Science Center Interpretive Lead
Description
The Science Center Interpretive Leads oversee the seasonal guide staff and collaborate in establishing the public face of the Science Center. The position requires daily interaction with diverse groups of locals, tourists, and visitors to Sitka. Interpretive Leads have a central role in creating and maintaining a culture of fun, inclusion, education, and curiosity among the seasonal staff and for our visitors. This position involves guiding tours through the aquarium and hatchery, greeting guests of all ages and backgrounds, and answering questions about Sitka, marine life, hatcheries, and more. The Interpretive Leads will also coordinate the guide staff, assist with scheduling, monitor the quality of visitor experience, and conduct daily briefings for seasonal staff. This position will work with the Visitor Experience Manager to develop and implement new programs, lead value-added experiences, and provide mentorship to seasonal guide staff. Leads will set the tone and find new ways to create an environment in which our visitors have a positive, fun, and memorable experience as they explore and learn about Alaska hatcheries, local marine life, and exciting research.
Tasks
- Guide visitors on aquarium and hatchery tours
- Answer questions and share information about marine life, Sitka, hatcheries, research, and more
- Welcome visitors to our facility
- Collaborate with the education team to create new visitor programs
- Plan rotating interactive exhibits
- Coordinate facility upkeep (general cleaning, restrooms, public spaces, etc.)
- Conduct daily briefings with guide staff
- Assist with scheduling and daily planning
- Oversee daily opening and closing procedures
- Shadow tours and provide constructive feedback
- Guide value-added tours
- Assist with staff training
- Act as the primary interface between guide staff and Visitor Experience Manager
Qualifications
- You enjoy helping others explore and connect with the world around us.
- You’re excited about interacting with a diverse group of travelers.
- You’re an inquisitive and curious person.
- You thrive in a team setting and enjoy collaborating with others.
- You find and develop personal connections to the places you live and work.
- You’re passionate about having fun and sharing that enthusiasm with others.
- You find wonder in science and the natural world.
- You enjoy mentoring people and helping them to learn new skills.
- You’re an educator at heart.
Background
The Sitka Sound Science Center (SSSC) is a growing 501(c)3 non-profit with a mission to increase the understanding and awareness of the aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems of Alaska. Its core purpose is to use science and education to strengthen and serve Sitka and southeast Alaska. Inclusion and equity are core values of the Sitka Sound Science Center. We are passionate about building and sustaining an inclusive and equitable working and learning environment for students, researchers, and staff. We believe every member of our staff and visitor to our facility enriches our diversity by sharing a broad range of ways to understand and engage with the world, identify challenges, and discover solutions. We encourage you to pursue your interests, develop your potential, and bring your full self to work.
SSSC is a busy non-profit research and science education organization. From spring into the fall, we host visiting researchers, high school and university field courses, education programs, and visitors. These months are full of energy, excitement, fun, and people.
Sitka Sound Science Center is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, ancestry, or national or ethnic origin.
Additional Information
Benefits for Interpretive Leads:
- Subsidized housing options
- Travel assistance from Seattle to Sitka
- Planned excursions around Sitka and Sitka Sound
- Career Development Training
- Opportunities to explore personal interests relating to visitor experience and the Science Center mission.
Please provide a letter of interest, a current resume, and contact information for 2 professional references. Applicants should include the word landslide in the first paragraph of your letter of interest. Application documents should be submitted in Word or PDF format to Sandy McClung, Visitor Experience Manager (aquarium@sitkascience.org)