JOB POSTING

Volunteer training specialist, part-time

Posted: Open to internal and external applicants

Reports to: Volunteer engagement manager

Status: Part-time, hourly, benefitted position.

Hours of work: Wednesday through Saturday, 8am to 5pm. Additional weekend day or evening work to lead and support trainings will be required. Position is approved to work up to 30 hours per week.

Date needed: ASAP

Posting expires: Open until filled.

About the organization:

The Seattle Aquarium is a respected authority on Puget Sound, the Salish Sea and the world’s one ocean. Our passionate staff increases awareness and drives the change needed to preserve and protect our marine environment through a variety of channels including: a compelling exhibit experience and engaging daytime and evening events; conservation education programs for people of all ages and backgrounds; community outreach to underserved populations; research that advances understanding of animals in our care and their counterparts in the wild; advocacy and policy work; an award-winning volunteer program; strong and consistent marketing efforts; and more.

We’re noted for our collaborative, communicative and team-oriented working environment. Our values, developed in conjunction with our staff, include commitments to adopting and promoting sustainable practices; creating awe-inspiring experiences; constantly learning and improving; fostering an inclusive community; maintaining scientific credibility through evidence-based practices; and honoring our unique place by using our location and history as a lens for larger understanding.

Proudly accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, we’re the eighth-largest aquarium in the U.S. by attendance and we welcome over 850,000 people through our front doors each year. Guided by our mission of Inspiring Conservation of Our Marine Environment, we’ve developed a master plan to substantially increase in size and impact by opening a new exhibit building, the Ocean Pavilion. Our current annual budget is $18 million.

Position description:

The Seattle Aquarium is searching for a part-time volunteer training specialist. The position is responsible for the training of volunteers to ensure they are appropriately prepared to fulfill their position in support of the Seattle Aquarium’s mission. The specialist will work with staff from across Aquarium departments to design, deliver and track volunteer training. They will be a key contributor to developing a culture of continued growth for volunteers at the Aquarium through effective training design and implementation practices.

Essential functions:

Lead the development of training courses and materials with Aquarium staff and content experts to meet program outcomes and the needs of volunteers. Determine the appropriate training approaches to cover a range of diverse and complex topics.

Manage the Aquarium’s e-learning platform. Develop and implement e-learning courses. Track training completion and provide customer service and technical support to volunteers using the e-learning platform.

Work within Aquarium systems to schedule volunteer trainings and required resources, including classrooms, staff, equipment and volunteers, to successfully deliver trainings.

Lead volunteer training assistants (VTA) program, which utilizes volunteers in leadership roles to assist with training and mentoring of new volunteers. Select and conduct training for VTAs. Communicate regularly with VTAs regarding schedule and duties. Provide feedback and coaching to VTAs as they complete their assignments.

Working with the volunteer engagement manager and principal evaluator, evaluate the volunteer training program to gauge efficacy and improve training courses and support materials.

Track completion of training requirements for each volunteer using existing volunteer database.

Communicate with volunteers to ensure training requirements are met. Schedule volunteers for trainings, provide reminders and distribute pre- and post-training materials to volunteers.

Deliver trainings and provide logistical support for staff and volunteers leading trainings.

Participate in orientation, interview, screening and selection of new volunteers.

Prioritize a diverse, inclusive and equitable Aquarium by modeling appropriate behavior and working to remove barriers to participation in the volunteer program.

Work to understand the diversity of the Aquarium’s audiences and implement strategies to prepare and enable volunteers to effectively engage our diverse community in a respectful and appropriate manner.

Additional responsibilities:

Support efforts expressing appreciation for and recognition of Seattle Aquarium volunteers, both formal and informal.

Provide support for the overall function of the volunteer program.

Occasionally supervise and support volunteers during special events.

Other projects and duties as assigned.

Required skills, abilities:

Value and understand the role of volunteerism in a mission-based, nonprofit, conservation organization.

Understanding of marine science, conservation and biology concepts.

Dynamic presenter with excellent written and oral communication skills.

Demonstrated project or program management skills.

Demonstrated ability to work within a team on projects with multiple stakeholders with diverse expertise and needs.

Ability to complete projects within an assigned timeline.

Experience with a volunteer management database or learning management system.

Comfort with and ability to produce documents and presentations using Microsoft Office 365 programs. Capable of using scheduling platforms including Microsoft Outlook to schedule multiple staff and resources.

Demonstrate excellent customer service with internal and external stakeholders.

Complete projects within assigned timeline. Develop schedules and hold stakeholders accountable for timelines.

An interest in innovating and developing creative training solutions.

Comfort dealing with shifting priorities in a fast-paced work environment.

Basic photo and video editing skills desired.

Highly organized.

Experience, education and certifications:

We will consider various combinations of relevant experience and education in order to meet minimum requirements.

Required:

Minimum of three years’ experience working in education at an aquarium, zoo, science center, nature center, park or similar environment required.

A minimum of two years’ experience developing and delivering trainings for diverse audiences in a variety of formats.

Experience working in informal and/or formal education settings.

Experience with planning and conducting training programs.

Preferred:

B.A./B.S. degree in education, biology, environmental science or related field preferred.

Two years’ experience developing e-learning content preferred.

Working conditions:

Lift tables, chairs, props and other items up to 50 lbs.

Work outdoors in a variety of conditions.

Work in noisy environment in exhibits.

Occasional local travel (less than 5%).

Position will work between 25 and 30 hours per week, with position to require working one to two weekend days per week.

Pay and benefits:

$21–$23/hour, D.O.E. Please include pay expectations in your materials. Part-time staff are eligible for Seattle Aquarium’s part-time benefits package to include medical, vision, employer-funded health reimbursement account, flexible spending account, a Family Plus Aquarium membership and access to a subsidized ORCA pass, as well as paid sick time.

How to apply:

The Seattle Aquarium is a progressive, equal opportunity employer that values a diverse workforce. All candidates are encouraged to apply by uploading a résumé and one-page letter detailing interest and relevant experience in our online application.

Please let us know if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for this job.

Note:

Must pass a background check, upon job offer, to be eligible for this position.