Organization Background
Maritime Aquarium’s mission is to ignite a connection to Long Island Sound and the ocean to enrich the lives of all people and inspire action to protect our blue planet. For 38 years, the Aquarium has played a significant role in shaping the landscape of Norwalk and the region. The second largest family attraction in Connecticut, and 50 miles from New York City, the Aquarium hosts nearly 450,000 guests annually. Its primary exhibits take guests on a voyage from the shallow salt marshes and estuaries to the depths of the Long Island Sound and the ocean beyond, culminating with habitats for sharks and harbor seals.
Position Overview
The Maritime Aquarium’s Education Department is seeking talented individuals to serve as educational guides for our Aquarium guests. Guides are ambassadors for the Aquarium, providing knowledge and engagement that enhance the guest experience. Ideal candidates should have a passion for the environment, animals and enjoy working with people of all ages and abilities.
Ideal candidates will help support the Maritime Aquarium’s values:
- Act with integrity and strive for excellence in all we do.
- Prioritize wellness and safety, both physical and emotional, for our animals, people, and community.
- Work in partnership, internally and externally, with inclusion, respect, and enthusiasm.
- Deliver innovative and sustainable solutions by pursuing new ideas,adapting, and improving.
Compensation
This is a part-time position with a pay rate of $19.21 per hour.
Schedule
The required schedule for this position is Saturday and Sunday, with one weekday availability.
Primary Responsibilities
- Work with diverse audiences in a variety of settings at the Aquarium.
- Proactively greet guests and engage them in conversations and activities.
- Facilitate a variety of programs and roving interpretation that may include:
- Presenting animal training and feeding demonstration talks
- Leading Aquarium tours and public engagement programs
- Engaging with guests at Aquarium touch pool interactive stations: Jellies, Sturgeon, Intertidal, Sharks and Rays
- Presenting live animal encounters
- Facilitating mission celebration events (Earth Day, World Ocean Day, etc)
- Facilitating play in the Sea & Discover Zone (early childhood space)
- Overseeing craft or other Aquarium interactive carts
- Leading birthday parties
- Participate in overnight program activities (tours, crafts, and more)
- Providing hands-on guest engagement activities during special events
- Assist with the Aquarium’s teen volunteer program
Qualifications
- Applicants must be at least 18 years of age or older.
- High School Diploma or GED (General Education Degree) required.
- Interpretive training and experience preferred but not required.
- Comfortable working with a diverse population; including groups of children.
- Comfortable and confident with public speaking and utilization of microphones; ability to communicate effectively in noisy, crowded situations.
- Must possess an outgoing personality and enthusiastic, flexible, attitude; willingness to learn.
- Ability to multitask and exhibit good judgment.
- Possess the ability to function independently or with a supervisor to control guest challenges and expectations.
- Must have a strong desire to provide exceptional guest experiences and desire to share knowledge with guests of all ages and backgrounds.
Position Requirements
- Will sometimes work extended hours including weekends, holidays, early mornings, and some night programs.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
- Position works mainly indoors with seasonal outdoor opportunities.
- Ability to stand for extended periods of time.
- Move large objects around the aquarium.
- Two weekend days and at least 1 weekday per week
Benefits
- Retirement Benefits and Plans
- Paid Leave (Sick Time)
- Employee Assistance Program
- Free Single Membership to the Maritime Aquarium
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
The Maritime Aquarium is an equal opportunity employer with a commitment to diversity. All individuals, regardless of personal characteristics, are encouraged to apply.