Job Description

Filing Deadline: Fri 8/8/2025

UCSD Layoff from Career Appointment: Apply by 7/30/25 for consideration with preference for rehire. All layoff applicants should contact their Employment Advisor.

Special Selection Applicants: Apply by 8/8/2025. Eligible Special Selection clients should contact their Disability Counselor for assistance.

DESCRIPTION

Birch Aquarium at Scripps (aquarium.ucsd.edu) is a non-profit exploration center for Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego. The aquarium showcases over 60 habitats of fish and invertebrates. The interactive museum features research discoveries by Scripps scientists and engages visitors of all ages.

Our goal is to promote conservation efforts that protect our ocean planet. We educate visitors on how our world works and inspire them to become stewards of the planet. Our conservation efforts are based on scientific research, and we aim to connect people with nature and with a shared sense of responsibility to care for our planet Earth.

Aquarium staff have the unique opportunity to work alongside diverse individuals, providing exceptional customer service, maintaining high-quality standards, and inspiring a sense of responsibility in others. Supporting guests and colleagues fosters a positive and collaborative work environment while staying optimistic, proactive, and adaptable to achieve long-term success.

Under general supervision of the Public Education Programs Manager and work direction of program leads, the position is responsible for assisting in the implementation and presentation of year-round science education programming. Research and provide the science content with accuracy for Education programs, interpretation, and activities appropriate for and in alignment with the Aquarium’s role as the public exploration center for Scripps Institution of Oceanography (SIO), UC San Diego. Program audiences include, but are not limited to, multi-generational groups, families, infants and toddlers, adults, pre-K to 12 and college students, and teachers. Programming includes but is not limited to in-person and virtual, onsite public engagement, school group programs, youth programs such as camps and after school programs, public programs including special events, outdoor programming, and outreach. Instructional responsibilities include having a broad-based knowledge of marine science content; using appropriate materials, teaching strategies and curriculum to implement programs, including recommending revisions as needed; adhering to aquarium and university policies and procedures; and providing high quality guest service. Assist in mentoring program volunteers and student employees.

This position will be a part of the TX union moving forward.

QUALIFICATIONS

• BA or BS in marine science, environmental science, or related natural sciences or in education with science specialization, or combination of related educational background and teaching in the subject matter, or equivalent experience

• Knowledge of educational program content and objectives in appropriate subject area. Demonstrated understanding of and ability to teach and/or interpret basic marine, Earth and atmospheric science concepts, including the nature and practices of science. Knowledge and familiarity with best practices in teaching inquiry-based science.

• Educational programs delivery and management skills including experience working collaboratively with a team of diverse individuals. Ability to work effectively across the organization, internally and externally.

• Analytical skills to work on program or targeted audience needs assessments. Use of critical-thinking, problem-solving, creativity, time management and organizational skills to meet Departmental and Organizational goals in a team environment.

• Effective reading, verbal, written communications and presentation skills.

• Ability to follow directions and adhere to established guidelines and procedures. Ability to take initiative and work with appropriate supervision to reliably meet goals and objectives.

• Able to apply principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion to educational practice.

• Computer skills with business software systems in the completion of work assignments (for example, Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint).

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

• Must be available 3 days out of a 7-day work week, including one weekend day, and may require schedule flexibility to accommodate morning and/or evening programs, holidays and/or special events. Location: 2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla, CA 92037.

• Some programs may involve outdoor, water-based activities and may require lifting tanks and equipment plus handling live organisms.

• Ability to obtain lifeguard certification is preferred to implement water-based activities.

• Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on Background Check results.Will be required to hold valid driver's license and have a driving record that is in accordance with local policies/procedures.

• Duties may require direct contact with children (defined as individuals under the age of 18); completion of the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA) training will be required. Must meet CANRA compliance requirement per California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act ("CANRA," Penal Code sections 11164-11174.4).

Pay Transparency Act

Annual Full Pay Range: Unclassified - No data available (will be prorated if the appointment percentage is less than 100%)

Hourly Equivalent: Unclassified - No data available

Factors in determining the appropriate compensation for a role include experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The Hiring Pay Scale referenced in the job posting is the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position. The Annual Full Pay Range may be broader than what the University anticipates to pay for this position, based on internal equity, budget, and collective bargaining agreements (when applicable).

To foster the best possible working and learning environment, UC San Diego strives to cultivate a rich and diverse environment, inclusive and supportive of all students, faculty, staff and visitors. For more information, please visit UC San Diego Principles of Community.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

For the University of California’s Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

UC San Diego is a smoke and tobacco free environment. Please visit smokefree.ucsd.edu for more information.

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