Education Specialist

Position Summary: The Education Specialist I facilitate and supports Estuary EDventures (EE) education programs (field-trips, summer camps, citizen science projects, traveling education, outreach, and teacher trainings). He/she is responsible for assisting in the maintenance and care of the Auer Marine Education Center, aquarium displays, and water front programming materials. 

Responsibilities: 

• Serve as a facilitator for “EE” programs.
• Maintains Auer Marine Education Center/Classroom. Participate in opening/closing procedures.
• Develop, enhance, and updates program curricula and education publications. 
• Create full lesson plans with goals and objectives with state environmental and science standards aligned.
• Maintains the care of department supplies and program materials. Identify resources needed and communicates facility/property repair needs.
• Create and prepare materials for programs and events.
• Assists with animal husbandry for the education animal collection. Perform and monitor aquarium daily, weekly, and monthly tasks, tank changes, and water quality. 
• Assists with coordination of junior counselor program for summer camp and help ensure quality. 
• Assist in training, guiding, and evaluating interns. Encourage open line of communication for intern satisfaction, understanding of intern duties, and fulfillment of internship requirements.
• Assist in coordination, development, and administration of all camp programs.
• Assist with departmental planning.
• Serve as mate on USCG-certified beach catamaran. Participate in USCG Consortium random drug testing program. 
• Maintain knowledge of emergency protocol with the ability to make immediate necessary medical decisions and actions. Maintain valid adult and pediatric first aid and CPR/AED certifications. 
• Assist with trainings and workshops for Estuary EDventures.
• Assist with program tracking, including student demographics survey, program evaluation, specialty permits, and program tracking.  
• Assist in citizen science projects, tracking and reporting data.
• Participate in regularly scheduled departmental meetings and trainings.
• Facilitate and support community outreach and public education programs. 
• Participate in professional development. Attend and present at relevant classes, trainings, and conferences. 
• Support other Tampa Bay Watch departments as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned that support “EE” strategic growth plan 

Education, Knowledge, and Skills Required: 

• Bachelor’s Degree with one or more years of relevant work experience 
• Experience with informal and/or formal education, and environmental and marine sciences
• Public speaking and audience management skills
• Ability to create lesson plans 
• Experience with boating and waterfront programs
• Experience with saltwater aquarium husbandry 
• Proficient with PC and Microsoft software, scientific tools and methods, social media platforms, virtual meetings software, graphic design software (Canva)
• The ability to work year-round in Florida’s environment, lift up to 50 lbs., and interact and engage on a high-energy level daily

Required Certifications/Courses or other Tampa Bay Watch Requirements:

American Red Cross (First Aid, AED, CPR) - can be provided by organization

Waterfront Lifeguarding Certification or equivalent - can be provided by organization

USCG Boater Safety Course- can be provided by organization

ACA Level 1 Kayaking Skills Certification or Kayaking Trip Leader Certification - can be provided by organization

USCG Consortium drug testing program for boating

Level II Background Screening