Education Coordinator

Palace Entertainment is a leading leisure park operator in the United States and Australia overseeing more than 25 entertainment venues, hotels and educational venues across 11 different states.

Palace Entertainment owns and operates some of the country’s largest and most prestigious venues including: National Historic Landmark, Kennywood Park, America’s Oldest Amusement Park, Lake Compounce, the world’s first ever Cartoon Network Hotel, Best Family Theme Park Dutch Wonderland and a variety of other family-friendly parks and campgrounds throughout the United States.

Palace Entertainment is a subsidiary of Parques Reunidos, one of the leading global operators, with more than 60 different assets (theme parks, zoos and marine parks, water parks and other attractions), spread out over various countries across Europe, North America, the Middle East and Australia.

The Education Coordinator serves as a leader within the Living Shores Aquarium facility, to develop and present education programs and presentations to guests both on and off site. The position is responsible for initiating contact with local schools, daycares, and other assorted organizations to generate group sales, while following established guidelines to ensure content accuracy and proper care for use of Education materials and animals.

Public speaking is an essential job function of this role, so the ideal candidate must be comfortable speaking in front of groups of visitors in a clear and concise manner.

We are currently looking for a:

Education Coordinator

Roles & Responsibilities:

Roles & Responsibilities:

Supervisory Duties:

• Supervise the daily operations of the Education team and any other assigned departments
• Lead by example, attitude, and as a representation of Living Shore’s core values
• Act as an approachable mentor and coach to all assigned team members
• Ensure compliance with company and industry best practices, policies, and procedures to create a safe and productive environment for colleagues and guests
• Become knowledgeable of performing the essential duties of all assigned education positions and backfill these positions when needed
• Participate in all aspects of supervision of assigned employees, including hiring, orientation, training, performance coaching, and discipline.
• Ensure that all required meal and other breaks are being given in accordance with New Hampshire law.
• Assist with team scheduling and timekeeping activities

Departmental Duties:

• Manage the entire life cycle of educational events in partnership with related departments, including program design, marketing support, execution, and follow up
• Initiate, facilitate and teach education programs including Family/Public programs, School Programs, guided tours, Volunteer and Teacher Programs
• Organize, supervise, and oversee school and education programs/groups
• Host and present at assigned exhibits, verbally providing knowledge and insight about the exhibit(s) that the visitors are viewing when needed
• Speak to visitors in a clear and engaging manner; respond to questions as needed
• Develop curriculum and content materials for all education programs offered on and off the facility, including the order/purchase of teaching tools and materials within budget guidelines and with proper authorization
• Solicit feedback from guests and propose potential enhancements to curriculum based on their requests
• Maintain and care for education department supplies and Library
• Immediately report any safety or animal welfare concerns to the appropriate internal leaders
• Work with animal care staff to coordinate animals that are available and safe for use, recognizing the species could change due to animal welfare concerns
• Collaborate with the leadership team and animal care professionals to ensure that the facilities remain safe, fun, entertaining, and educational for all guests
• Emcee exhibits during special, after-hours events, upon request
• Work closely with the park leadership team to ensure that our facilities remain safe, fun, entertaining, and educational for all guests
• All other duties assigned by leadership

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Biology, Marine Biology, Zoology, or related field or equivalent specialized training. Depth and breadth of applicable experience is critical; Equivalent work experience will also be considered
• 2-3 years previous work, internship, or volunteer experience in a similar role, preferably with a zoo, animal park, aquarium, or similar operation
• 1+ years of previous experience in teaching at formal or informal education setting
• Previous work experience at a zoo, animal theme park, or aquarium setting a plus, but not required
• Must have or be able to quickly obtain CPR and First Aid Certification

Language: Ability to read, write, and speak fluent English; Spanish or other bilingual language skills are a plus.

Requirements:

• Must be at least 18 years of age to comply with [State] Child Labor Laws
• Ability to work flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, open to close
• Must have reliable transportation to and from work for your scheduled shift
• Must possess exceptional customer service skills, with an ability to resolve questions, problems, issues, and concerns in a positive and professional manner
• Ability to portray a positive, outgoing, professional attitude
• Must possess excellent presentation skills and be able to comfortably speak in front of diverse groups, varying demographics, including on camera
• Must possess effective communication skills, with the ability to convey ideas and concepts to students, visitors, and management of varying age levels and a variety of group sizes
• Ability to handle pressure and guest complaints in a calm and professional manner
• Ability to use office technology and equipment, such as PC, software, and copier
• Must be proficient in Microsoft 365 including Outlook, Excel, Word, and Power Point
• Ability to follow direction, multi-task, and work as part of a team as well as independently

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to stand, walk, and remain on feet for majority of the workday
• Ability to frequently stoop, twist, kneel, bend, squat, or reach above shoulders
• Ability to remain sedentary for extended periods of time, while using a computer
• Ability to verbally speak for long periods of time to a wide variety of audiences
• Ability to carry, push, pull, lift, and hold objects weighing up to 50 pounds
• Ability to be comfortable working near or within water

Working Conditions:

• Job duties may be performed under physically demanding conditions and in potentially hazardous environments, including enclosed spaces, which may be in or out of the water while working with reptiles, fish and invertebrates
• Frequent interaction with all indoor and outdoor areas of Living Shores
• Potential exposure to the variable outside temperatures on occasion, including high heat, cold, direct sun, humidity, dust, rain, snow, ice, and other weather conditions
• Frequent exposure to salt-water or fresh-water environments
• Subject to frequent interruptions, constant repetitive motion, high noise levels, and heavily populated environments

Team member benefits: