Lead Overnights Educator

Lead Overnights Educator

At the Tennessee Aquarium, our mission is to connect people with nature and empower them to make informed decisions about water and wildlife. We are passionate about several values, including respect for research and conservation, a mindset of lifelong learning, and a diverse, collaborative, and learning-based work environment.

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. The Lead Overnights Educator will engage with visitors utilizing best practices in education and conservation messaging during interactions with Aquarium guests.

Key Responsibilities

1. Lead overnight and evening programs as well as assist with other programming as deemed appropriate by management.
2. Ensure overnight team completes preparation, break down, and cleanup of classroom, facilities and materials for overnight programs and activities.
3. Make impromptu changes to programs to meet the needs of various audiences. Responsible for ensuring policies and procedures are adhered to.
4. Assist in organizing and reporting inventory of all overnight program supplies and equipment used in presentations and activities.
5. Responsible for communicating with staff and volunteers during the overnight program and activities. Greet and assist overnight participants during check in and out.
6. Ensure that safety is a top priority for all staff and volunteers.
7. Responsible for distributed food items and following health department guidelines during overnight.
8. Help maintain constant supervision of all participants. Lead will sleep in the same overnight area with participants. If not staying the night, return in morning to set up breakfast and conclude program.
9. Follow all protocols related to ambassador animal handling, including obtaining and maintaining certifications.

Key Requirements

• Minimum of a high school degree; college work or degree preferred.
• Experience in working with children and people of all ages.
• A minimum of three months' experience in either informal or formal education.
• First Aid and CPR certification (training provided if needed).
• Familiarity with the Aquarium's living population preferred.
• Familiarity with Aquarium buildings and staff preferred.
• Ability to achieve and maintain ambassador animal handling certification.
• Willingness and ability to work at least two lead positions for overnights per month, work at least one reserve shift a month, plus any needed shifts to maintain animal programming certifications. Hours and days for each week will fluctuate and are dependent on guest registration. Schedules are created at least 2 weeks in advance.
• Ability and willingness to assist with any programming needs of the Education Department.
• Ability to spend the night on a hard (carpeted) surface.

Part-time, hourly ($16/hour); will include weekends, evenings, overnights, and holidays.

All submissions must be received by April 24, 2024.

The Tennessee Aquarium is an equal-opportunity employer committed to promoting an inclusive environment that values and supports diversity and equality among staff, volunteers, and all of its audiences.