Educator, Youth Development

Location: St. Louis

The St. Louis Aquarium Foundation is the nonprofit partner to the St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station. Our mission is to engage individuals through access, conservation, and education programs, building powerful communities for water stewardship. The education, volunteering, fundraising, and conservation programs are managed through the Aquarium Foundation. This includes managing conservation initiatives, developing and presenting STEM education programs, and our H2O Friends program, which provides free Aquarium admission to community partners and Title I schools.

Reports to:

Senior Educator Status:
Full-time/Part-time

Schedule:

8:30AM - 5:00PM Monday-Friday typically; occasional Saturday programs; occasional Fri-Sat overnight programming with minimum 2-week notice

Position Summary:

The St. Louis Aquarium Foundation is looking for an enthusiastic and upbeat educator to join our team. Responsibilities include teaching our K-12 classes, outreach programming for all ages, special events, and acting as a counselor for school break camps. This position may work alongside volunteers.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

Act as primary teacher for programs, present engaging and interactive programs ranging from school groups, secondary, adults, family programs, laboratory and field classes, outreach programs, summer camps, and specialized classes for all identities and abilities

Handle animals from our Ambassador Animal collection (includes snakes, reptiles, insects, and amphibians) as part of education classes

Ensure all participants have a positive and educational experience

Work alongside and provide support for education volunteers

Research aquatic animals and ecosystems to ensure programs stay up to date with current science

Assist the Senior Educator and Education Manager with other projects as requested

Education & Experience:

Bachelor’s degree in education, science, or related field OR comparable experience

Experience teaching preferred

Animal handling experience preferred

Critical Skills

Competencies:

Proficient in computer software applications and able to utilize spreadsheets and create high-quality documents/presentations

Detail-oriented, with strong presentation and communication skills

Capable of being a role model for youth and facilitating a positive educational experience for all identities and abilities

Ability to adapt and maintain flexibility in changing environments

Help maintain a positive work environment and work cooperatively and collaboratively within a team Passion for conservation and marine biology is a plus!

Working Conditions and Requirements of the Job:

Requires periods of standing and walking, sometimes outdoors; lifting objects; as well as occasional periods of sitting and working on a computer

Requires the ability to work effectively, comfortably and respectfully with all ages and a variety of backgrounds, races, and nationalities

Comfortable being trained on and using appropriate animal handling procedures per St. Louis Aquarium guidelines

May include additional weekend day/events, and evenings

Due to our facility being open 365 days a year, this position may be required to work some holidays

The St. Louis Aquarium and the St. Louis Aquarium Foundation is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, gender (including gender identity or gender expression), religion, marital or domestic partner status, age, physical, mental or medical disability, sexual orientation, citizenship, military service status, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by the state or federal law or local ordinance.

Education & Experience:

Bachelor’s degree in education, science or related field, with experience teaching preferred

Minimum of one year experience working with youth

Animal handling experience preferred

Critical Skills

Competencies:

Proficiency in a computer software applications and able to utilize spreadsheets and create high quality documents/presentations

Detail-oriented, with strong presentation and communication skills

Capable of being a role model for youth and facilitating a positive educational experience for all Ability to adapt and maintain…