Marine Science Instructor

Job Posting

Marine Science Instructor

Posted: January 2026

Department: School and Public Programs

Reports to: School and Public Programs Supervisor

Status: Part-time, hourly, seasonal position

Hours of Work: Hours vary based on scheduled programs and events, generally between 8am and 5pm, most often on Sundays and Fridays. This role follows a coverage-based schedule and averages up to 20 hours per week.

Date needed: March 2026

Duration of Position: March 2026 - June 2026

Posting expires: Open until filled; priority given to applications received by January 20th, 2026

The Seattle Aquarium, a leading marine conservation organization, is looking for two Marine Science Instructors (MSI) to join the School and Public Programs (SPP) team. MSIs work with a professional team of marine educators under the guidance of the SPP Coordinator and the SPP Supervisor to provide in-depth informal science programs serving preK-12 students, teachers, families, community groups, and lifelong learners.

The primary programs during the Spring school season are on-site school programs and Toddler Time. Duties include instructing a diverse group of students and families in varied topics related to marine sciences and One World Ocean conservation at the Seattle Aquarium.

Ideal candidates will bring the following to our team of professional educators: enthusiasm for marine science and education, an ability to work collaboratively in a team setting, strong communication abilities in informal science education, and excellent interpersonal skills for working with teachers, students, and the general public. MSIs must work closely with the rest of the Conservation Engagement and Learning (CEaL) team to ensure that programming goals are met in an equitable and inclusive way.

We view this work through an equity lens, with the goal of removing barriers where they exist for members of the community to meaningfully engage with the Aquarium, to foster authentic, mutual relationships between the Aquarium and the community, and to bring diverse audiences together to achieve our mission. This work supports our Strategic Planning goal of inspiring conservation and making the Aquarium and its programs accessible and welcoming to all.

This role is instrumental to the Seattle Aquarium’s mission of Inspiring Conservation of Our Marine Environment

Program Delivery (60%)

• Responsible for the daily instruction of programs for a diverse audience, including PreK to high school students and families (primarily on-site school classes and Toddler Time). Work with the School and Public Programs (SPP) team and other staff to ensure that the highest level of programming is consistently delivered to our audience.
• Support other educators in programs for students and their caregivers. Set-up and breakdown classroom, facilitate stations, provide constructive feedback.
• Apply empathy-based interpretation techniques in program delivery.
• Be trained on animal handling, utilizing classroom intertidal animals in programs. Model respectful interactions for all program participants.
• Ensure safety of classroom animals in programs by following animal handling protocols.
• Anticipate needs of program participants, addressing barriers to participation for BIPOC, LGBTQ and disability communities in an effort to create an inclusive community. Maintain an awareness of self, co-workers, volunteers, and visitors in order to help and enhance our audience’s experience

Program Support (20%)

• Work with the SPP team to provide feedback on programs to improve the experience for guests.
• Perform other related tasks as assigned, such as inventorying materials and supplies, printing, assembling program kits, and program feedback.
• Other tasks under the supervision of SPP Coordinator, such as maintenance and organization of supplies, participation in regular meetings, & program focus groups as needed.

General Wellbeing (20%)

• Take time for collaboration, planning/preparing for programs, and creative thinking.
• Intentionally pause to evaluate sustainability of individual workload;
  Create space for regular reflection of program delivery and effectiveness.
• Foster an environment where team members’ overall wellbeing is supported. Prioritize ensuring psychological safety and practicing emotional intelligence in communications. Ensure self-learning on these topics.
• All Aquarium staff and volunteers are expected to participate in advancing and integrating into their work Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Regenerative practices in alignment with our S.A.L.I.S.H. Values.
• Other duties as assigned as appropriate to the level and scope of the role.

• Interest and knowledge in marine science and conservation.
• Familiarity with school standards and child development milestones
• Comfort with Social Emotional Learning (SEL), environmental justice, social justice, and variety of science topics
• Interest in equity, inclusion, and diversity
• Strong presentation skills
• Ability to work…