#123175 Museum Educator 1 (40%)

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

Birch Aquarium at Scripps is the non-profit public exploration center for world-renowned Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego. Perched on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the aquarium features more than 60 habitats of fish and invertebrates from the cold waters of the Pacific Northwest to the tropical waters of Mexico and beyond. An interactive museum showcases research discoveries by Scripps scientists on climate, earth and ocean science and features five-dozen interactive elements. Birch Aquarium has an annual attendance of more than 460,000. The aquarium is the largest provider of K-12 ocean science education in San Diego County, reaching more than 55,000 school children each year through its on- and off-site programs.

At the Birch Aquarium at Scripps, we connect understanding to protecting our ocean planet. As the public outreach center for Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UC San Diego, we share the spirit of curiosity that drives Scripps’ global research to understand our planet. We engage people in science and invite them to ask questions, explore, and observe to better understand how our world works - Earth, ocean, atmosphere, and life - and our unique role in our global ecosystem. We use science to guide conservation action to support a healthy thriving planet where we feel hope for the future and empowered to make positive change. We connect people with each other, with nature, with science, and with a shared sense of purpose to care for our amazing one-and-only planet Earth.

Our values can be found here: Birch Aquarium at Scripps

Job Location: Birch Aquarium is located at 2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla, CA 92037

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Under general supervision of the Program Manager of Public Engagement and work direction of program leads, the Museum Educator is responsible for assisting in the implementation and presentation of year-round science education programming. Research and provide the science content with accuracy for Education programs, interpretation, and activities appropriate for and in alignment with the Aquarium’s role as the public exploration center for Scripps Institution of Oceanography (SIO), UC San Diego. Program audiences include, but are not limited to, multi-generational groups, families, infants and toddlers, adults, pre-K to 12 and college students, and teachers. Programming includes, but is not limited to in-person and virtual, onsite public engagement, school group programs, youth programs such as camps and after school programs, public programs including special events, outdoor programming, and outreach. Instructional responsibilities include having a broad-based knowledge of marine science content; using appropriate materials, teaching strategies and curriculum to implement programs, including recommending revisions as needed; adhering to aquarium and university policies and procedures; and providing high quality guest service. Assist in mentoring program volunteers and student employees.

• Schedule is Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Must be available 3 days out of a 7-day work week, including one weekend day, and may require schedule flexibility to accommodate morning and/or evening programs, holidays and/or special events. Some programs may involve outdoor, water or sea-going activities and may require lifting tanks and equipment plus handling live organisms.

QUALIFICATIONS

• BA or BS in marine science, environmental science, or related natural sciences or in education with science specialization, or combination of related educational background and teaching in the subject matter, or equivalent experience.

• Demonstrated knowledge of educational program content and objectives in appropriate subject area. Demonstrated understanding of and ability to teach and/or interpret basic marine, Earth and atmospheric science concepts, including the nature and practices of science. Knowledge and familiarity with best practices in teaching inquiry-based science.

• Educational programs delivery and management skills including experience working collaboratively with a team of diverse individuals. Ability to work effectively across the organization, internally and externally.

• Analytical skills to work on program or targeted audience needs assessments. Use of critical-thinking, problem-solving, creativity, time management and organizational skills to meet Departmental and Organizational goals in a team environment.

• Computer skills with business software systems in the completion of work assignments (for example, Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint).

• Effective reading, verbal, written communications and presentation skills.

• Proven ability to follow directions and adhere to established guidelines and procedures. Ability to take initiative and work with appropriate supervision to reliably meet goals and objectives.

• Ability to apply principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion to educational practice.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

• Background checks, including FBI (live scan) and DMV check are required.

• Must have a valid California Driver License.

• CPR/First Aid certification preferred.

• Duties may require direct contact with children (defined as individuals under the age of 18); completion of the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA) training will be required.
  Must meet CANRA compliance requirement per California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act ("CANRA," Penal Code sections 11164-11174.4).

Job offer is contingent on successful engagement in the UC COVID-19 Vaccination program (fully vaccinated with documented proof or approved exception/deferral).

To foster the best possible working and learning environment, UC San Diego strives to cultivate a rich and diverse environment, inclusive and supportive of all students, faculty, staff and visitors. For more information, please visit UC San Diego Principles of Community.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, gender identity or sexual orientation. For the complete University of California nondiscrimination and affirmative action policy see: http://www-hr.ucsd.edu/saa/nondiscr.html

UC San Diego is a smoke and tobacco free environment. Please visit smokefree.ucsd.edu for more information.