Program Specialist Jobs

About The Position

Requirements

• Four (4) years of experience and/or education related to the duties of the position, which includes the following:
• Aquarium Life Support Operations: Ability to operate, maintain, and troubleshoot closed and open-system aquarium life support equipment, including pumps, filtration systems, monitoring devices, and water quality instrumentation.
• Animal Husbandry: Experience observing, assessing, and supporting the health of marine organisms through appropriate feeding, preventative care, habitat management, and species compatibility evaluation.
• Water Quality Data & Analysis: Ability to collect, track, and analyze water quality and organism-health data to identify trends, diagnose system performance issues, and implement corrective measures that ensure stable aquarium conditions.
• Emergency Response & Problem Solving: Ability to assess and respond to aquarium system failures, environmental fluctuations, power outages, and other urgent conditions that require timely action and sound technical judgment.
• Volunteer and Staff Coordination: Experience organizing task schedules, training volunteers or staff, and delegating daily operational activities to ensure consistent, safe care of aquarium systems and organisms.
• Environmental Education Support: Ability to convey biological, ecological, or aquarium-system concepts clearly to public visitors, students, and community groups through demonstrations, presentations, or interactive learning experiences.
• Education: Involving a major study in environmental science, life science, environmental education, aquarium science, or related field
• Examples of how to qualify:
• 4 years of experience.
• 3 years of experience AND 30-59 semester or 45-89 quarter college credits.
• 2 years of experience AND 60-89 semester or 90-134 quarter college credits (Associate’s degree).
• 1 years of experience AND 90-119 semester or 135-179 quarter college credits.
• Bachelor’s degree or above.
• This position requires technical competency with aquarium life support systems and water quality monitoring.
• Candidates must hold at least one of the following certifications—or an equivalent credential—and be able to obtain the second within one year of hire :
• Level 1 AALSO Life Support Operator Certification (or equivalent)
• Level 1 AALSO Water Quality Technician Certification (or equivalent)
• Equivalent certifications or training may include documented aquarium life-support coursework, professional training, or industry-recognized credentials demonstrating comparable knowledge and skill.

Nice To Haves

• Have level 2 AALSO Life Support Operator or Water Quality Technician Certification or equivalent.
• Additional experience leading environmental education programs and/or working independently in caring for and managing aquariums are preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage daily operation, maintenance, and performance of aquarium and touch-pool life support systems, ensuring stable environmental conditions and healthy living environments for resident organisms.
• Independently conduct routine and preventative maintenance, troubleshoot equipment issues, perform repairs, and coordinate facility needs with the Reserve’s facility coordinator.
• Monitor water quality and organism health using technical equipment and data-tracking systems, analyze trends, diagnose system issues, and implement corrective actions to improve performance and animal welfare.
• Provide technical judgement and recommendations for long-term aquarium facility planning, exhibit improvements, system upgrades, and operational efficiencies.
• Respond to critical aquarium needs during power outages, closures, or emergencies, ensuring the safety and care of organisms during after-hours and holiday periods.
• Develop and deliver aquarium-based educational presentations, demonstrations, and public engagement events, including fish feedings, touch-pool interpretation, and hands-on estuary science programs.
• Collaborate with Education, Research, Stewardship, CTP, and Facilities sectors to design exhibit improvements, align messaging, and develop curriculum materials that utilize aquarium systems.
• Coordinate, train, and oversee volunteers, interns, WCC members, and Reserve staff who support aquarium and touch-pool care; maintain schedules, delegate tasks, and organize aquarium team meetings.
• Identify and support service-learning and internship opportunities related to aquarium operations, environmental interpretation, and estuarine science.
• Maintain required permits and ensure full compliance with policies and regulations associated with capture, holding, and release of organisms.
• Follow agency policies for records and information management, maintaining accurate electronic and paper records that align with retention and public records requirements.
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support Padilla Bay operations, public programs, facilities, and visitor services.

Benefits

• Medical/Dental/Vision for employee & dependent(s)
• Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)
• Vacation, Sick, and other Leave
• 11 Paid Holidays per year
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness
• Tuition Waiver
• Long Term Disability & Life Insurance
• Deferred Compensation Programs
• Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP)
• Flexible Spending Arrangement (FSA)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Commute Trip Reduction Incentives
• Combined Fund Drive
• SmartHealth