Environmental Educator, Trailer Driver, FT

Position Title:         Environmental Educator, Trailer Driver, FT

Department:           Education and Community Engagement

Classification:        Non-Exempt / Full-Time

Employee Type:     TSN – Team Specialist Non-exempt

Direct Report:        Assistant Manager, Educational Operations and Community Programs

Position Summary:

The Environmental Educator, Trailer Driver position primarily oversees the operation and maintenance of the Education trailer while leading Aquanaut Express programming and logistics, expanding educational outreach through off-site learning opportunities. Additionally, this role develops and implements STEAM curriculum and learning programs for students, educators, community groups, and special interest audiences through onsite, offsite, outreach, camp, and field-based experiences that support educational objectives and inspire diverse student audiences. This role communicates pre-program logistics, serves as the primary point of contact for visiting groups, and ensures high-quality program delivery through effective teaching, preparation, and customer service. The position collaborates across departments to strengthen program alignment, growth, compliance, and visibility while supporting professional learning initiatives and customized educational offerings which may occasionally occur in the evenings or on the weekends. The Environmental Educator, Trailer Driver is committed to providing exceptional guest experiences while adhering to organizational policies, procedures, and safety standards in support of the Georgia Aquarium's mission and goals.

Responsibilities: 
 

1. Operate the education trailer and develop, implement, and coordinate Aquanaut Express programming and logistics for off-site educational programming, including occasional evening and weekend assignments. Trailer operations consist of approximately 80% of the role.
2. Maintain education trailer by conducting safety inspections, maintaining program equipment and materials, addressing maintenance needs, and communicating safety concerns and operational updates to management.
3. Develop and implement engaging, hands-on, interdisciplinary STEAM curricula and learning experiences that support educational objectives and meet the needs of diverse student audiences.
4. Provide pre-program communication and coordination to ensure a positive and engaging participant experience.
5. Serve as the primary point of contact by greeting group leaders, confirming schedules and logistics, addressing questions, preparing program materials and spaces, and facilitating a smooth transition into program delivery.
6. Collaborate cross-functionally with internal departments such as group sales, zoological operations, and volunteers to increase program alignment, compliance, growth, and visibility.
7. Develop, plan, implement, and lead Camp H2O programming, including curriculum preparation, activity facilitation, and camper supervision to ensure a safe, engaging, and educational experience.
8. Develop, plan, implement, and lead Tuesdays in Field and Outreach programming, including curriculum preparation, activity facilitation, and participant engagement.
9. Handle and transport approved animal ambassadors for educational programs, ensuring animal welfare, safety, and effective integration into participant learning experiences.
10. Lead professional learning programs by facilitating instruction, engaging participants, delivering program content, and fostering meaningful learning experiences that support participant growth and development.
11. Serve as a departmental representative on cross-functional projects, fostering collaboration and supporting project goals and outcomes.
12. Deliver exceptional customer service by fostering positive guest experiences and responding to visitor needs with professionalism and hospitality.
13. Adhere to all GAI policies, procedures, and safety standards, and perform additional duties and responsibilities as needed to support departmental and organizational goals.

 Qualifications:

1. Bachelor’s degree or higher in a science or education-related field required.
2. Two or more years of experience teaching in a formal or non-formal setting preferred.
3. Previous experience and a passion for working with children, natural history, and animals preferred.
4. Exceptional interpersonal skills to interact with and interpret exhibits for internal and external clients required.
5. Ability to organize, manage time, and set priorities while meeting deadlines.
6. Ability to be flexible and shift priorities to meet departmental requirements.
7. Superior verbal and written communication skills as well as presentation skills are essential.
8. Proficiency with Microsoft Office Products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
9. Must be able to work flexible hours, including weekends and evenings.

Physical Demands & Work Environment:

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk or hear; taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color and peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
 

Commitment:

I commit to the Georgia Aquarium, Inc. the following: 

Mission:  Georgia Aquarium is a nonprofit committed to inspiring awareness and preservation of our ocean and aquatic animals worldwide. 

Vision:  To be the Premier Aquarium in the World for Science, Entertainment, Education and Conservation. 

Values: Respect, Teamwork, Integrity, Innovation, Leadership, Excellence, Appreciation & Inclusion