Alaska SeaLife Center

Seasonal Program Interpreter


Pay$15.50 - $18.50 / hour
LocationSeward/Alaska
Employment typeFull-Time

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  • Job Description

      Req#: 874583

      Summary:
      This position engages with guests on the exhibit floor, maintains the different stations around the Center (e.g., touch tank, aviary, and activity desks), and may present programs and lead Behind the Scenes encounters. The position will be expected to interpret live and static exhibits to the visiting public, present interactive marine science programs to groups, and monitor groups during their self guided tours. This position is responsible for connecting visitors to the mission of the Alaska SeaLife
      Center (ASLC). Each day is some combination of the tasks above. This position will have daily interaction with public programs, education, exhibits, husbandry, and research personnel.

      Education/Experience:

      An associate degree in biology, marine science, or a related field; or high school diploma or GED; or equivalent experience. Previous customer service job preferred. Experience in performing arts, narrating, hosting, or similar a plus. Current high school students with a passion for science and the environment, volunteering experience, demonstration of time management through participation in extracurricular activities, or a combination equivalent to the above are qualified. Must be at least 14 years of age, as required for permitting. Ability to speak and write clearly and concisely in fluent English is required. Ability to speak or write another language including ASL is a plus.

      Essential Duties:

      1. Interprets all of the Alaska SeaLife Center’s static and live animal exhibits housing marine mammals,
      birds, fish, and invertebrates to enhance the visitor experience by providing information and context
      for “connection” to the ASLC’s exhibits.


      2. Assists with daily operations, including opening and closing, answering emails, group check-in and
      orientation. Provides exceptional customer service when interacting with visitors and answering
      general inquiries.


      3. Help maintain the physical appearance of staffed exhibits and deliver announcements over the
      public address system.


      4. Present briefings, lectures, presentations, multi-media shows, structured and impromptu talks, and
      guided tours by learning to employ appropriate interpretive techniques and devices geared to the
      characteristics and interest of particular audiences.


      5. Deliver a variety of scheduled programs and activities emphasizing conservation, empathy and
      diversity. Activities may include family and community programs, narrating animal feeds and
      training sessions, leading group tours, pop-up programs, and daily guest interpretive opportunities
      throughout the center for guests of all ages.


      6. Supervises visitor use of the touch tank and open-air aviary.


      7. May assist with welcoming tour groups or encounters to interested visitors.


      8. May assist in development of interpretive presentations and programing.


      9. Fosters good relations with visitors, volunteers, teachers, and fellow staff members by promoting
      positive attitudes, goodwill, and cooperation and providing high standards of service.


      10. Complies with all Alaska SeaLife Center policies, procedures, and programs.


      11. Performs other related duties as assigned.


      Other Skills and Abilities:


      1. Must be able to speak in public, have outstanding oral communication and presentation skills, able dynamic and engaging, comfortable presenting information to a range of group sizes; able to
      communicate effectively to all ages and learning abilities.

      2. Self-motivated, reliable, enthusiastic, energetic personality and positive attitude

      3. Able to perform multiple tasks simultaneously, calmly, and efficiently in a high-pressure setting.


      4. Uses independent judgment, personal experience and training to ensure quality guest interactions according to ASLC policy.

      Physical Requirements:

      • Ability to see, hear, and speak English; move about for up to 8 hours; use arms and hands;
        handle objects, tools, and controls. Ability to lift and move 20 pounds.
      • This job requires extended periods of time on the exhibit floor which may include walking sitting
        standing and using repetitive motions of the wrists hands or fingers.
      • Job requires ongoing interactions with people. More than 50% of the typical workday is spent
        communicating with visitors in a busy environment.
      • The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by the
        employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable
        accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential
        functions.

        Working Conditions:
      • Job requires flexibility and availability in schedule. Required to work weekends, evenings and
        holidays.
      • This position provides on-the-job training on the animals, exhibits, research, and programs
        specific to the ASLC will be provided.

      Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums

      APPLICATION DEADLINE: OPEN UNTIL FILLED

      START DATE: 4/1/2024 - 5/1/2024 END DATE: 9/03/2024

      PAY RATE: $15.50-18.50

      Eligible for a bonus upon completion of the agreed to end date of the position.

  • About the company

      The Alaska SeaLife Center, Alaska’s premier public aquarium and Alaska's only permanent marine mammal rehabilitation facility, is located on the shores of Resurrection Bay in Seward in the US state of Alaska.