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Education Specialist
Wailuku, HI, USA
Posted on Sep 4, 2026
Join Our Team at One of Hawaii's Best Places to Work in 2024!
Pacific Whale Foundation has an immediate opening for a Education Specialist.
Position: Education Specialist, Full Time, Exempt
Location: On-site, based at PWF Headquarters in Ma'alaea Harbor, Maui, HI
Pay: $58,000.00 to $63,000.00 a year based on skills/experience
About Us:
Pacific Whale Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit committed to our mission of protecting the ocean through science and advocacy. Since 1980, we have made a significant impact on marine environments and wildlife across the Pacific region, including Hawaii, Japan and Australia. Our mission is to inspire environmental stewardship and promote ocean conservation.
What We Offer:
- Competitive Pay
- Comprehensive benefits including PTO, health insurance and 401K for eligible employees
- Free Ecotours
- A fun, relaxed workplace environment
Role Overview:
The Education Specialist works at the direction of the Education Manager with development, planning and implementation of PWF programs. This position is also responsible for shared duties within the department including program delivery and execution, program material preparation, curriculum development, equipment maintenance, outreach events, reservations, correspondence and data collection.
CORE RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Plan and implement education programs including Ocean Camp, Ocean Camp: A Deeper Dive, Keiki Whale Watch and other PWF education initiatives
- Assist and support the development and execution of Ocean Career Quest and connected internship program
- Assist in the development of new education programs
- Lead programs and provide support for other programs led by fellow members of the department
- Develop and ensure a safe, fun and positive learning environment for program participants and complete all required training and certifications
- Maintain a professional relationship with program participants, teachers, parents, staff and volunteers
- Collaborate within the Education department and other departments as appropriate
- Develop and maintain program curriculum materials and supplies, including classroom inventory and program vehicles
- Assist with creation of virtual and physical lesson materials and curriculum deliverables
- Support curriculum development in alignment of departmental objectives of Next Generation Science Standard and Hawaiian cultural integration
- Assist in planning and staffing education related to special events and outreach programs
- Complete shared duties within the department (cleaning, data entry, reservations, correspondence with teachers, parents, vendors, community partners, etc.)
- Understand and demonstrate core values and vision statement of PWF
- Aid in the management of education spaces like the Ocean Discovery Center Classrooms and other education materials and resources
- Collect and maintain organization of department data collected via program metric surveys and participant feedback
- Other duties as assigned
QUALIFICATIONS:
Education/Experience
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Bachelor’s degree in education, Marine or Environmental Science or related field, preferred
- At least 2 years of formal or informal teaching experience with various age groups and abilities; experience as an environmental educator in Hawaii and/or knowledge of Hawaiian culture and natural history preferred
- Experience developing and implementing science and/or environmental education curriculum; familiarity with Next Generation Science Standards, Common Core Standards, and Ocean Literacy Principles preferred
- Solid understanding of appropriate educator conduct and group management
- Experience working in a summer camp environment and/or leading field-based youth program preferred
- Experience with video conferencing and online education programming preferred
Skills
- Proficient with Microsoft Office suite
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Experience with public speaking and using a microphone
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
- Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines
- Ability to function well in a fast-paced environment
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Required
- Valid driver’s license (any state), clean driving abstract and ability to operate a 15-passenger van
- Current CPR, First Aid and Lifeguarding certification or able to obtain within 3 months of employment
- Must be comfortable working on large vessels and in the ocean, and able to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions (heat, humidity, rain, etc.)
- Understanding of increased programming needs (earlier mornings, longer hours, weekend events) in peak season (Jan-July)
Physical Requirements
- Work long days in hot/humid/wet environment aboard a moving vessel at sea
- Strong swimmer
- Bend and safely lift up to 35 lbs
- Team lift (with at least one other person) over 35 lbs
- Stand for extended periods on a moving vessel in rough, bumpy seas
- Frequent bending and squatting
Why Join Us?
This role sits at the heart of our mission "to inspire and advance conservation for whales, dolphins, and the ocean."
Our core values include:
Embracing Reciprocal Responsibility (Kuleana) - We take responsibility for reciprocal interactions with the ocean, the land, the communities, and each other, and hold ourselves accountable for the outcomes of our actions.
Interact with Humility and Compassion (Aloha) - Through empathy, integrity, and mutual respect, we create and nurture a culture of belonging and collaboration.
Persevere with Wisdom and Creativity ( Ho'omau) - We persevere with innovation, guided by the pursuit of knowlegde, to uplift our communities and protect the ocean for generations to come.
Pacific Whale Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
We are committed to the principles of equal opportunity and comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, region, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, ancestry, disability, genetic information, marital status, arrest and court record, domestic or sexual violence victim status, reproductive health decision making, credit history, or any other protected category under federal, state or local law.
We welcome and encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds and are committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and equitable workplace.
If you require reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process, please contact HRDepartment@pacificwhale.org.
All job offers are contingent upon completion of a background check.