Education Specialist

Location: Santa Cruz, CA 

Supervisor: Program Operations Manager (Conservation & Science) 

On-site Coordinator: Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center Manager

Status: Part-time, Non-exempt term position (12 months), 24 hours/week 


What We Need 

 

The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation (the Foundation), a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that is a leading voice for U.S. protected waters, is seeking a part-time Education Specialist responsible for implementing K-12 education programs for Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary (Monterey Bay NMS). 

Specifically, the Education Specialist will support work that is part of the scope of a cooperative agreement between the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation and NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries focused on engaging the public with the 15 sanctuaries and 2 marine national monuments in the National Marine Sanctuary System, as well as mission support programs of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, a locally-based chapter of the national foundation. 

Working collaboratively as part of a passionate, mission-focused team, the Education Specialist will support and lead K-12th grade in-person education programs at the Sanctuary Exploration Center in Santa Cruz, as well as coordinate both in-classroom programming and field trips to the Center for K-12th grade schools in Salinas. The Education Specialist will also work to build partnerships with minority-serving community organizations, facilitate public programs throughout the community, and assist with special events at the Exploration Center. The position requires the performance of a highly independent professional who provides impactful educational and outreach programs and services to support the mission of Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary and the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation. 

The ideal candidate for this position will be fluent in both English and Spanish, but bilingual skills are not required. 

The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation is committed to a culture of inclusion, equity, and belonging. We are dedicated to attracting and retaining a diverse staff. We honor experiences, perspectives, and unique identities, and welcome the contributions that you 

can bring to the dedicated team. With a diverse team of employees, we can grow and learn better together and achieve our mission to protect the health of the ocean, coasts and Great Lakes for current and future generations. 


What You’ll Do 

 

The Education Specialist will lead education programs at the Exploration Center in Santa Cruz and in collaboration with Save The Whales, will lead programming in Salinas schools focused on Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. This position will build relationships with partners, teachers, and schools to ensure the public can better understand the value of protected areas like national marine sanctuaries and encourage exploration, discovery, and a connection to the wildlife and habitats of Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. The Education Specialist will: 

Coordinate Learning Programs:

• Advertise available program offerings to teachers 

• Coordinate with schools to deliver classroom presentations and lesson plans for 20 classes in Salinas during the school year 

• Coordinate with Salinas classroom teachers to deliver up to ten field trips to the Exploration Center 

• Lead the Exploration Center’s field trip, in-class, and virtual programs when scheduled 

• Maintain all program data and field trip supplies 

Additional Responsibilities at the Exploration Center:

• Assist with special events on-site and within the community, which may occur on evenings or weekends 

• Act as a floor lead and open and close Center operations as needed, including: 

• Operating and troubleshooting computer equipment associated with exhibits 

• Greeting visitors during open hours (including on weekends) 

• Assist volunteers with day-to-day activities 

• Assist with the training and mentoring of student program assistants 


Who You Are 

 
As an Education Specialist, you have a passion for sharing the marine environment and for education and can implement engaging and interactive programs that bring the wonder and value of Monterey Bay and the entire National Marine Sanctuary System to life for your audience. You have a commitment to lifelong learning, a strong sense of initiative, and work well independently. 
 
Required Qualifications: 
 
• Bachelor’s degree or proven equivalent experience in science, environmental science and environmental education (or combination)

• Experience in informal and/or formal education

• Confidence leading and speaking to groups of students, both in-person and over video-conferencing platforms 

• Ability to work independently with a history of self-directed work

• Ability to take direction and demonstrate sound decision-making skills

• Strong verbal and written communication skills

• Familiarity with Google Drive applications

• Availability to work at least one weekend day and occasional evenings 

• Reliable transportation to travel to classroom presentations (mileage reimbursement is included) 
 
Preferred Qualifications:
 
• 2+ years of experience in informal and/or formal education 

• Bi-lingual (English/Spanish) 

• A sincere interest in, and commitment to, our mission

We anticipate that not every qualified candidate will have every requirement listed above. If you feel strongly about our mission and meet several of the above requirements, we encourage you to apply. 


Application Details 


Applications must include a cover letter, and resume with at least three professional references. Applications received by December 9, 2024 will be preferred. 

Compensation: $23-25/hour based on experience. 

Location: Santa Cruz, California 
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The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws. This commitment applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, and training. The Foundation makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time.