Tennessee Aquarium
Guest Engagement Educator (Weekends)
Tennessee Aquarium, Chattanooga, Tennessee, United States, 37450
The Guest Engagement Educator position supports the mission of the Tennessee Aquarium to connect people with nature and empower them to make informed decisions about water and wildlife. The Education Department is passionate about lifelong learning, respect for conservation, recognizing the abilities of all people and their experiences, the value of both using and contributing to research about informal education, and a collaborative, learning-based, respectful work environment.
This position will engage with guests utilizing best practices in conservation education messaging during interactions with Aquarium guests during their visit.
Key Responsibilities
Learns and uses suitable techniques for guest engagement, including storytelling/interpretation, inquiry based learning, and interactive experiences, while facilitating education programming of different types and for various ages. These duties may include facilitating storytelling/interpretation in galleries, cart programs, tours, and animal encounters.
Encourages active discovery and sparks curiosity for our guests as they visit the Aquarium. Makes impromptu changes to programs to meet the needs of various audiences, such as families, adults, or children of different ages and needs.
Establishes strong cross-departmental relationships to collaboratively develop and facilitate engaging educational experiences, such as dive program and gallery presentations which provide guests with extraordinary opportunities unique to the Tennessee Aquarium.
Follows all protocols related to ambassador animal handling along with obtaining and maintaining animal program certifications.
Actively participates in Education Department meetings, professional learning experiences, events, and special projects, when applicable.
Ability and willingness to assist with any programming needs of the Education Department.
Qualifications
Storytelling/interpretation experience preferred
Animal handling experience preferred
Experience or coursework in Environmental Sciences, Biology, Education or a related field preferred
Passion for the environment, nature, and communication.
Communication and public speaking skills
Comfort with learning to handle a variety of Ambassador and exhibit animals, including invertebrates, fish, reptiles, amphibians, small birds, and small mammals
Innovative, curious, growth mindset, and team player
Bilingual preferred
First Aid/CPR Certification preferred
Part-time, hourly ($15.00/hour); 2 days between Friday, Saturday, and Sunday plus a min of 1 Wednesday per month from 2-4:30pm for team meeting and maintaining animal handling proficiency.
6.5hr shifts, includes 30-minute lunch break, approx.. 12-14.5 hours/week (max 20 hours/week) mainly during Aquarium hours (between 9am-5pm, with some program needs starting at 7:30am).
Includes evenings, weekends, and some holidays as needed.
To apply, submit an online application through the Aquarium's career site at tnaqua.applicantpro.com/jobs/.
All submissions must be received by
September 19, 2025 .
This position will engage with guests utilizing best practices in conservation education messaging during interactions with Aquarium guests during their visit.
Key Responsibilities
Learns and uses suitable techniques for guest engagement, including storytelling/interpretation, inquiry based learning, and interactive experiences, while facilitating education programming of different types and for various ages. These duties may include facilitating storytelling/interpretation in galleries, cart programs, tours, and animal encounters.
Encourages active discovery and sparks curiosity for our guests as they visit the Aquarium. Makes impromptu changes to programs to meet the needs of various audiences, such as families, adults, or children of different ages and needs.
Establishes strong cross-departmental relationships to collaboratively develop and facilitate engaging educational experiences, such as dive program and gallery presentations which provide guests with extraordinary opportunities unique to the Tennessee Aquarium.
Follows all protocols related to ambassador animal handling along with obtaining and maintaining animal program certifications.
Actively participates in Education Department meetings, professional learning experiences, events, and special projects, when applicable.
Ability and willingness to assist with any programming needs of the Education Department.
Qualifications
Storytelling/interpretation experience preferred
Animal handling experience preferred
Experience or coursework in Environmental Sciences, Biology, Education or a related field preferred
Passion for the environment, nature, and communication.
Communication and public speaking skills
Comfort with learning to handle a variety of Ambassador and exhibit animals, including invertebrates, fish, reptiles, amphibians, small birds, and small mammals
Innovative, curious, growth mindset, and team player
Bilingual preferred
First Aid/CPR Certification preferred
Part-time, hourly ($15.00/hour); 2 days between Friday, Saturday, and Sunday plus a min of 1 Wednesday per month from 2-4:30pm for team meeting and maintaining animal handling proficiency.
6.5hr shifts, includes 30-minute lunch break, approx.. 12-14.5 hours/week (max 20 hours/week) mainly during Aquarium hours (between 9am-5pm, with some program needs starting at 7:30am).
Includes evenings, weekends, and some holidays as needed.
To apply, submit an online application through the Aquarium's career site at tnaqua.applicantpro.com/jobs/.
All submissions must be received by
September 19, 2025 .