Community Outreach Educator

Our Mission:

To inspire curiosity through enriching and entertaining experiences of the 1000 Islands Region of the St. Lawrence River

Nature and Scope:

The Community Outreach Educator plays a pivotal role in extending the Aquatarium’s educational programming into the community. This dynamic position is responsible for taking the organization’s mission outside the facility to schools, festivals, community events, and other offsite locations. The Outreach Educator will facilitate workshops, give educational talks, and engage with the public in diverse environments, all while delivering the same interactive, educational experiences that guests enjoy at the Aquatarium. The role also includes assisting in the design, development, and implementation of new community outreach programs and initiatives, ensuring they are engaging, educational, and aligned with the Aquatarium’s mission.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Program Design and Development:

Collaborate with the Education Manager and other team members to design and develop new educational programs for outreach, tailoring content to meet the needs of various community groups and educational settings.
Create interactive, hands-on learning experiences that engage participants and align with the Aquatarium's educational focus on local history, science, wildlife conservation, and environmental stewardship.
Ensure that all outreach programs are inclusive, accessible, and adaptable for different age groups, abilities, and community contexts.
Assist in developing educational materials, props, and activity kits for outreach programs, ensuring they are engaging, informative, and relevant to the local community.
Implement the latest educational best practices and incorporate feedback from past programs to continually improve and evolve programming.

Program Delivery Facilitation:

Lead engaging educational workshops, programs, and presentations for various audiences, including school groups, community organizations, and the general public.
Facilitate hands-on activities (such as crafts, experiments, or games) that relate to the local environment, wildlife, and the history of the St. Lawrence River.
Deliver dynamic talks and presentations using a variety of educational tools (visual aids, interactive elements, etc.) that connect participants to the region’s natural history and ecosystem.
Tailor the content of each session based on the audience’s age, interests, and learning objectives.
Foster a positive, engaging, and safe learning environment where all participants feel included and inspired to learn.

Community Engagment Event Participation:

Represent the Aquatarium at community events, festivals, and local outreach programs, providing educational presentations, activities, and demonstrations.
Actively participate in community festivals, school programs, and local initiatives, ensuring Aquatarium programming is well-represented and accessible to all.
Establish and maintain relationships with local schools, community groups, and event organizers to ensure a steady flow of programming requests.
Promote and support Aquatarium-sponsored outreach events by engaging with the public and encouraging participation.

Public Speaking Education:

Lead educational talks and presentations about the region’s natural history, wildlife, and environmental issues, delivering these talks with confidence and clarity.
Use visual aids, props, and storytelling to create compelling presentations that spark curiosity and promote learning.
Answer questions, encourage participation, and engage audiences through active learning techniques and open dialogue.

Health and Safety

Ensure all health, safety, and risk management protocols are followed when conducting outreach programs, especially when engaging with children or participating in outdoor activities.
Maintain a clean, safe, and organized environment at offsite locations and take responsibility for the proper handling of materials, equipment, and animals (if applicable).

Sundry

Any other duties as assigned by the Education Coordinator or Manager of Education.

Required Skills and Experience:

Strong public speaking skills with experience delivering educational content to diverse audiences (children, adults, families).
Experience in facilitating workshops, presentations, or interactive programming, especially in informal or outdoor settings.
Knowledge of local history, environmental science, and wildlife conservation related to the St. Lawrence River and surrounding areas (or a strong willingness to learn).
Creative program development skills, with the ability to design and implement engaging activities that connect audiences to the region’s natural history.
Excellent organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple events and priorities.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Friendly, enthusiastic, and professional attitude when working with the public.
Ability to travel within the region for offsite programming (including driving and transporting program materials).
Criminal Reference Check (required).
Current Standard First Aid and CPR-B or CPR-C certification (required).
Valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle (preferred).
Bilingual (English/French) or fluency in other languages is an asset.

Work Environment:

35 hours per week (Start May 16, 2025 – end date to be determined (Possible for extension)
Travel required to schools, festivals, and community events across the region.
Indoor and outdoor work in various weather conditions.
Occasional evening and weekend hours based on community events and program needs.

Compensation:

Position funded through Canada Summer Jobs (therefore some requirements will apply)
Mileage reimbursement for travel to offsite locations.
Team Member Discounts and other benefits.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $18.20 per hour

Expected hours: No more than 35 per week

Benefits:

Mileage reimbursement
On-site parking
Store discount

Schedule:

Weekends as needed

Work Location: In person Read more