Educator

Wage: $16.00/hour

Organization Background: 

The St. Louis Aquarium Foundation is the nonprofit partner to the St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station. Our mission is to engage individuals through access, conservation and education programs building powerful communities for water stewardship. The education, volunteers, fundraising and conservation programs are managed through the Aquarium Foundation. This includes managing conservation initiatives, developing and presenting STEM education programs, and our H₂O Friends program, which provides free Aquarium admission to community partners and Title I schools.

Position Summary: 

The St. Louis Aquarium Foundation is looking for an enthusiastic and upbeat educator to join our team. Responsibilities include teaching our K-12 classes (onsite, outreach and virtual) and acting as a counselor for school break camps. This position may work alongside volunteers.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Present engaging and interactive programs ranging from school groups, secondary, adults, family programs, laboratory and field classes, in-school outreach programs, specialized classes for all abilities and camps.
• Handle animals from our Ambassador Animal collection (includes snakes, reptiles, insects, and amphibians) as part of education classes
• Act as primary teacher for programs 
• Ensure all participants have a positive and educational experience
• Work alongside and provide support for education volunteers
• Research aquatic animals and ecosystems to ensure programs stay up to date with science
• Assist the Senior Educator with other projects as requested

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in education, science or related field, with experience teaching preferred
• Animal handling experience preferred

Critical Skills Competencies:

• Proficient in computer software applications and able to utilize spreadsheets and create high quality documents/presentations
• Detail-oriented, with strong presentation and communication skills
• Capable of being a role model for youth and facilitating a positive educational experience for all
• Ability to adapt and maintain flexibility in changing environments
• Help maintain a positive work environment and work cooperatively and collaboratively within a team
• Passion for conservation and marine biology is a plus!

Working Conditions and Requirements of the Job:

• Requires periods of standing and walking, sometimes outdoors; lifting objects; as well as occasional periods of sitting and working on a computer
• Requires the ability to work effectively, comfortably and respectfully with all ages and a variety of backgrounds, races, and nationalities
• Comfortable being trained on and using appropriate animal handling procedures per St. Louis Aquarium guidelines
• May include additional weekend day/events, and evenings
• Due to our facility being open 365 days a year, this position may be required to work some holidays
• The St. Louis Aquarium and the St. Louis Aquarium Foundation is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, gender (including gender identity or gender expression), religion, marital or domestic partner status, age, physical, mental or medical disability, sexual orientation, citizenship, military service status, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by the state or federal law or local ordinance.