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Floor Program Specialist

Norwalk, Connecticut

ORGANIZATION BACKGROUND 

The Maritime Aquarium’s mission is to Ignite a connection to Long Island Sound and the ocean to enrich the lives of all people and inspire action to protect our blue planet. For 37 years, the Aquarium has played a significant role in shaping the landscape of Norwalk and the region. The second largest family attraction in Connecticut, and 50 miles from New York City, the Aquarium hosts nearly 450,000 guests annually. Its primary exhibits take guests on a voyage from the shallow salt marshes and estuaries to the depths of the Long Island Sound and the ocean beyond, culminating with habitats for sharks and harbor seals.  
  
Altogether, the Aquarium is home to more than 8,000 animals and 285 species in 75 exhibits. A new 4D Theater offers a unique sensory film experience for guests. Its education programs introduce nearly 50,000 students, campers and scouts to marine and STEM education. The Aquarium is recognized as a top aquarium in the nation and is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. It is an active participant in the local and regional community. The strength of the Aquarium is its 85 full-time staff, and part-time and seasonal staff, in addition to our volunteers.  

The Maritime Aquarium seeks a talented individual to join the Aquarium’s floor program team. This position is responsible for creating daily activity schedules that excite and inspire guests of all ages and abilities. This individual ensures activities are appropriately staffed to bring galleries and exhibits to life highlighting the Aquarium’s resident and ambassador animals, research and conservation, and community science projects. This position manages interpretive program materials and supplies, assists with interpretive training, and is a member of the narration team.

The regular weekly schedule includes Saturday and Sunday. Some holidays, early mornings and evenings, will be required.

Duties and Responsibilities (include but not limited to):

  • Create daily activity assignments for floor guides and educators ensuring touch experiences and interpretive programs are open.
  • Serve as a point person (Captain on Duty) for staff working on the floor ensuring set-up, clean-up, rotations, lunch breaks, and other duties are completed.
  • Provide quality narrations at Sea Star Stage, Pinniped Cove, and throughout the Aquarium.
  • Oversee interpretive program materials including interactive carts, artifact collections, portable microphones, graphics, art and craft materials, and more.
  • Assist with onboard and interpretive training for new hires.
  • Assist with projects assigned by the interpretive team.
  • Model best practices for initiating conversations, building empathy, and discussing conservation information.
  • Conduct assessments of floor guides ensuring they provide the highest quality of guest engagement and helping to identify additional training.
  • Provide hands-on guest engagement activities during special events.
  • Participate in departmental meetings and specialty projects as assigned.

 

Position Requirements:

  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
  • Ability to do public speaking on a microphone.
  • Ability to stand for extended periods of time,
  • Move large objects (interactive carts) around the aquarium.
  • Position works mainly indoors with seasonal outdoor opportunities.

 

Required Qualifications and Skills:

  • Undergraduate degree in science and/or education, plus two to three years' experience in guest experience and/or interpretation (or an equivalent combination of education and experience).
  • Must possess an outgoing personality and enthusiastic, flexible attitude, and willingness to learn.
  • Must possess a genuine desire to provide exceptional guest engagement; understanding guests' needs and concerns and finding appropriate solutions that exceed their expectations.
  • Comfortable working with a diverse population.
  • Excellent communication, presentation, organization skills; paying close attention to detail.
  • Comfortable and confident with public speaking; ability to communicate effectively in noisy, crowded situations, and with large audiences.
  • Ability to multitask and exhibit good judgement.
  • Possess the ability to function independently or with a supervisor to respond to guest challenges and expectations.

Desired Qualifications and Skills

  • Previous experience working with people who have special needs or disabilities.
  • Prior experience as an interpreter or educator in an aquarium, zoo, museum, nature center, or other related site.
  • Knowledge of Microsoft Workspace
  • Interpretive Guide Certification from The National Association for Interpretation
  • Program development and evaluation experience
  • Multi-lingual skills

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

The Maritime Aquarium is an equal opportunity employer with a commitment to diversity. All individuals, regardless of personal characteristics, are encouraged to apply.

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