Summary:
The Education Specialist is responsible for developing and delivering engaging interpretive learning experiences that emphasize conservation, empathy, scientific inquiry, and inclusivity, highlighting Alaska’s unique ecosystems, wildlife, and cultural heritage. This role engages diverse audiences through onsite programs, virtual learning, and community outreach, while also supporting the creation and maintenance of educational projects. Working collaboratively with teams across Exhibits, Guest
Services, and Communications, the specialist ensures a seamless, enriching learning experience for all Alaska SeaLife Center guests.
Education/Training Requirements:
• Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree in a field aligned with the Alaska SeaLife Center’s mission, such as formal or informal education, science communication, marine science, or conservation education.
• Successful candidates will have prior experience in educational roles—such as an intern, teacher, or interpreter—in settings like aquariums, museums, camps, or traditional classrooms.
• Experience with curriculum development and instructional design is preferred. Familiarity with state and national K–12 education standards is considered a plus.
Education Specialist 2:
• Successful candidates will have prior experience in educational roles—such as an educator, or interpreter—in settings like aquariums, museums, camps, or traditional classrooms.
• Experience coordinating and planning learning programs.
Education Specialist 3:
In addition to the above,
• Experience with curriculum development and instructional design is preferred.
• Familiarity with state and national K–12 education standards is considered a plus.
Essential Duties:
1. Ability to plan, coordinate, and facilitate a variety of educational programs that emphasize conservation, empathy, diversity, and current marine research, with a focus on Alaska’s, ecosystems and Native cultures; program types include day and evening events, family activities, community outreach, animal feed narrations, group tours, structured learning sessions, summer camps, virtual programs, and daily interpretive experiences for guests of all ages.
2. Demonstrated ability to initiate, develop, and implement a wide range of on- and off-site educational programs—including virtual learning, summer camps, and community outreach— for organized groups, families, and school audiences, in collaboration with the Learning Engagement Manager.
3. Ability to maintain positive and effective working relationships with staff across departments. Must be capable of working both independently and collaboratively, managing multiple priorities efficiently, and adapting to a fast-paced, constantly changing environment.
4. Collaborates with other ALSC departments and partners to support and complete new or ongoing projects that align with the Center’s institutional needs and strategic initiatives.
5. Maintains current knowledge of ASLC exhibits, programs, and community events to ensure accurate, timely, and relevant learning engagement.
6. Supports daily operations by assisting with opening and closing procedures, responding to emails, checking in and orienting groups, providing interpretation on the exhibit floor, and supervising public interactions to ensure a positive guest experience.
7. Promotes a welcoming atmosphere, teamwork, and high standards of service to build and maintain positive relationships with visitors, volunteers, community leaders, contractors, and colleagues.
8. Adheres to all Alaska SeaLife Center policies, procedures, and organizational protocols.
9. Willingness to perform additional duties as assigned in support of departmental and institutional goals.
10. Performs other related duties as assigned.
Education Specialist 2:
In addition to the above essential duties,
11. Creates and organizes all necessary learning materials, props, and documentation for program setup and delivery; coordinates the procurement and maintenance of educational supply inventory.
12. Assists in the creation and implementation of program evaluation tools; participates in the evaluation and tracking of program outcomes; and conducts research to support both content development and evaluation efforts.
13. Supports coordination, scheduling, onboarding, and training of part-time learning specialists, interns, seasonal staff, and volunteers to ensure program consistency and quality.
Education Specialist 3:
In addition to the above essential duties,
14. Designs and publishes teacher guides for learning programs and professional development workshops, ensuring alignment with state and national education standards.
15. Develops, mentors, and oversees the Alaska SeaLife Center’s intern program, ensuring it is structured, educational, and aligned with skill development goals; maintains comprehensive oversight of documentation, scheduling, and evaluation to provide a meaningful, growth oriented experience for all participants.
16. Coordinates and assists with the scheduling, booking, and tracking of learning programs and community engagement events.
17. Actively participates in discussions about best practices, institutional priorities, and emerging opportunities to support growth and innovation within the education department.
Other Skills and Abilities:
• Self-motivated, enthusiastic, and dependable, with a consistently positive attitude and a strong commitment to fostering respectful, collaborative relationships with guests, volunteers, staff,
and community partners.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills; able to work independently and collaboratively while managing multiple tasks efficiently in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Outstanding presentation and public speaking skills, with the ability to engage audiences of all ages and learning levels; able to assess and adapt instruction in real time to meet diverse developmental needs.
• Strong writing skills, creativity, and a passion for designing innovative, engaging educational activities.
• Multilingual abilities, including proficiency in American Sign Language (ASL), are considered a plus.
• Familiarity with digital tools and technology, including video recording and editing (Adobe Premiere Pro), graphic design (Canva), and productivity platforms such as Google Workspace and Microsoft Office.
Physical Requirements:
• The job requires extended periods of time on the exhibit floor, which may require remaining in a stationary position during that time while using repetitive motions of the wrists, hands, or fingers.
• The job requires ongoing interactions with people. More than 50% of the typical workday will be spent communicating with visitors in a busy environment.
• The job requires flexibility and availability in schedule. Required to work weekends, evenings, and holidays.
• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
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Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums
APPLICATION DEADLINE: OPEN UNTIL FILLED
START DATE: ASAP
PAY RATE: (1) $18.50-20.25 (2) $21.50-23.75 (3) $24.75-27.00*
*Compensation will be determined based on the candidate’s experience and qualifications.
The job requires flexibility and availability in schedule. Required to work weekends, evenings, and holidays
Full-Time Position with Benefits
Please upload your resume, cover letter and letter of reference when you apply.