Marine Science Instructor

Job Posting

Marine Science Instructor

Posted: Open to internal and external applicants
Department: Community Engagement
Reports to: Community Engagement Manager
Status: Seasonal
Hours of Work: Varied; the typical workday is generally Monday‑Friday 8 am – 5 pm, depending on programming. This position will work a coverage‑based schedule based on booked programming and events, up to 32 hours a week. Flexibility to work weekends and evenings is required.
Seasonal period: Early April – late October 2026
Date needed: April 2026
Duration: Early April 2026 to late October 2026
Posting expires: Open until filled; priority given to applications received by March 20, 2026

The Seattle Aquarium is a leading marine conservation organization seeking Marine Science Instructors (MSI) to join the Community Engagement team. This position balances time in the community, leading programs with students, teachers, families, and community organizations, and assists with program coordination tasks such as communication with partners, scheduling, and other administrative support. MSIs play a key role in ensuring programs are welcoming, well‑organized, and responsive to community needs, helping sustain meaningful relationships and high‑quality educational experiences.

MSI’s will work under the guidance of the community engagement team leader. These programs take place between April and October and value the diverse people of our region, including members of the BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and disability community, as present and future partners and leaders in ocean conservation. The Connections Program is grounded in an equity‑centered approach to engagement, with the goal of reducing barriers to access and creating meaningful, reciprocal relationships between the Aquarium and the communities we serve.

Learn more about the Connections program here https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

Our Field Programs include Beach Naturalist and Cedar River Salmon Journey. The seasonal Beach Naturalist program helps community members learn about and enjoy our vibrant shorelines. Cedar River Salmon Journey is a seasonal outreach program that helps community members learn about the incredible journey of salmon and the health of our local watersheds. Through these programs, local naturalists educate members of the public on how to explore shorelines and riverbeds while keeping animals and their homes safe.

Ideal candidates will have enthusiasm for marine science and environmental education, an ability to work collaboratively in a team setting, and be skillful at interacting and communicating with diverse communities in an empathetic approach. This role supports authentic community connections and welcoming experiences that bring diverse audiences together. 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 role is instrumental to the Seattle Aquarium’s mission of Inspiring Conservation of Our Marine Environment.

• Deliver outreach programs to Seattle Aquarium Connections partners using a learner‑focused approach that is inclusive and welcoming to all participants, anticipating the needs and addressing barriers to participation for BIPOC, LGBTQ+, disability and other diverse communities. Outreach programs are typically with groups of youth accompanied by adult chaperones, or mixed‑age family groups. Examples of outreach programs include field‑based programs (Beach Naturalist and Cedar River Salmon Journey).
• Logistics and documentation:
  Support the coordination and logistics of the Connections and Field Programs, implementing processes for providing free or discounted tickets, including summarizing data compiled by field volunteers, conducting volunteer and visitor evaluations, and ensuring smooth operations and effective delivery. Field Program support:
  Provide onsite support during public program days from sign‑in to set‑up and supply…