Tidepool Educator

Position Title:  Tidepool Educator 

Reports to:  Wendy Berube Education and Outreach Coordinator

Classification:  Part-time, non-exempt 

Compensation:  $15.00 per hour 

Locations:  Treasure Island, Heisler Park, and Crescent Bay Rocky Intertidal Areas, and other locations as necessary, in Laguna Beach, California 

Job Summary: 

The Tidepool Educator works within the Laguna Ocean Foundation’s Education Program and educates visitors of all ages about the tidepools, the plants/algae and animals that live there, and the proper way to explore this valuable ecosystem without harming the natural resources within the Laguna Beach Marine Reserve and Laguna Beach State Marine Conservation Areas. Shifts are scheduled during low tides on both weekdays and weekends, year-round. 

Essential Duties: 

Provides onsite education to the general public by informing visitors of the flora and fauna of these rocky intertidal areas and interpreting the natural surroundings, including the ocean, geology, and surrounding habitats, as well as by directing the public to nearby points of interest. 

Provides interpretive information in a friendly, polite, and professional manner. 

Counts and records the total number of tidepool visitors, visitors contacted, tidepool infractions, brochures distributed, weather conditions, and other data as deemed necessary by the Foundation on an online data log. 

Interacts and cooperates with the City of Laguna Beach Marine Safety Department Lifeguards and Protection Officers for their enforcement of State and local laws, as well as patron safety. The Tidepool Educator does not conduct enforcement activities. 

Promotes conservation efforts by increasing public awareness of the laws within Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and the proper way to act in tidepools as defined by the “good tidepooler rules”. 

Qualifications: 

Interest in the natural world and enthusiasm for the environment. 

Enjoys teaching and interacting with the public. 

Enjoys being a proactive member of a team, including being dependable and responsible. 

Professional knowledge of marine biology, oceanography, rocky intertidal habitat, local organisms, and interpretive techniques. 

Requirements: 

Tidepool Educators are representatives of Laguna Ocean Foundation and must maintain a professional appearance and demeanor at all times. 

Minimum 18 years of age. 

Minimum one year of college education, or prior interpretive or research experience. 

Performs according to the Educator Standards of Conduct. 

Communicates via email and accesses shared Google Drive documents. Completes all data collection requirements and records them online per shift. 

Receives and follows directions from the Laguna Ocean Foundation’s Education and Outreach Coordinator. 

Ability to work outside in an uneven, rocky, wet, sandy and exposed environment with changing weather conditions. 

Performs duties in a safe manner, follows all protocols for safety, and chooses the safest course of action in performing their duties. 

Available to work a minimum of four shifts monthly. 

Skills: 

The ideal Tidepool Educator is motivated, reliable and energetic; interacts well with the public; understands the mission of the Laguna Ocean Foundation; has knowledge of MPA regulations and the rocky intertidal ecosystem; and possesses the following skills: 

Problem Solving 

Customer Service 

Verbal and Written Communication 

Professional Judgment 

Safety and Security 

Adaptability 

Initiative 

The Education and Outreach Coordinator will provide approximately ten hours of training over a three-shift period covering topics related to the knowledge needed to be an effective interpreter in the tidepools of Laguna Beach. Continuing training and hands-on experience will be available to Educators through enrichment classes. 

Physical Demands: 

Ability to be outdoors for shifts of two to seven hours long. 

Ability to stand and traverse over rocky, wet, and uneven surfaces. 

Ability to withstand extreme seasonal weather conditions (e.g., heat, cold, and wind). 

Ability to communicate and interact with the public for shifts of two to seven hours long. 

Work Environment: 

The Tidepool Educator works outdoors during low tides in the rocky intertidal areas of Laguna Beach. As such, the Tidepool Educator is exposed to variable weather and water conditions, including sun, rain, wind, and waves. In addition, the Tidepool Educator may at times expect to be surrounded by large numbers of people, typical of summer beach visitation rates in Laguna Beach. 

How to apply:

Go to https://www.lagunaoceanfoundation.org/available-positions/tidepool-educator/