WAVE Foundation Conservation Educator - Part-Time

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead WAVE education outreach programs. Includes teaching K-12 standards-based programming, as well as community events to guests of all ages.
• Assist with testing and implementation of curriculum and programming, as well as data collection.
• Handles reptiles (snakes, turtles, alligators, and lizards), birds, and aquatic animals and maintain proper handling and presentation skills for all ambassador animals.
• Prepare for outreach programming including checking supplies and properly transporting animal ambassadors. Return all supplies in working order and notify Supervisor when repairs are needed.
• Stay current on methods, materials, procedures and techniques utilized in environmental education, effectively communicating/interpreting to a broad range of audiences.
• Communicate and maintain productive working relationships with educators, volunteers, students, guests, staff, supervisors, other departments, and colleagues in related institutions.
• Additional duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must be at least 21 years of age with a valid driver's license with clear driving history and comfort driving company vehicles including a Sprinter van.
• High School Diploma or equivalent. Bachelors, Bachelors' class work, or equivalent work experience preferred.
• Must be willing to work weekends, evenings and holidays as needed.
• Must have strong public speaking skills. Experience presenting planned programs to kids/families preferred.
• Willingness to take direction and coaching from experienced staff members to improve skills and enhance guest experience.
• Certified in First Aid/CPR or willing to become certified.

PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Successful completion of background check.
• Able to lift 40lbs and physically move about the facility, including pushing heavy carts. Reasonable accommodation available.
• Ability to present programs offsite for extended periods of time.
• No history of allergy related to animals or plants which might interfere with ability to work.
• Immunocompetence (possible exposure to infections and parasitic disease).
• Position may involve exposure to inclement weather, dust, potentially dangerous or unpredictable animal species, and potentially dangerous machinery, restraint devices and toxic chemicals. Occasional use of protective clothing or equipment is required e.g. boots, goggles, mask, gloves.

WHAT TO EXPECT:

WAVE Foundation employees enjoy all the same perks available to all Newport Aquarium employees. Visit the aquarium whenever you want, share complimentary tickets with friends and family, enjoy discounts on food and beverage, merchandise from our gift shop, and candy from Sweet Dreams Candy Company.

Looking to pursue your education without the debt? From day one, active employees qualify for free tuition through Grow U with hundreds of programs available from certifications to college prep to associates, bachelor's, and even master's degrees. Most are fully-funded. Learn more at: https://www.newportaquarium.com/Careers/Benefits/GrowU

WAVE Foundation inspires and fosters environmental stewards of aquatic life through education, conservation, and volunteerism.

You can expect to work on projects that have never been done before - ideas that are unproven, and concepts that make people smile. You can expect to have fun and be treated with respect the minute you start...and through to the end. You can expect to work in an environment that is highly innovative and low in politics - truthful and filled with smart people! And most of all, you can expect to work hard and make a difference in our world by helping to bring families closer together.

WAVE Foundation is an independent 501c(3) charitable organization, working in partnership with Newport Aquarium.

Newport Aquarium, one of the many properties owned by Herschend Family Entertainment, prides itself on bringing families closer together by creating memories worth repeating. Our Core Values - greatly exceeding guest expectations, serving others, creating emotional connections, constantly improving - give us purpose and guidance.