The Florida Aquarium- Instructor, Sleepovers and Tots

The Florida Aquarium- Instructor, Sleepovers and Tots

Position Summary

Responsible for the development and instruction of educational programs in classrooms, parks and community facilities for all audiences.  Responsible for the coordination of sleepovers and AquaTots programs. Ensures that all programming presented is innovative and effective, as determined by evaluation, and in direct support of the purpose/vision/mission/values of The Florida Aquarium.

Essential Position Functions

  • ·         Conducts and leads educational programs in the schools, community and the Aquarium.
  • ·         Manages the program administration for Sleepovers including program development, marketing, staff hiring, scheduling and training, teaching as needed, evaluation, maintaining supplies, on call for emergencies and questions in the evening, and is an active member of the sleepover staff. (Includes staff back up during emergencies.)
  • ·         Primary developer and instructor of AquaTots programs.
  • ·         Designs implements, teachers, maintains supplies and markets AquaTots program.
  • ·         Design and teach outreach programs as requested. Maintain props, van, animal carriers. Comfortable driving a van. FL Driver’s license in good standing. Ability to work with large and small audiences using animals.
  • ·         Develops and instructs programs for special events as needed.
  • ·         Designs and maintains supplies for specific school programs as designated by the Director of Youth Education.
  • ·         Develops school program descriptions for Aquarium publications. Programs include auditorium style, investigative classroom, and field based (boat and land) programs.
  • ·         Develops support materials for programs as requested. (e.g. pre- and post-lesson plans, scavenger hunts, activity sheets)
  • ·         Develops and maintains professional peer contacts at local and regional partner organizations
  • ·         Assists Education Outreach/Animal Use Coordinator with the care of animals in the classrooms for education programs as needed.
  • ·         Experience with the handling and husbandry of animals, including but not limited to, reptiles, amphibians, small mammals, fish, invertebrates and birds.
  • ·         Ability to work independently is a must (solo work occurs frequently).
  • ·         Assists in marketing educational programs to targeted groups through development and distribution of materials (brochures, flyers, catalogs).
  • ·         Assists in answering informational requests received by The Florida Aquarium.
  • ·         Delivers extraordinary customer service to all Aquarium guests and staff.
  • ·         Other duties as assigned by manager

Education Requirements and Technical Skills

  • ·         Bachelor’s degree in science, education or related discipline (Associates degree working towards Bachelor’s accepted also)
  • ·         Teaching experience in a formal and/or informal setting required
  • ·         Curriculum development in a formal and/or informal setting preferred
  • ·         Working knowledge of Word for Windows, databases and spreadsheets

Competencies

  • ·         Customer Service Orientation — Listening and understanding the customer (both internal and external) and anticipating and evaluating the customer’s needs; making the customer’s satisfaction a high priority in all areas of responsibility.
  • ·         Teamwork — Supporting, facilitating, and participating in activities that promote team effectiveness; demonstrating sensitivity for the feelings and needs of team members and supporting team goals.
  • ·         Communication (oral and written) — Effectively expressing ideas verbally and non-verbally and actively listening to individuals and groups; preparing and focusing presentations to the characteristics and needs of the audience; expressing ideas clearly and concisely in written form, through memoranda, letters, reports, and other documents.
  • ·         Creativity — Proactively combining ideas, resources and skills in new and adaptive ways to better meet outcomes and objectives; finding new ways of positioning the aquarium worldwide as a model of excellence.
  • ·         Information Gathering and Monitoring — Effectively collects relevant data using questioning or research techniques to monitor and manage projects and people
  • ·         Planning and Organizing — Establishing a course of action with specific long-range goals for the aquarium; setting priorities among competing requirements and allocating resources in the most efficient and effective way; developing contingency plans that anticipate changes in the work environment.
  • ·         Follow-up — Institutes methods for monitoring people and projects

Typical Physical Requirements

  • ·         Standing (6 hours per day)
  • ·         Sitting (2 hours per day)
  • ·         Walking (6 hours per day)
  • ·         Viewing a computer screen for extended periods
  • ·         Typing on a computer keyboard
  • ·         Carrying up to 50 lbs — Occasionally
  • ·         Lifting up to 50 lbs — Occasionally
  • ·         More than normal talking
  • ·         Daily contact with a living collection of plants and animals in a central Florida climate
  • ·         Exposure to various plants and animals
  • ·         Subject to bites, stings and scrapes
  • ·         Exposure to marked changes in temperature and humidity
  • ·         Possess a valid Florida driver’s license
  • ·         Ability to travel and drive a vehicle( car/ cargo van) as needed
  • ·         Flexibility in working weekends and evenings
  • ·         Flexibility in working holidays
  • ·         Subject to bites, stings and scrapes
  • ·         Flexibility in working weekends and evenings
  • ·         Flexibility in working holidays

 

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