Evening Marine Science Interpreter

Evening Marine Science Interpreter Position Overview

The Seattle Aquarium, a leading marine conservation organization, is looking for a Marine Science Interpreter (MSI) to join the Visitor Engagement (VE) and Event team. The Evening MSI is a new position working with both the VE and Event teams to bridge daytime VE operations into evening events. The Evening Event MSI is responsible for leading Visitor Engagement operations during evening events, with a primary focus on third‑party events and additional support for internal evening productions.

This role provides critical logistical and operational support, including liaising with vendors and partners, coordinating with event volunteers, and assisting with post‑event follow‑up.

VE staff are ambassadors for our guests from around the world, helping bring our exhibit floor to life for all. In collaboration with the VE leadership team, this position will support communicating and implementing updates across the team and with other departments. Must be organized, self‑motivated, independent, and show a strong desire for problem‑solving. Must be capable of establishing and maintaining cooperative and effective working relationships with others.

Daily responsibilities include interpreting aquarium habitats, closing duties, supervising volunteers, and maintaining supplies.

• Anticipate the needs of visitors and volunteers, addressing barriers to participation for BIPOC, LGBTQ, and disability communities to create an inclusive community. Maintain awareness of self, coworkers, volunteers, and guests to enhance the guest experience.
• Support interpretive volunteer engagement by sharing daily updates, providing supervision on the floor, and Filipino continued education opportunities for volunteers.
• Prepare and deliver formal interpretive presentations and hands‑on activities to guests; adapt communication style to meet guests’ varying needs and interests, including interactions at interpretation carts and outdoor habitats.
• Monitor guest behavior to ensure a safe event environment and protect animals and habitats.
• Coordinate and communicate openly with coworkers from all aquarium departments as part of vitrage and the event team.
• Contribute to the maintenance and organization of supplies, props, and exhibits, and participate in regular meetings.
• All aquarium staff and volunteers are expected to advance and integrate Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Regenerative practices in alignment with our SALISH values.

• Collaborate with catering partners to provide evening event experiences for third‑party clients, including talks, scavenger hunts, and hands‑on activities.
• Support internal event programming (on‑site and virtual).
• Provide support for audiovisual needs, collaborating with the aquarium’s A/V teamissy and managing in‑house rental equipment to ensure equipment is working and available for events. This includes tasks such as using a microphone for animal talks and turning screens and music on and off.
• Other duties as assigned as appropriate for the level of the position.

• Minimum 2 years’ experience with non‑formal, learner‑lediyat education programs with community members (paid or volunteer).
• Experience working with a public audience, volunteers, tour groups, and event participants.
• Ability to assess priorities in a rapidly changing work environment, shifting gears comfortably and making decisions without a full picture.
• Ability to adapt communication and teaching style to meet varying needs and interests of guests, including speaking with and directing large groups.
• Multilingual and multicultural communication skills and experience are preferred.
• Ability to learn and convey information about marine science and conservation to the public with flexibility, strong listening skills, and respect for learners’ prior knowledge and experiences.
• Familiarity with MS Office programs, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and Teams.
• Familiarity with, or ability to learn, volunteer databases (Better Impact) and Momentus event management platform.

Full‑time staff are eligible for the Seattle Aquarium’s comprehensive benefits package to include medical, vision, dental, an employer‑funded health reimbursement account, medical and dependent care flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long‑term disability, 403b retirement fund with employer match, access to a subsidized ORCA pass, a Seattle Aquarium Family Plus membership, and generous paid time off.

$26.00 – $28.00 per hour plus a shift differential of $1.00 per hour for hours worked between 6:00 to 11:00 pm.