Position: Education Assistant
Location: Friday Harbor, San Juan Island, Washington, USA
The Whale Museum is seeking an Education Assistant. Position would start around mid-April and is a seasonal, part-time (15 hours per week) position through end of August.
Established in 1979 as the first U.S. museum dedicated to whales living in the wild, The Whale Museum’s mission is to promote stewardship of whales and the Salish Sea ecosystem through education and research. Our facility is located on San Juan Island, northwest of Seattle, Washington. This remote island is accessible only by ferry, boat or plane.
TWM’s Education Department offers many exciting and interactive educational programs, labs, and workshops. During the spring and early summer, programming really increases with school groups and workshops. The Education Assistant plays a vital role assisting the Education Director with a variety of activities and tasks including school group programs, representing The Whale Museum (TWM) as a naturalist on select runs of the Washington State Ferry, as well as assisting with workshops and other events. The Education Assistant reports to TWM’s Education Director and works cooperatively with all members of the staff.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities:
· Serve as a museum docent
· Assist with educational programs and tours (including Marine Naturalist Training Programs and other workshops) including set-up, clean up, and planning
· Serve as a knowledge resource for the public and answer questions
· Stay updated on and provide information relating to the Southern Resident orcas and other marine mammals of the Salish Sea
· Represent TWM as a naturalist on board the Washington State Ferry; coordinate scheduling with Education Director and Washington State Ferry staff
· Participate & assist in TWM’s Marine Naturalist Training Programs
• Perform administrative tasks including preparing materials for programs, data entry, editing podcast episodes, and submitting reports
• Perform other duties as assigned
Desired Qualifications:
· Ability to work flexible schedule. 15 hours per week. Work schedule requires some evenings and weekends as well as availability between 10:00 am -12:30 pm on some weekdays
· Background or interest in education work, preferably marine or science related
· Familiarity with the San Juan Islands, cetacean biology and natural history, specifically the Southern Resident orcas and the Salish Sea
· Reliable and able to work independently
· Team player with great public speaking skills, who is able to interact effectively with Museum staff & board, volunteers, youth, and visitors
· Accepts instruction and follows directions promptly and thoroughly with attention to detail
· Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (i.e. Microsoft Word, Power Point, Access, and Excel)
· Familiarity with editing audio/video files
· Able to do low to moderate lifting and other physical exertion (going up stairs, carrying totes and boxes that weigh around 50 pounds or less)
· Possess a valid Washington State driver’s license and working vehicle appropriate for business
Hourly wage is $18.50 per hour. Position open until filled. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. Electronic submissions of applications are recommended. Send cover letter, resume and up to five references (either reference letter or contact information for each reference) as a single compiled PDF to:
Tracie Merrill, Education Director
The Whale Museum
P. O. Box 945
Friday Harbor, WA 98250
Email: tracie@whalemuseum.org
Note: International applicants required to have approved Visa and documentation to work in the U.S. at the time of submission.
Soundwatch Volunteer Program: Volunteer with the Soundwatch Boater Education Program! As a Soundwatch Volunteer you will: Execute safe and proper seapersonship while educating boaters about wildlife viewing regulations and collecting data on wildlife viewing activities; Educate commercial and private recreational boaters about wildlife viewing etiquette and guidelines in a positive, professional manner; Keep a daily record of vessel activities around whales or other protection areas for further study, verification, or possible legal action. View full job description and info packet here.
The Whale Museum has other numerous year-round and seasonal volunteer opportunities. If you are interested in volunteering for us, click here to download the Volunteer Questionnaire, which has more information about specific opportunities. Email completed questionnaires to Grace and we will be in touch shortly!
The Whale Museum's Exhibit Hall is open daily. Each year, approximately 30,000 people visit. We are looking for volunteer docents! If you are interested in learning more or spending time telling visitors about the Salish Sea and the amazing marine life therein, please email Grace.