FAU Harbor Branch Marine Educator

FAU Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute has been a leader in marine science and education for more than 50 years. The Education and Outreach team manages a diverse portfolio of programs and experiences including public facilities and exhibitions, lecture series, guided tours, special events, citizen science initiatives, high school partnerships and research experiences, teacher training and resources, field trips, and afterschool and summer programs, reaching thousands of learners and community members each year. There are multiple Marine Educator positions available - join us in advancing our mission of Ocean Science for a Better World.

Position Title: Marine Educator

Salary: $45,000

Work Hours: 9:00am to 5:00pm, Tuesday through Saturday, with evening availability for special events year-round.

Key Duties:

• Works to support a robust portfolio which currently includes high school partnerships, teacher trainings/resources, field trips, afterschool and summer programs, public facilities, exhibitions, tour programs, group visits, citizen science projects, lecture series, special events, and more, engaging thousands of people each year. 
• Leads K-12 partner programs, field trips to FAU Harbor Branch, after school experiences, camps and more, as well as public tour programs and special experiences as needed. Assists with planning, external communication, execution, and program assessments. 
• Serves as a public-facing ambassador for the Institute. Provides expert guidance on science topics (with an emphasis on marine environments and the Institute’s research areas), tailors content to meet the needs of audiences served and ensures high quality experiences. 
• Completes assigned education and outreach components of grant-funded projects, ensuring deliverables are fulfilled according to timelines. Works collaboratively with internal groups (research, administrative, and education staff), as well as community organizations and partners to achieve common goals. 
• Works to promote FAU Harbor Branch programs with a goal of increasing visibility of the Institute, growing educational programs to serve new K-12 groups, and strengthening overall community engagement. Ensures all inquiries receive prompt, professional, positive, and accurate responses. 
• Assists with upkeep of the Marine Education Center (general spaces and teaching laboratories), Ocean Discovery Visitors Center, and other on-campus sites used for public programming to ensure a clean, professional, and safe environment at all times. Maintains educational equipment and supplies as needed for programs. 
• Generates photo, video, and written content for programs, exhibits, virtual resources, curricula, and more. Documents lab and field research as needed for science communication initiatives and promotes education and outreach programs to broader audiences. 
• Hosts exhibits at community events including science and nature-themed festivals as well as other high impact opportunities to educate attendees while sharing FAU Harbor Branch research and education programs. 
• Assists with operations at the Ocean Discovery Visitors Center as needed, including visitor interaction, gift shop, answering phones, general guest services, and exhibit/aquarium maintenance. 
• Tracks engagement for reporting and regularly shares feedback to benefit program growth. 
• Works as needed with the on-site Marine and Oceanographic Academy High School program in partnership with St. Lucie County School District. Serves as an instructor for classes/labs including, but not limited to, Environmental Science, Biology, Chemistry, Marine Science, and Physics. Assists with activity development, execution of lab and field activities, prep/cleanup of educational laboratories as well as other efforts to benefit the program and students. 

Requirements:

• A Master’s degree in Marine Science, Environmental Science, Science Education, or related field preferred; or Bachelor's degree in a relevant field and two years of experience required.
• Experience in Science education at the K-12 level, as well as a familiarity with fundamentals of marine science, Florida coastal habitats, wildlife and ecology is required.
• Experience executing education programs and developing lessons, presentations, activities, and interpretive content related science and ocean topics is required.
• Excellent communication (verbal and written) skills, problem-solving skills, and working as part of a team required.
• Exceptional people skills, willingness and proven ability to interact with public and staff in a positive and professional manner required.
• Ability to adhere to the scheduled operation times for education programs required.
• Comfortable executing public education programs outdoors and on a boat required; First aid certification preferred (or will be provided upon hire). Ability to adhere to FAU safety and animal use regulations is required.
• Experience working at a public education facility (such as an aquarium, science center, museum, nature center) preferred.
• Valid driver’s license and with acceptable driving record required. Willingness to obtain a Level 2 Background clearance, as required for working with minors.
• Skill in using Microsoft office software is required.