Sea Center Naturalist

Part-time - Entry Level

Santa Barbara, CA

About the position

The Sea Center Naturalist assists in coordinating day-to-day operations of exhibit areas at the Sea Center, including interpreting Sea Center Exhibits as they relate to the Santa Barbara Channel. The role aims to inspire ocean stewardship among visitors and volunteers. Responsibilities include monitoring exhibits, assisting with volunteer supervision and scheduling, delivering quality customer service, cleaning aquarium glass, and monitoring safety issues. The Naturalist serves as an exhibit interpreter and delivers educational programming to visitors, enriching the volunteer experience by providing support throughout the day, assisting with exhibit interpretation training, and leading advanced volunteer training opportunities. Collaboration with all Sea Center staff is essential to achieve overall objectives.

Responsibilities

• Monitors exhibit areas by routinely walking through the Sea Center checking on volunteers and regular spot-cleaning exhibit tanks.
• Enriches the guest experience with additional exhibit interpretation and interaction.
• Serves as a point of contact for volunteers to call on throughout the day for assistance.
• Acts as a source of marine biology knowledge and science communication tips for volunteers.
• Assists the Volunteer Coordinator with volunteer scheduling by answering phone calls, checking and responding to emails, and recording information in Google Sheets and Volgistics.
• Provides volunteers with orientation and review of exhibits and operational procedures.
• Develops and leads advanced volunteer training opportunities and other public programming under the direction of the Naturalist and Volunteer Manager.
• Works in conjunction with the Volunteer Coordinator to develop volunteer training resources and assist with in-person volunteer training.
• Responsible for daily opening and closing routines for the Sea Center exhibit areas.
• Demonstrates a positive and enthusiastic attitude towards visitors and fellow staff.
• Develops and maintains a comprehensive knowledge of marine science content and best practices of science interpretation.
• Participates as an effective, responsible, and energetic team member.
• Assists with crowd control, lifting and placing stanchions, setting up and taking down pop-up tents.
• Assists with larger cleaning projects, using hoses, power tools, and lifting buckets of water.
• Maintains safe and clean exhibits, programs, and workspace.
• Occasionally staffs offsite event booths representing the Sea Center.
• Assists with other Sea Center needs and duties as assigned, such as periodic work at the admissions counter, helping merchandise the store, and exhibit reorganization.
• Contributes to a positive guest experience by greeting and addressing any questions from guests.

Requirements

• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to interact with varied individuals and groups.
• Strong organizational skills, with a proven track record as an effective team member.
• Excellent customer service and science communication skills.
• Ability to speak in public and organize presentations.
• Able to assist with saltwater system maintenance and emergencies under the direction of the Aquarist.
• Background in marine science.
• MS Office skills.
• Bilingual fluency a plus.
• Scuba Certification a plus.
• Available to work weekends, evenings, and occasional holidays.

Benefits

• $20.80 per hour compensation.
• Temporary, part-time position.