simple steps to this process, which is administered by Hire Select:

1. You will complete a brief web application;
2. You will attach or build your resume;
3. You will complete the PCI aptitude assessment.

Upon completion of all THREE steps, your submission will be forwarded to our hiring team for consideration. If you are among the most qualified applicants, we will contact you within two to three weeks. If you do not hear from us within that time, feel free to reapply in the future as other opportunities arise. Thank you so much for your interest in the Aquarium of the Pacific!

Aquarium of the Pacific is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome and celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all staff.

APPLY NOW