The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation (the Foundation), a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that is a leading voice for U.S. protected waters, is seeking a full-time, bilingual Education Specialist, a position responsible for implementing K-12 education programs at the Monterey Bay Exploration Center, a visitor center that interprets the natural and cultural resources of Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary (Monterey Bay NMS).
Specifically, the Education Specialist will support work that is part of the scope of a cooperative agreement between the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation and NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries focused on engaging the public with the 15 sanctuaries and two marine national monuments in the National Marine Sanctuary System, as well as mission support programs of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, a locally-based chapter of the national foundation.
Working collaboratively as part of a passionate, mission-focused team, the Education Specialist will develop and implement all K-12th grade in-person education programs at the Exploration Center, including some virtual programming. The Education Specialist will also oversee in-class programs conducted on school campuses throughout Santa Cruz County. The Education Specialist will also work to build partnerships with minority-serving community organizations, coordinate public programs throughout the community, and assist with special events at the Exploration Center. The position requires the performance of a highly independent professional who provides impactful educational and outreach programs and services to support the mission of Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary and the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation. The ideal candidate for this position will be fluent in both English and Spanish.
The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation is committed to a culture of inclusion, equity, and belonging. We are dedicated to attracting and retaining a diverse staff. We honor experiences, perspectives, and unique identities, and welcome the contributions that you can bring to the dedicated team. With a diverse team of employees, we can grow and learn better together and achieve our mission to protect the health of the ocean, coasts and Great Lakes for current and future generations.
What You’ll Do
The person in this role will be the point for education programs at the Exploration Center in Santa Cruz focused on Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, and will build relationships with partners, staff, and schools to ensure the public can better understand the value of protected areas like national marine sanctuaries and encourage exploration, discovery, and a connection to the wildlife and habitats of Monterey Bay NMS. The Education Specialist will increase the accessibility of education programs by communicating with audiences in both English and Spanish.
Responsibilities:
Coordinate In-person and Virtual Learning Programs:
- Advertise available program offerings to local teachers
- Act as initial point of contact for all interested teachers and schedule presentations
- Coordinate with teachers on field trip scheduling
- Lead the center’s field trip, in-class, and virtual programs when scheduled
- Update curriculum and advertising materials and translate to Spanish when necessary
- Maintain all program data
- Assist with the training and mentoring of student program assistants
Additional Responsibilities:
- Assist with special events on site and within the community, which may occur on evenings or weekends
- Act as a floor lead and open and close Center operations as needed, including:
o Operate and troubleshoot computer equipment associated with exhibits
o Greet visitors during open hours (including on weekends)
o Assist Volunteer Docents with day-to-day activities at the center
Who You Are
As the Education Specialist, you have a passion for sharing the marine environment and for education and can implement engaging and interactive programs that bring the wonder and value of Monterey Bay and the entire National Marine Sanctuary System to life for your audience. You have a commitment to lifelong learning, a strong sense of initiative, and work well independently.
Required Qualifications:
- Spanish Fluency and English Fluency, in both oral and written communications
- Bachelor’s degree or proven equivalent experience in science, environmental science and environmental education (or combination).
- Experience in informal and/or formal education.
- Comfortable leading and speaking to groups, both in-person and over video-conferencing.
- Must be able to work independently with a history of self-directed work.
- Must possess the ability to take direction and demonstrate decision making skills.
- Must have strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Demonstrated ability with the suite of Google Drive applications.
- Must be able to work on weekends and evenings as scheduled.
- A sincere interest in, and commitment to, our mission.
- Regular attendance required.
Why You Will Love Us
The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation (“Foundation”) is a leading voice for U.S. protected waters, working with communities to conserve and expand those special places for a healthy ocean, coasts, and Great Lakes. The Foundation works in close partnership with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to increase stewardship of our ocean and Great Lakes through on-the- water conservation projects, and education and public outreach activities, and by support for research. Together, we safeguard species and the places they call home, and support coastal communities and economies.
- Dedicated and passionate staff committed to marine and Great Lakes Conservation
- Two weeks paid annual leave, plus paid time off the week between December 25 and January 1; and 12 paid holidays
- Two weeks paid sick leave
- Health benefits: Medical with an FSA option; dental, and vision
- Foundation paid Life and Disability Insurance
- Preparing for the Future: 403(B) with employer contribution after one year of service
Compensation and Benefits: $20-$23/hour based on experience. The Foundation offers a competitive benefits package.
We anticipate that not every qualified candidate will have every requirement listed above. If you feel strongly about our mission and meet several of the above requirements, we encourage you to apply.
Applications must include a cover letter, and resume with at least three professional references listed.
Applications received by June 18th will be preferred.
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