Marine Educator

Florida Atlantic University

5d • Onsite

About The Position

The Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute (HBO) at Florida Atlantic University in Ft. Pierce, FL is seeking a Marine Educator. Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute (HBO) is a world class research organization with a focus on exploring the marine environments, studying key species and understanding the connection between humans and the ocean. The Institute expands over 100 miles along and over 200 scientists, engineers, educators, staff and students that work and study at the site. This position works to support a robust portfolio which currently includes high school partnerships, teacher trainings/resources, field trips, afterschool and summer programs, public facilities, exhibitions, tour programs, group visits, citizen science projects, lecture series, special events, and more.

Requirements

• A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in an appropriate area of specialization and two years of appropriate experience; or a high school diploma and four years of appropriate experience required.
• Valid driver’s license and with acceptable driving record required.
• Willingness to obtain a Level 2 Background clearance, as required for working with minors.
• Skill in using Microsoft Office software.

Nice To Haves

• A master’s degree from an accredited institution in Marine Science, Environmental Science, Science Education, or related field preferred.
• Experience in Science education at the K-12 level, as well as a familiarity with fundamentals of marine science, Florida coastal habitats, wildlife and ecology.
• Experience executing education programs and developing lessons, presentations, activities, and interpretive content related science and ocean topics.
• Excellent communication (verbal and written) skills, problem-solving skills, and working as part of a team.
• Exceptional people skills, willingness and proven ability to interact with public and staff in a positive and professional manner.
• Ability to adhere to the scheduled operation times for education programs.
• Comfortable executing public education programs outdoors and on a boat required; First aid certification preferred (or will be provided upon hire).
• Ability to adhere to FAU safety and animal use regulations.
• Experience working at a public education facility (such as an aquarium, science center, museum, nature center) preferred.

Responsibilities

• Leads K-12 partner programs, field trips to FAU Harbor Branch, after-school experiences, camps, and more, as well as public tour programs and special experiences as needed.
• Assists with planning, external communication, execution, and program assessments.
• Serves as a public-facing ambassador for the Institute.
• Provides expert guidance on science topics (with an emphasis on marine environments and the Institute’s research areas), tailors content to meet the needs of audiences served, and ensures high-quality experiences.
• Completes assigned education and outreach components of grant-funded projects, ensuring deliverables are fulfilled according to timelines.
• Works collaboratively with internal groups (research, administrative, and education staff), as well as community organizations and partners to achieve common goals.
• Works to promote FAU Harbor Branch programs with a goal of increasing visibility of the Institute, growing educational programs to serve new K-12 groups, and strengthening overall community engagement.
• Ensures all inquiries receive prompt, professional, positive, and accurate responses.
• Assists with upkeep of the Marine Education Center (general spaces and teaching laboratories), Ocean Discovery Visitors Center, and other on-campus sites used for public programming to ensure a clean, professional, and safe environment at all times.
• Maintains educational equipment and supplies as needed for programs.
• Generates photo, video, and written content for programs, exhibits, virtual resources, curricula, and more.
• Documents lab and field research as needed for science communication initiatives and promotes education and outreach programs to broader audiences.
• Hosts exhibits at community events, including science and nature-themed festivals, as well as other high-impact opportunities to educate attendees while sharing FAU Harbor Branch research and education programs.
• Assists with operations at the Ocean Discovery Visitors Center as needed, including visitor interaction, gift shop, answering phones, general guest services, and exhibit/aquarium maintenance.
• Tracks engagement for reporting and regularly shares feedback to benefit program growth.
• Works as needed with the on-site Marine and Oceanographic Academy High School program in partnership with St. Lucie County School District.
• Serves as an instructor for classes/labs, including but not limited to Environmental Science, Biology, Chemistry, Marine Science, and Physics.
• Assists with activity development, execution of lab and field activities, prep/cleanup of educational laboratories, as well as other efforts to benefit the program and students.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Excellent benefit packages including Medical (PPO/HMO $50 per month single & $180 per month family), Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Flexible Spending plans, Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and much more.
• State retirement options including tax-deferred annuities and Roth 403(b) plans.
• State employees Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.
• Sick Leave Pool Program.
• Paid time off (eligible employees) including vacation and sick leave, 1 personal day, 9 paid holidays, and paid winter break (at President’s discretion).
• Paid Community Engagement Volunteer Service Day
• Employee Educational Scholarship Program (EESP) for eligible Staff/Faculty - Tuition assistance after 6 months of full-time employment.
• For in-unit faculty, the EESP program may be extended to spouses and dependent children (eligibility rules apply).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level