Habitat Interpreter

7ea5596b-12ff-4d69-b125-6df8cacd843f•Mystic, CT

1d•$18 - $19

About The Position

The Habitat Interpreter is a frontline ambassador for Mystic Aquarium, delivering science-based interpretation and meaningful guest experiences across indoor and outdoor habitats, including marine mammal and bird habitats, fish and invertebrate galleries, touch pools, and seasonal experiences. Reporting to the Supervisor, Habitat Interpretation, the role connects diverse audiences to aquatic wildlife and conservation through public presentations, informal habitat conversations, thematic interpretation, and active guest monitoring. Interpreters cross-train across interpretive areas and contribute to the Aquarium’s mission through visitor interactions. The position combines guest engagement and education with animal welfare, safety, operational communication, and teamwork. Duties include supporting animal care staff with assigned husbandry tasks and maintaining accurate records. The work takes place indoors and outdoors in varied weather and dynamic, sometimes loud and crowded environments. The position is full-time and non-exempt, with evening, weekend, holiday, and occasional overtime work as needed.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Confidence and comfort with public speaking, including amplified presentations to large audiences.
Working knowledge of aquatic animals, ecology, marine ecosystems, and conservation issues, or a strong willingness to learn and explain scientific concepts to general audiences.
Understanding of basic animal handling, touch pool protocols, and guest safety practices.
Commitment to animal welfare standards aligned with AZA standards.
Strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills and ability to work effectively on a cross-functional team across habitat areas.
Ability to use proper radio communication after training.
Basic proficiency with Microsoft Office and comfort learning technologies such as scheduling platforms, data collection tools, microphones, and two-way radios.
Willingness to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and occasional overtime as needed.
Demonstrated commitment to Mystic Aquarium’s conservation, education, and research mission.
Ability to stand and walk for extended periods and work full shifts in varied weather conditions, including heat, cold, humidity, rain, and snow.
Ability to navigate potentially wet or slick surfaces, frequently use stairs, and remain alert in dynamic visitor environments.
Ability to lift and carry materials up to 25 pounds, bend and reach for habitat maintenance and animal care, and project voice during presentations and guest interactions.
Comfort working around and near water, including touch pools and open tank habitats, and ability to respond quickly to emergencies requiring physical agility.

Nice To Haves

Coursework or a degree in Marine Science, Biology, Environmental Education, Natural Resources, or a related field.
Prior public-facing experience at an aquarium, zoo, nature center, museum, or similar informal education setting; an equitable mix of education and experience will be considered.
Familiarity with thematic, audience-centered interpretation.
National Association for Interpretation (NAI) Certified Interpretive Guide (CIG) certification, or willingness to obtain it.
Bilingual ability, particularly Spanish.
SCUBA certification and ability to pass a dive physical.
Swim test certification.
Experience supporting volunteer programs.

Responsibilities

Deliver science-based interpretive presentations, demonstrations, and informal habitat conversations using approved content and thematic techniques.
Engage diverse audiences using audience-centered facilitation and connect animals, habitats, and behaviors to conservation, ecology, and stewardship.
Maintain current knowledge of habitats, animal collection, programs, and institutional messaging, and adapt programming to audience response, weather, and operating conditions.
Provide excellent customer service, welcome visitors, answer questions, and create inclusive interactions.
Facilitate touch pool and other interactive experiences, explaining responsible animal contact and safe behavior.
Respond professionally to guest concerns and escalate complex situations to the Lead Habitat Interpreter or Supervisor.
Monitor habitats for compliance with safety guidelines and animal welfare protocols, and intervene when behavior presents a risk.
Support animal care staff with assigned husbandry tasks, behavioral observations, training sessions, and environmental enrichment.
Assist with diet preparation, habitat maintenance, and basic animal care in accordance with applicable guidelines.
Maintain accurate records of behavioral observations, guest interactions, and other tracked activities.
Use radios according to protocols to coordinate with interpretive, husbandry, and operations staff.
Respond to emergencies involving guests, animals, or facilities according to established procedures and communication channels.
Use and maintain personal protective equipment and promptly report unsafe conditions.
Maintain cleanliness, safety, and presentation standards in interpretive areas and back-of-house spaces.
Support after-hours events, special programs, and seasonal initiatives as scheduled.
Cross-train and maintain working competency across marine mammal, bird, fish, invertebrate, touch pool, and outdoor interpretive areas.
Participate in coaching, peer feedback, and professional development, and contribute to a collaborative and inclusive team culture.
Work evenings, weekends, holidays, and occasional overtime as needed to support operations and special events.