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Marine Science Instructor
Seattle Aquarium
Posted on Feb 26, 2026
Job Posting
Marine Science Instructor
Posted: Open to internal and external applicants
Department: Community Engagement
Reports to: Community Engagement Manager
Status: Seasonal
Hours of Work: Varied , the typical workday is generally Monday- Friday 8 am – 5 pm, depending on programming. This position will work a coverage-based schedule based on booked programming and events, up to 32hours a week. The flexibility to work weekends and evenings is required. This is a seasonal position from early April – late October.
Date needed: April 2026
Duration of Position: Early April 2026 to late October 2026
Posting expires: Open until filled; priority given to applications received by March 20th, 2026
Position Overview
The Seattle Aquarium, a leading marine conservation organization, is seeking a The Seattle Aquarium, a leading marine conservation organization, is looking for Marine Science Instructors (MSI) to join the Community Engagement team. This position balances time in the community, leading programs with students, teachers, families, and community organizations, assisting with program coordination tasks such as communication with partners, scheduling, and other administrative support. MSIs play a key role in ensuring programs are welcoming, well-organized, and responsive to community needs, helping sustain meaningful relationships and high-quality educational experiences.
MSI’s will work under the guidance of the Community Engagement team leader . These programs take place between April to October and value the diverse people of our region, including members of the BIPOC, LGBTQ+ and disability community, as present and future partners and leaders in ocean conservation. The Connections Program is grounded in an equity-centered approach to engagement, with the goal of reducing barriers to access and creating meaningful, reciprocal relationships between the Aquarium and the communities we serve. Learn more about the Connections program here https://www.seattleaquarium.org/about-us/connections-program
Our Field Programs include Beach Naturalist and Cedar River Salmon Journey. The seasonal Beach Naturalist program helps community members learn about and enjoy our vibrant shorelines. Cedar River Salmon Journey is a seasonal outreach program that helps community members learn about the incredible journey of salmon and the health of our local watersheds. Through these programs, local naturalists educate members of the public on how to explore shorelines and riverbeds while keeping animals and their homes safe.
Ideal candidates will have enthusiasm for marine science and environmental education, an ability to work collaboratively in a team setting, and be skillful at interacting and communicating with diverse communities in an empathetic approach. This role supports authentic community connections and welcoming experiences that bring diverse audiences together. We view this work through an equity lens, with the goal of removing barriers where they exist for members of the community to meaningfully engage with the Aquarium, to foster authentic, mutual relationships between the Aquarium and the community, and to bring diverse audiences together to achieve our mission. This role is instrumental to the Seattle Aquarium’s mission of Inspiring Conservation of Our Marine Environment.
Essential Functions
- Deliver outreach programs to Seattle Aquarium Connections partners using a learner-focused approach that is inclusive and welcoming to all participants, anticipating the needs and addressing barriers to participation for BIPOC, LGBTQ+, disability and other diverse communities. Outreach programs are typically with groups of youth accompanied by adult chaperones, or mixed-age family groups. Examples of outreach programs include field-based programs (Beach Naturalist and Cedar River Salmon Journey); etc.); help coordinate logistics for community engagement events, such as Community Days; and after-school programs
- Logistics and documentation: Support the coordination and logistics of the Connections and Field Programs, implementing processes for providing free or discounted tickets, including summarizing data compiled by field volunteers, conducting volunteer and visitor evaluations, and ensuring smooth operations and effective delivery.[MP3] [RG4] Field Program support: Provide onsite support during public program days from sign in to set up and supply management; help oversee field sites, offering guidance on marine life, beach ecology, etc. while ensuring program protocols are in place; foster a welcoming environment by modeling respectful visitor interactions and assisting with conflict resolution.
Additional responsibilities:
- Other tasks such as maintenance and organization of supplies, participation in regular meetings, and program focus groups as needed.
- All Aquarium staff and volunteers are expected to participate in advancing and integrating into their work Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Regenerative practices in alignment with our S.A.L.I.S.H. Values.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Interest in, knowledge of, or willingness to learn about the marine environment and the Salish Sea ecosystem.
- Comfortable using and learning technology; the CE team uses MS Office programs, including PowerPoint, Word, Excel, Outlook, OneNote as well as a volunteer management database. Some experience with online teaching tools and equipment, such as Zoom, Teams, and A/V supplies.
- Respect for and appreciation of volunteers. Be able to build relationships and establish trust with all volunteers and be willing to teach and be supportive of their abilities.
- Ability to track program schedules and logistics. Attention to detail is critical as logistics and schedules may vary from site to site and day to day.
- Strong communication skills and ability to effectively communicate with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
- Ability to connect with diverse audiences about marine and wildlife conservation by listening, connecting with learners’ prior knowledge and experiences, and practicing cultural humility and empathy.
- Must have access to a cell phone for communication while at program sites via email and text messages.
Minimum Requirements: The skills and abilities listed below may be demonstrated through a combination of relevant cultural and community programs, jobs, internships, volunteer experience, and/or formal or informal education. If you meet some of the requirements and you are passionate about our mission and our ocean, we encourage you to apply and look forward to learning more about you.
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Experience working in an education or outreach focused position; this may be through paid or volunteer work.
- Washington driver’s license (or eligibility to obtain one upon arrival) required for offsite work.
- First aid and CPR certifications required (can be certified by date of hire).
Working Conditions:
- Regularly required to lift, carry and move up to 30 pounds at program sites (e.g. totes of outreach supplies, canopies, sandbags, signage including sandwich board style signs for directing visitors to programs)
- Heavy to moderate vocal demands to project talks and announcements and to direct an audience in loud areas.
- Frequent interruptions; walking, standing, sitting for extended periods of time.
- Job requires working outdoors in all weather conditions and terrain.
- Flexible schedule and ability to work evenings, holidays and weekends. Willing to work varied hours that include weekends, weekdays, and evenings. Support special events and evening programming as needed.
Salary and benefits:
$22/hour. Seasonal staff are not eligible for benefits but accrue paid sick time and are paid an additional $0.75/hour to assist with transportation costs.
How to apply: The Seattle Aquarium is committed to expanding a diverse, equitable, and inclusive conservation movement. We are invested in building an Aquarium with a wide variety of backgrounds, identities, languages, cultural ways of knowing, and life experiences. We know research shows that society has conditioned communities of color, trans and gender non-conforming people, immigrants, people with disabilities, and other marginalized candidates to more frequently not apply to a job because they don’t feel that they meet all of the qualifications listed even if they are qualified. If you meet some of the requirements and you are passionate about our mission and our ocean, we encourage you to apply and look forward to learning more about you.
Interested candidates should upload a résumé to our online application to be considered. Application review will begin immediately.
Please let us know if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for this job by emailing us at jobs@seattleaquarium.org.
Note: If offered the position, candidates must pass a background check. Conviction record is not an automatic disqualifier; we are a second chance employer.
About the Seattle Aquarium: The Seattle Aquarium is a respected authority on Puget Sound, the Salish Sea and the world’s one ocean. Our team increases awareness and drives the change needed to preserve and protect our marine environment by providing excellent care and wellbeing for over 5,000 animals to create an inspiring visitor experience, offer engaging daytime and evening events, conservation education programs for people of all ages and backgrounds, community outreach to marginalized 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, high-impact marketing and communications, and more.
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 & Aquariums, we’re among the top 10 aquariums in the U.S. by attendance, and we welcome over 1 million people each year guided by our mission of Inspiring Conservation of Our Marine Environment. Learn more at SeattleAquarium.org.