Education Programs Specialist, KKO

Description

We’re Hiring!Education and Engagement Specialist, KKO
Location of Position: Kailua-Kona, Hawai’i
Reports to: Director, Ke Kai Ola
Position Classification & Expected Hours of Work, and Travel: 

• This is a full-time position. 
• Regular onsite work is required. 
• The work schedule is generally eight hours per day, Monday through Friday. 
• Days and hours of work may vary according to the needs of The Marine Mammal Center. 
• Evening, weekend, and holiday work is required as job duties demand. 
• Some local travel is required as job duties demand. 

Compensation Range: $30.00 - $34.00/hour
Benefits:

• Holidays
• Sick Time
• Vacation 
• Medical, Dental, and Vision
• Life Insurance
• Long Term Disability Insurance
• 401k Retirement Plan
• Employee Assistance Program

Job Summary:The Education and Engagement Specialist is responsible for coordinating and delivering engaging marine science education programs for diverse audiences ranging from 4th grade students to adult learners. This position uses best-practice instructional approaches to create meaningful learning experiences while providing excellent customer service and ensuring a consistently safe, welcoming, inclusive, and positive learning environment for all participants. Working collaboratively with teams across The Marine Mammal Center and with external stakeholders, the Education and Engagement Specialist supports the planning, implementation, and ongoing improvement of education and engagement programs. Key responsibilities include coordinating program logistics and resources, supporting student and educator engagement, assisting with program design and evaluation, implementing evaluation protocols, and maintaining strong relationships with schools, educators, and community partners.  
Essential Functions:Education Program Delivery: 65% 

• Deliver engaging marine science education programs for audiences ranging from 4th grade students to adult learners, using best-practice instructional approaches and age-appropriate learning strategies.  
• Coordinate and manage program logistics, including scheduling activities, preparing materials and supplies, setting up learning spaces, maintaining participant documentation, and tracking and recording program data. 
• Provide a safe, welcoming, inclusive, and positive learning environment for students, educators, volunteers, staff, and other program participants. 
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with teams across the Center, as well as external stakeholders, including teachers, community members, and partner organizations. 
• Respond to program inquiries and participant needs with timely, accurate, and professional communication, escalating questions or concerns to management as appropriate. 
• Follow safety protocols and emergency procedures to support the well-being of education participants, volunteers, and staff. 
• Document and communicate incidents, concerns, or program issues to management in a timely and effective manner. 

Community Engagement: 20%

• Coordinate and support community outreach and engagement activities for diverse audiences, including youth, community groups, educational institutions, and partners. 
• Plan, facilitate, and conduct youth site visits, presentations, and educational experiences that promote understanding of the organization's mission, programs, and impact. 
• Develop, cultivate, and maintain positive relationships with community partners and collaborators to strengthen engagement and advance organizational goals. 
• Represent the organization at community events, and outreach opportunities, serving as a knowledgeable and professional ambassador for the program. 
• Support the planning and implementation of onsite tours, special events, donor cultivation activities, and other community engagement opportunities. 

Curriculum, Evaluation, and Improvement: 10% 

• Identify program gaps, emerging needs, and opportunities for improvement, and recommend and support the development of responsive updates to curriculum, resources, and program delivery based on current environmental and wildlife issues, audience needs, and the Center’s priorities. 
• Apply innovative teaching strategies and integrate technology and supporting resources to enhance participant learning and engagement. 
•  Implement program monitoring and evaluation protocols to assess effectiveness, outcomes, participant experience, and overall program impact.  
• Contribute program content, data, and insights to support grant proposals, reports, donor communications, and other organizational needs. 

Other Duties as Assigned: 5% 

• Support other Ke Kai Ola areas assigned.
• Perform special projects and research as assigned. 
• Perform other duties as assigned. 

Supervisory Responsibility: None 
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong passion for marine and environmental conservation and the mission of The Marine Mammal Center.  
• Ability to provide exceptional customer service to a variety of audiences which includes frequent interactions with visitors and volunteers. 
• Knowledge of Marine Science and Ocean Literacy Principles. 
• A desire for continual learning. 
• Understanding of Hawaiian culture and communities in Hawai’i are highly desirable. 
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing. 
• Ability to understand and follow written and verbal instructions and priorities as set by management.  
• Ability to work independently while seeking direction/approval from management to complete projects, priorities, fulfill commitments, and meet deadlines. 
• Ability to gather, analyze, and interpret data to identify potential problems and offer solutions. 
• Ability to troubleshoot, identify improvements, and make routine decisions independently. 
• Strong organizational skills including multitasking and time management. 
• Ability to work collaboratively and maintain open, professional communication in a team-oriented environment. 
• Ability to adapt and learn from change, challenges, and feedback. 
• Skills using Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, SharePoint, Word) and virtual collaboration tools (Asana, Slack, Teams, Zoom).  
• Ability to build and sustain effective working relationships with people from diverse backgrounds while demonstrating self-awareness, respect, and professionalism.  
• Willingness to support and participate in the Center’s diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. 

Qualifications and Experience

• This position requires a combination of education and experience equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in education, natural sciences, or related field; and 3 years of experience working with school groups, participating in program design, and leading tours of programs. A background in environmental education, natural sciences, or school environmental experience are all highly desirable. 
• Ability to obtain clearance via livescan fingerprinting for U.S. Department of Justice to work directly with students. 
• Valid driver license with acceptable motor vehicle record to maintain standards of insurability. (Must be 21+ years old as frequently driving company vehicles is required for this position.) 

Work Environment and Physical Requirements:  

• This position operates in a professional office and hospital environment both indoors and outdoors with access to various parts of the facilities via outdoor pathways.  
• Routinely uses standard office equipment requiring repetitive motion in tasks. 
• Ability to work at a desk for extended periods of time using a computer. 
• Ability to work in an open cubicle office space environment with many distractions.  
• Working in outdoor weather conditions and elements throughout the year. 
• Ability to walk up to 5+ miles during a shift on a frequent basis. 
• Ability to safely walk on beaches of various terrains to assist with animal rescues in various locations across Hawai’i.  
• Ability to spend extended periods on your feet, walking, standing, crouching, and climbing stairs (potentially in inclement weather conditions).  
• Ability to work closely with wild animals requires physical strength, dexterity, and reflexes to keep themselves and other personnel around them safe. 
• Ability to perform physical work which requires manual dexterity, agility, strength, and coordination, including the ability to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. 
• Ability to operate equipment safely and competently to carry out their duties. 
• Ability to drive/operate a vehicle for extensive periods of time. 
• Risks associated with animal handling such as animal bites or scratches. 
• Exposure to allergens and zoonotic diseases. 
• Involves strong smells associated with dead animals (carcasses) and the care of live animals. 

OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITYThe Marine Mammal Center actively engages individuals from all backgrounds. We are committed to embracing diversity within our organization because we firmly believe that diverse employee teams help us to achieve our best organizational outcomes and provide the most effective support to the communities we serve. We are deeply dedicated to creating and maintaining an inclusive, equitable and supportive work environment. We strongly encourage people from underrepresented groups to apply. The Marine Mammal Center believes in growth and supporting our employees as best we can so they can become their best selves in and outside of work. We believe that a healthy work environment means building an inclusive culture where people can thrive together and feel supported and empowered. We believe in stretch versus constraint.OUR MISSIONThe Marine Mammal Center advances ocean health through marine mammal rescue and rehabilitation, research, and education.ABOUT THE MARINE MAMMAL CENTERThe Marine Mammal Center is leading the field in ocean conservation through marine mammal rescue, veterinary medicine, science, and education. For more information, please visit our “About Us” page at www.marinemammalcenter.orgTo Apply: Please submit a cover letter and resume and provide a brief description about how your experience aligns with the role. Note that applications without a cover letter will not be considered. In your cover letter, please feel free to note which pronouns you use (For example – she/her/hers, he/him/his, they/them/theirs, etc). We strongly encourage people of color, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and non-binary people, veterans, parents, and individuals with disabilities to apply. The Center is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes everyone to our team. If you need reasonable accommodation at any point in the application or interview process, please let us know.