Job Details

Education Programs Specialist, KKO

We're Hiring! The Education Programs 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 Programs Specialist supports the planning, implementation, and ongoing improvement of education 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.

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, non-exempt 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

Essential Functions:

Program Delivery and Operations: 75%

• 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.

Curriculum, Evaluation, and Improvement: 10%

• Identify program gaps, emerging needs, and opportunities for improvement, and recommend responsive updates to curriculum, resources, and program delivery based on current environmental and wildlife issues, audience needs, and the Center's priorities.
• Support the development and refinement of curriculum, lesson plans, instructional activities, and educational resources in response to teacher, student, and program needs.
• 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.
• Support data review and reflection processes by compiling, reviewing, and sharing evaluation findings to demonstrate impact and inform continuous improvements efforts.

Ke Kai Ola and Organizational Support: 10%

• Cross-train and provide support across Ke Kai Ola operations, programs, and activities, as assigned.
• Contribute program content, data, and insights to support grant proposals, reports, donor communications, and other organizational needs.
• Support onsite tours, events, donor cultivation activities, and community engagement opportunities, as assigned.

Other Duties as Assigned: 5%

• 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 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 Diversity:

The Marine Mammal Center actively engages individuals from all backgrounds. We are committed to embracing diversity within our organization because we firmly