PT Environmental Educator, NOAA Ocean Guardian School

The part-time Environmental Educator for NOAA Ocean Guardian School at Georgia Aquarium, Inc. in Atlanta, GA, supports the development and implementation of educational programs focused on environmental sustainability. Responsibilities include collaborating with schools, developing curricula, coordinating outreach events, and providing support to program participants. The role requires working closely with the Education Programs Manager and various internal departments to enhance community engagement and student involvement in conservation efforts.
Position Title: Environmental Educator, NOAA Ocean Guardian School

Department: Education

Classification: Part-Time/ Non-Exempt

Direct Report: Manager, Education Programs, NOAA Ocean Guardian School

Position Summary

The primary responsibilities of this Environmental Educator, NOAA Ocean Guardian School role include but are not limited to supporting the NOAA Ocean Guardian School, Education Programs Manager, with furthering the development and maintenance of the NOAA Ocean Guardian Program, while implementing learning programs and opportunities that reflect environmentally sustainable practices that enable all students to be environmentally active and committed "Ocean Guardians." This program provides project(s) for students related to the conservation of local watersheds, the world's ocean, and/or special ocean areas, like national marine sanctuaries. The program also provides opportunities for students, teachers, parents, and friends to participate in a range of environmental and sustainable activities. The Environmental Educator, NOAA Ocean Guardian School, will also support the Education and Community Engagement Department by collaborating with partner organizations, assisting with the planning and scheduling of outreach events, coordinating staff volunteer opportunities, and collecting feedback to enhance future community engagement initiatives.

Responsibilities:

Under the supervision and direction of the Education Programs Manager, NOAA Ocean Guardian School, the Environmental Educator, NOAA Ocean Guardian will be responsible for the following:
• Working alongside Education Programs Manager and appropriate staff with NOAA and National Marine Sanctuaries to identify and designate participants as Ocean Guardian Schools annually.
• Provide learning experiences that are tailored to the needs of each individual group (schools, camps, and special interest groups) as requested.
• Assisting with the development of hands-on and interdisciplinary (STEAM) education curricula that aligns with Ocean Guardian School project pathways.
• Conducting pre-visit calls with contacts to confirm details of schools’ visit to Georgia Aquarium or external programming opportunities as referenced in project proposal.
• Answering e-mails and phone inquiries regarding interest in Ocean Guardian School program participation and questions from current participating schools.
• Attending any necessary field work for participating schools.
• Collaborating with educators in the Education Department, group sales, interpretive programs, security, zoological operations, volunteers, and other internal departments to create and maintain an exceptional guest experience.
• Attending meetings with participating schools to provide guidance and support as needed.
• Joining quarterly NOAA Ocean Guardian School check-ins.
• Providing exceptional customer service to all program participants and collaboratives.
• Supporting Education Programs Manager to execute and maximize program attendance and experience for all participating schools.
• Any other duties as required to ensure the smooth and effective running of Ocean Guardian Schools Program.
• Perform other duties as workload necessitates.
• Identify and establish relationships with organizations that align with Georgia Aquarium’s mission.
• Maintain ongoing communication and collaboration with partner organizations to develop impactful outreach initiatives.
• Assist in developing a structured calendar of engagement events, ensuring opportunities are accessible and well-communicated.
• Aid in organizing outreach opportunities, arrange times and dates, and establishing a schedule for GAI staff to volunteer.
• Regularly assess the effectiveness of community engagement initiatives through staff feedback and partner organization input.
• Prepare reports summarizing volunteer participation, impact, and areas for improvement.
• Occasional evening and weekend work will be required.
• Adhere to all GAI policies.

Qualifications:
• Associate degree or higher in a science or education-related field required.
• At least 2 years’ experience teaching in formal or non-formal setting required.
• Previous experience and a passion for working with children, natural history, and animals preferred.
• Working knowledge of the NOAA Ocean Guardian School program and program operation is preferred.
• Current knowledge of wildlife conservation, scientific research, education trends, and environmental issues preferred.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills to interact with and interpret exhibits to internal and external clients required.
• Ability to organize, manage time and set priorities while meeting deadlines.
• Ability to be flexible and shift priorities to meet departmental requirements.
• Superior verbal and written communication skills as well as presentation skills are essential.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Ability to stay calm under pressure.

Physical Demands & Work Environment:

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk or hear; taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color and peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Commitment:

I commit to Georgia Aquarium, Inc. to be a part of the following:

Mission: Georgia Aquarium is a nonprofit committed to inspiring awareness and preservation of our ocean and Aquatic animals worldwide.

Vision: To be the Premier Aquarium in the World for Science, Entertainment, Education and Conservation.

Values: Respect, Teamwork, Integrity, Innovation, Leadership, Excellence, Appreciation & Inclusion