Lead Counselor – Mast Center Aquarium

General Summary

Posting will be open until filled, priority screening for applications received by May 20, 2024.
Implement the MaST Center Aquarium’s Sound Science Camp for participants in grade levels 3rd -5th and 6th -8th. Lead summer camp participants through hands-on educational experiences. Activities include beach exploration, animal identification, skeleton articulation, specimen dissection, and more. Teach campers about the marine environment and help them gain skills that can be used in most marine science careers. Manage a team of 2-4 camp assistants and volunteers. Camps are scheduled for the weeks of July 8th -11th (Counselor Training), July 15th -18th , July 22nd -25th, July 29th -Aug 1st, August 5th -8th, and August 19th - 22nd.
About the MaST:
The MaST Center Aquarium fosters a culture of marine stewardship by engaging our community through interactive learning, personal relations and exploration.
The MaST Center Aquarium is the marine laboratory for Highline College and is used for Highline and community classes, research, and other activities. The facility has approximately 3,500 gallons of flow-through aquariums and houses over 250 species of marine life from the Salish Sea. The MaST Center Aquarium is open every Saturday to the public during its Discovery Days and hosts over 15,000 visitors annually. During the rest of the week, the MaST Center Aquarium is used for Highline classes, school groups, and other activities that support its mission.
Located in the Redondo neighborhood of Des Moines, WA, the MaST Center Aquarium is about 10 minutes south of the main campus and is halfway between Seattle and Tacoma. It is located on a 270 ft. pier that extends out into Poverty Bay. Redondo is one of the top dive sites in the entire Puget Sound and features one of seven Octopus Protection Areas in the state.
Compensation:
Pay rate of $25 per hour. This position is a part-time, temporary position. Work will be performed on-site at the MaST Center Aquarium.

Essential Tasks

Reporting directly to and in collaboration with the Community Engagement Coordinator of the MaST Center Aquarium, this position will:
Primary:

• Lead the MaST Center Aquarium’s Sound Science summer camp; including prepping the facility, handling daily logistics, and following all established policies;
• Set up, deliver, and break down educational programs through inquiry-based or hands-on learning techniques to camp participants and that meet the needs of our diverse and multicultural participants with varying abilities;
• Manage a team of assistant counselors and volunteers to assist with implementing curriculum, prepping the facility, supervising participants, and maintaining a safe learning environment.

Ability to:

• Communicate effectively (verbal and written);
• Possess public speaking skills and knowledge necessary to deliver educational content in areas of marine biology, natural history and conservation issues effectively with the public in both formal and informal settings that meet the needs of our diverse and multicultural community members with varying abilities;
• Communicate and work respectfully and effectively with people from diverse racial, ethnic, religious, linguistic, gender, age, sexual orientation, and socio- economic backgrounds, and with diverse physical and learning abilities;
• Work collaboratively with the MaST Center Aquarium Community Engagement Coordinator and other staff to enhance the success and mission of the MaST Center Aquarium;
• Work with minimal supervision, possess organizational skills, program coordination skills and be self-motivated;
• Exercise strong interpersonal, collaboration, team-building skills, share responsibilities and perform assignments in concert with the team’s efforts;
• Continuously update and increase their knowledge of Marine Ecology, Plankton, Marine Plants and Animals, Oceanography, and current events of the Salish Sea and the Pacific Ocean.

Conditions of Employment:

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and to work outdoors, on wet and slippery surfaces;
• A valid driver’s license with no pending risk of loss and regular access to dependable transportation;
• Computer proficiency with knowledge of MS Office applications;
• Ability to work in physically challenging environment including long periods exposed in extreme temperatures and field conditions while keeping an upbeat personality.

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or equivalent; AND
• 1-year experience of increasing responsibility coordinating and developing formal or informal education and/or managing volunteer programs.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• 2+ years’ experience of increasing responsibility leading and developing formal or informal education programs with preference given to experience at a zoo or aquarium;
• Degree or equivalent experience in marine sciences, environment, or education;
• First Aid and CPR certified or must be willing to become certified.

Supplemental InformationApplicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.THE COLLEGEHighline College prides itself on its commitment to diversity and equity, its institutional culture of collegiality and innovation, its globalization of curricula and its inclusion of the community in its programming. Founded in 1961, Highline College is situated in a diverse community just 15minutes south of Seattle. The college annually serves more than 16,500 students –– a student population of over 70% students of color, representing 35 nations and more than 100 languages. The college embraces equity, inclusion and social justice, with core goals of student attainment, diversity, community Engagement and sustainability. The student body at Highline College is made up of Transfer students, Running Start students, Professional- Technical students, International students, Comprehensive Transition Program for students with intellectual disabilities, Adult Basic Education and English Language Learners. In addition, we offer six bachelor of applied science, four-year degrees.MISSION AND VISIONAs an essential part of our mission and vision, diversity, equity and inclusion are promoted and fostered in all aspects of college life.APPLICATION PROCEDUREYour online application must include the following to be considered complete:1. A detailed resume that addresses the MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS of the position;2. Letter of Interest (Cover Letter) describing how your skills and abilities relate to this position.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:National Criminal Background Check may be required;
APPLICATIONS MUST BE FILED ONLINE AT:https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/highlineNEED APPLICATION HELP?Should you have any difficulties uploading your documents or navigating the application process, please contact NEOGOV Technical Support at 1-855-524- 5627, Monday - Friday 6:00 AM to 6:00PM Pacific Time.HIGHLINE COLLEGE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERHighline College is an equal opportunity employer. The College is committed to enhancing the diversity of our faculty and staff, as well as our student population. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientations, and gender identity diversity. We strongly encourage applicants to apply without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legal protected status.REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONSThe College complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Applicants needing accommodations in the application process in an alternative format may contact the Human Resources office at (206) 592-3812. Persons who are deaf or hard of hearing may dial 711 to place a call through Washington Relay, the state's free telecommunication access service.TITLE IX POLICYHighline College complies with Title IX regulations. For details on our policies, see our website https://humanresources.highline.edu/faculty-and-staff/policies/title-ix/The College appointing authorities reserve the right and may exercise the option to make an employment decision prior to the conclusion of the recruitment process.

NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT

The college provides equal opportunity in education and employment and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, creed, religion, or status as a veteran of war. Prohibited sex discrimination includes sexual harassment (unwelcome sexual conduct of various types).

The Title IX Coordinator, Danielle Slota, can be reached at (206) 592-3600 or DSlota@Highline.edu. 2400 S. 240th St. Des Moines, WA 98198. Building 12, President’s Office.

The 504 Coordinator, Jenni Sandler, can be reached at (206) 592-3474 or JSandler@Highline.edu. 2400 S. 240th St. Des Moines, WA 98198. Building 25, 5th Floor.

The Chief Human Resources Officer, Steven Sloniker, can be reached at (206) 592-3320 or SSloniker@Highline.edu. 2400 S. 240th St. Des Moines, WA 98198. Building 12, Human Resources.

You can receive this information in an alternate format by contacting Access Services (206) 592-3857; TTY (206) 870-4853.