Senior Educator

Organization Background:  

The St. Louis Aquarium Foundation is the nonprofit partner to the St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station. Our mission is to engage individuals through access, conservation and education programs building powerful communities for water stewardship. The education, volunteers, fundraising and conservation programs are managed through the Aquarium Foundation. This includes managing conservation initiatives, developing and presenting STEM education programs, and our H2O Friends program, which provides free Aquarium admission to community partners and Title I schools.  

Position Summary:  

The St. Louis Aquarium Foundation is looking for an enthusiastic and upbeat senior educator to join our team. Responsibilities include helping to create and teach our K-12 classes (onsite, outreach and virtual) and overseeing school break camps. Other duties include assisting with scheduling and evaluation of education programs. This position may work alongside volunteers. 

Essential Duties & Responsibilities: 

• Present and/or oversee engaging and interactive programs ranging from school groups, secondary, adults, family programs, laboratory and field classes, in-school outreach programs, specialized classes for all abilities and camps. 

• Collaborate with the ambassador animal team to plan and schedule programs, including scheduling animals for programs. 

• Handle animals from our Ambassador Animal collection (includes snakes, reptiles, insects, and amphibians) as part of education classes 

• Act as primary teacher for programs  

• Manage and track the H2O Friends Program budgets; confirm eligibility of schools for funding. 

• Ensure all participants have a positive and educational experience 

• Work alongside and provide support for education volunteers 

• Research aquatic animals and ecosystems to ensure programs stay up to date with science 

• Assist the Education Manager with other projects as requested 

Education & Experience: 

• Bachelor’s degree in education, science or related field, with experience teaching preferred 

• Minimum of three years’ experience working with youth 

• Animal handling experience preferred 

Critical Skills & Competencies: 

• Proficient in computer software applications and able to utilize spreadsheets and create high quality documents/presentations 

• Detail-oriented, with strong presentation and communication skills 

• Capable of being a role model for youth and facilitating a positive educational experience for all 

• Ability to adapt and maintain flexibility in changing environments 

• Help maintain a positive work environment and work cooperatively and collaboratively within a team 

• Passion for conservation and marine biology is a plus! 

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements: 

• Requires occasional periods of standing and walking, sometimes outdoors; lifting objects; as well as periods of sitting and working on a computer 

• Requires the ability to work effectively, comfortably and respectfully with all ages and a variety of backgrounds, races, and nationalities 

• Comfortable being trained on and using appropriate animal handling procedures per St. Louis Aquarium guidelines 

• May include additional weekend day/events, and evenings 

• Due to our facility being open 365 days a year, this position may be required to work some holidays 

• The St. Louis Aquarium and the St. Louis Aquarium Foundation is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, gender (including gender identity or gender expression), religion, marital or domestic partner status, age, physical, mental or medical disability, sexual orientation, citizenship, military service status, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by the state or federal law or local ordinance