Summary of Responsibilities:
- Works 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, and other efforts to benefit the program and students.
- Leads additional 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.
- Works to promote FAU Harbor Branch programs with a goal of increasing the 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.
- 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) and community organizations and partners to achieve common goals.
- 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.
- Performs other job-related duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
- High School Diploma or equivalent with four years of appropriate experience required; or a Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institution and two years of appropriate experience required.
- Valid driver’s license and with acceptable motor vehicle driving record required.
Preferred Qualifications/Skills:
- 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.
- 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.
- Experience working at a public education facility (such as an aquarium, science center, museum, nature center).
- Experience executing education programs and developing lessons, presentations, activities, and interpretive content related science and ocean topics.
- Excellent communication (verbal and written) skills, problem-solving skills, and working as part of a team.
- Exceptional people skills, willingness and proven ability to interact with public and staff in a positive and professional manner.
- Ability to adhere to the scheduled operation times for education programs.
- 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.
- Skilled in using Microsoft office software.
- Ability to obtain a Level 2 Background clearance, as required for working with minors.
Salary: $21.55 per hour.
Application Deadline: June 30, 2025
