Supervisor, Habitat Interpretation

The Supervisor of Habitat Interpretation is a dynamic leadership role for an experienced interpretive professional passionate about connecting visitors with aquatic wildlife and conservation. This position leads a team of interpretive staff and volunteers who deliver engaging, science-based programming across Mystic Aquarium's diverse exhibits and habitats, including outdoor penguin and seal habitats, touch pools, and more. 

This role balances hands-on program delivery with strategic leadership, coaching staff in interpretive excellence while managing daily operations, scheduling, and continuous program improvement.

This position is designed for a mission-driven leader who thrives in a fast-paced, guest-focused environment and is ready to elevate Mystic Aquarium's interpretive programming to inspire conservation action and create memorable experiences for diverse audiences.

Primary Functions:

Program Development and Interpretive Leadership

• Design, develop, and refine interpretive programs, scripts, and talking points that bring aquatic science and conservation stories to life.
• Create thematic interpretation that connects tangible resources (animals, exhibits) to intangible meanings, facilitating intellectual and emotional connections for visitors.
• Lead development of new interpretive initiatives, seasonal programs, and special events that align with institutional conservation messaging and educational goals.
• Ensure all interpretive content is scientifically accurate, accessible to diverse audiences, and incorporates current best practices in informal environmental education.
• Systematically evaluate program quality and effectiveness through visitor feedback, observation, and assessment tools; use data to drive continuous improvement.

Staff Leadership and Operations Management

• Hire, train, and develop interpretive staff and volunteers to deliver high-quality, engaging programs that exceed guest expectations.
• Provide ongoing coaching, mentoring, and behaviorally specific feedback to strengthen interpretive skills, public speaking abilities, and guest engagement techniques.
• Conduct performance evaluations, set clear expectations, and support professional development goals for team members.
• Create and manage staff schedules that balance operational needs, employee development opportunities, and efficient resource allocation across all interpretive areas.
• Oversee daily shift operations, troubleshoot challenges, and coordinate inter- and intra-departmental communication to ensure seamless program delivery.
• Model exemplary interpretive practices and foster a collaborative, mission-driven team culture that values continuous learning, innovation, and high standards.

Guest Experience and Engagement

• Deliver engaging interpretive programs directly to guests, including presentations, touch pool facilitation, guided tours, and informal habitat conversations.
• Maintain an enthusiastic, welcoming presence that fosters positive guest experiences and reflects Mystic Aquarium's commitment to education and conservation.
• Respond professionally to guest questions, concerns, and feedback; escalate issues appropriately and follow institutional protocols.
• Ensure all interpretive programming supports diverse learning styles, accessibility needs, and cultural backgrounds of visitors.
• Analyze visitor research and engagement data to inform program improvements and strategic planning efforts.

Animal Welfare, Safety, and Compliance

• Ensure all interpretive staff and volunteers follow proper animal handling protocols, touch pool guidelines, and animal welfare standards.
• Monitor visitor interactions with animals in touch pools and interactive exhibits, intervening when necessary to protect animal welfare and guest safety.
• Enforce safety protocols and institutional policies consistently across all habitats and interpretive areas.
• Respond effectively to emergency situations involving guests or animals, following established procedures and communicating clearly via radio.
• Support habitat maintenance, diet preparation, and basic animal care tasks as assigned; maintain accurate records and documentation.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Education & Experience: Bachelor's degree in Marine Science, Environmental Education, Biology, Natural Resources, or related field, with a minimum of 4 years of progressive experience in public engagement at an aquarium, zoo, nature center, or similar informal education setting. An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
• Interpretive Excellence: Deep understanding of interpretive principles, thematic interpretation, and approaches to informal science education. Proven ability to craft engaging programs that connect visitors to aquatic ecosystems and inspire conservation action.
• Leadership & People Management: Demonstrated supervisory experience including staff recruitment, training, scheduling, performance management, and coaching. Strong ability to delegate, empower team members, and build collaborative relationships.
• Marine Science Content Expertise: Solid working knowledge of aquatic ecology, marine animal behavior, natural history, and conservation issues. Familiarity with local coastal ecosystems and ability to translate complex science into accessible messages for diverse audiences.
• Communication & Facilitation: Exceptional public speaking, interpersonal, and written communication skills. Ability to engage diverse audiences, facilitate group interactions, and provide constructive feedback to staff.
• Operational Competency: Strong organizational skills with ability to manage multiple priorities, create efficient schedules, coordinate volunteers, and respond effectively to dynamic operational needs. Proficiency with radio communication and emergency response protocols.
• Animal Welfare & Safety Knowledge: Understanding of proper animal handling techniques, touch pool management protocols, and guest safety guidelines. Commitment to maintaining high standards of animal welfare and visitor safety.
• Technology Skills: Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite, scheduling software, and data collection tools. Comfort learning new technologies to support program delivery and evaluation.
• Physical Requirements: Ability to work in all weather conditions (indoor and outdoor), stand for extended periods, lift up to 25 pounds, and maintain physical stamina throughout varied shifts. Comfort working around water and aquatic environments.
• Schedule Flexibility: Willingness to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed to support aquarium operations and special events.
• Certifications: Certified Interpretive Guide (CIG) or Certified Interpretive Trainer (CIT) through the National Association for Interpretation (NAI) strongly preferred. Other relevant certifications (e.g., AZA professional development) valued.
• Preferred Qualifications: Experience in aquarium or zoo settings; swim test certification; experience with volunteer programs

Physical Demands:

This role operates in both indoor and outdoor aquarium environments, requiring the ability to stand and walk for extended periods while delivering programs and supervising exhibit areas. The position demands physical stamina to work full shifts in varied weather conditions including heat, cold, humidity, rain, and snow. Employees must be able to navigate potentially wet or slick surfaces around water features and exhibits, ascend and descend stairs frequently, and maintain alertness in dynamic visitor environments. The role requires lifting and carrying materials up to 25 pounds, bending and reaching for exhibit maintenance tasks, and sustained voice projection during presentations and guest interactions. Employees must be comfortable working around and near water, including touch pools and open tank exhibits, and be able to respond quickly to emergency situations requiring physical agility.