Position Description:

The Education Department at Florida Oceanographic Society (FOS) is growing!  We are currently accepting applications for a brand new full-time Education Specialist position.  The Education Specialist will work as part of FOS’s Education team to carry out daily educational programming for visitors to the FOS Coastal Center.  This position involves considerable public speaking.  The Education Specialist will conduct formal educational presentations in front of large audiences, as well as informal educational lessons at our invertebrate touch tank, sea turtle pavilion, gamefish lagoon aquarium, butterfly garden, and inside of our nature center.  Additionally, the Education Specialist will help lead field trips, group visits, outreach education programming, summer camp sessions, and sea turtle walks.  Work direction and priorities are given by the Director of Education and Exhibits as direct supervisor.

Position Responsibilities:

1. Lead daily public educational programs in front of audiences of up to 100+ guests
2. Lead informal educational programs around the Coastal Center
3. Supervise guest-animal interactions at the ray and invertebrate  touch tanks
4. Run field trip program – including planning, coordinating, and scheduling all in-person and virtual field trips
5. Teach educational lessons during school field trips
6.  Lead guided group visits for children and adults
7.  Lead seining activities in the Indian River Lagoon and other local   bodies of water
8. Lead multiple, week-long marine science summer camp sessions under supervision of Camp Director
9. Create, plan, promote, implement, update, and evaluate education programming, signage, and exhibits
10. Help train and supervise volunteers and interns
11. Assist with educational nighttime sea turtle nesting walks
12. Conduct educational outreach programs throughout the community
13. Assist with all Education Department special events and activities
14. Maintain a professional relationship with guests, staff, and volunteers

Qualifications:

1. Bachelor’s Degree in biology, marine biology, ecology, conservation, environmental science, or science education
2. Minimum of 4 months of science teaching experience in a formal (classroom) or informal (zoo, aquarium, nature center) setting
3.  Exceptionally strong and dynamic public speaker
4.  Comfortable teaching adults and children of all ages
5.  Comfortable interacting with the public on a daily basis
6.  Comfortable working in the water (e.g., seining or snorkeling)
7.  Excellent written and verbal communication skills
8.  Previous experience working with children
9.  Meticulous attention to detail with recordkeeping, scheduling, emails, and phone calls
10.  Able to work outdoors in Florida’s unpredictable weather, stand for up to 3 hours, and lift 50 pounds
11. Strong customer service skills and a professional attitude
12. Ability to work weekends and occasional evenings 
13. Self motivated, able to work independently or as part of a team
14. Charismatic, enthusiastic, energetic, upbeat, and pleasant personality
15. Hard working, dedicated, prompt and timely
16. Passion for marine conservation 
17. Ability to coordinate and organize multiple projects, make decisions, and react effectively under pressure
18. Strong desire for personal growth and increased knowledge
19. Strong computer skills, including an advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook
20. Artistic or graphic design background and a working knowledge of Adobe Photoshop and Microsoft Publisher desirable