Education Specialist

NATIONAL MARINE SANCTUARY•Santa Cruz, CA, Santa Cruz, CA, US, CA

9h•$24 - $26•Hybrid

About The Position

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 part-time Education Specialist responsible for implementing K-12 education programs for 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 2 marine national monuments in the National Marine Sanctuary System. Working collaboratively as part of a passionate, mission-focused team, the Education Specialist will support and lead K-12th grade in-person education programs at the Sanctuary Exploration Center in Santa Cruz, as well as coordinate both in-classroom programming and field trips to the Center for K-12th grade schools in Salinas. The Education Specialist will also work to build partnerships with minority-serving community organizations, facilitate 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, but bilingual skills are not required. 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.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or proven equivalent experience in science, environmental science and environmental education (or combination)
Experience in informal and/or formal education
Confidence leading and speaking to groups of students, both in-person and over video-conferencing platforms
Ability to work independently with a history of self-directed work
Ability to take direction and demonstrate sound decision-making skills
Strong verbal and written communication skills
Familiarity with Google Drive applications
Availability to work at least one weekend day and occasional evenings
Reliable transportation to travel to classroom presentations (mileage reimbursement is included)

Nice To Haves

2 or more years experience in informal and/or formal education
Bi-lingual (English/Spanish)
A sincere interest in, and commitment to, our mission

Responsibilities

Coordinate Learning Programs:
Advertise available program offerings to teachers
Coordinate with schools to deliver classroom presentations on marine topics to 5-10 classes in Salinas (mileage is reimbursed)
Lead the Exploration Center’s field trip, in-class, and virtual programs when scheduled
Maintain all program data and field trip supplies
Additional responsibilities at the Exploration Center:
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:
Operating and troubleshooting computer equipment associated with exhibits
Greeting visitors during open hours (including on weekends)
Assist volunteers with day-to-day activities
Assist with the training and mentoring of student program assistants