Learning Specialist

JOB TITLE: Learning Program Specialist
DEPARTMENT: Learning & Engagement
REPORTS TO: Community Learning Manager
SALARY TYPE: $13/hour, Part-Time, 20-25 hours per week, Permanent
START DATE: January 2nd, 2024
JOB SUMMARY:
The Learning Program Specialist will have a role in supporting programs such as school field trips, on-site classes, outreach classes, camps, and overnights. This position will support the Early Childhood Coordinator in teaching seasonal early learning programs (when these programs are in session), including the Whirligigs Preschool Program, Chickadees Nature Play Group, and Kestrels Nature Play Group. This position will also support the inventory and maintenance of the Teacher Resource Center Kits and other teaching materials.
The applicant must, at a minimum, be available Tuesday-Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Represent Great Lakes Aquarium positively.
• Complete required training and paperwork on time.
• Assist in providing weekly science and nature-based classes for children ages 3 to 10 (when seasonal early childhood classes are in session).
• Use existing curriculum to teach on-site classes to visiting school groups.
• Use existing curriculum to teach outreach classes around the region.
• Facilitate overnight experiences for groups of youth and their chaperones (i.e., scout troops, school groups, etc.)
• Inventory and maintain Teacher Resource Kits and other teaching materials.
• Partner with K-12 School Programs Coordinator to update and improve Teacher Resource Kits.
• Seasonally (summertime), assist with early drop-off program and breaks for summer camp staff.
• Prepare and clean up classroom space, materials, and any additional resources needed for class.
• Complete any other related tasks as assigned by the Community Learning Manager.

QUALIFICATIONS:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below represent the knowledge, skill, and ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check.

• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• Must have experience working with children.
• Must be able to work in a team-teaching environment.
• Must be able to communicate effectively.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds (the size of a small child).
• Must be able to navigate a variety of surfaces safely, walk long distances, and stand for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to spend extended periods of time outdoors in all weather.
• Must be able to hear children out of direct line of sight or maintain a direct line of sight at all times.
• Preferred: Experience working with children outdoors
• Preferred: Knowledge of local flora and fauna
• Preferred: Infant/Child CPR and First Aid certifications
• Preferred: Driver's license

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:
Experience working in a formal or non-formal educational setting is preferred.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS and/or WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by a Learning Program Specialist to perform the essential functions of the job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
Some classes will be taught outdoors near the Aquarium building. The terrain includes gravel, grass, wooded patches, steep hills, and seasonally, snow and mud. Classes will be taught in all weather conditions, including but not limited to bright sun, rain, wind, and snow.
EOAA STATEMENT
Great Lakes Aquarium is an equal-opportunity employer. Great Lakes Aquarium shall provide equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.
Great Lakes Aquarium aims to be a supportive community for all people. If you are a job seeker with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to apply for this position, please contact our HR representative, Annie Thors, at (218) 740-2001 or athors@glaquarium.org.
Questions?:
Contact Community Learning Manager, Ahna Neil at: aneil@glaquarium.org or 218-740-2025.