Education Animal Specialist I

At the Monterey Bay Aquarium, we are passionate about creating an inclusive workplace that celebrates and values diversity. We firmly believe that having a team of diverse backgrounds and voices, working together, increases our capacity to serve our visitors and fulfill our mission.  We welcome people from all walks of life into our team and strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, veterans, and people with disabilities to apply.

Priority deadline for applications is June 25, 2026. Due to the volume of incoming applications, the role may be closed earlier than June 25, 2026.

Job Summary: 

Under moderate supervision, perform animal care routines in the Aquarium and Bechtel Learning Labs in accordance with AZA standards; with a focus on culturally relevant education, deliver education programs at the Aquarium for PreK-12th grade school groups; provide logistical and technical program support, coordinating the acquisition of educational and animal care supplies and resources; supervise volunteers; perform other duties as assigned.

Core Activities:                                                                                                                                 

• Perform daily animal husbandry duties including but not limited to:
  
  
  
  • diet preparation
  
  
  • feeding
  
  
  • animal tank cleaning and maintenance
  
  
  
  


• Conduct regular observations of animal health, behavior, and welfare to include disease detection and formal animal welfare assessments.


• Monitor and analyze water quality of open and closed systems in the Aquarium Learning Labs and Bechtel Learning Labs.


• Perform routine inspection and maintenance on critical life support systems and equipment; respond to alerts for Bechtel Life Support System (24 hours a day).


• Support training for Education staff on animal care and technology use in the Aquarium and Bechtel Learning Labs (e.g., deliver training, provide feedback on training programs, etc.)


• Facilitate in-person and online culturally responsive one-hour field trip programs for PK-12 students.


• Provide administrative support (e.g., supporting staff as they use the space, supporting calendar coordination, supporting the live collections database, supporting the use of specimens by staff and other divisions, and coordinating educational materials, including mobile technology) in the learning labs.


• Represent the department, division, and the Aquarium to the public, visiting dignitaries, and the professional education community, at various meetings, events, and professional conferences, by sharing general information about Education programs.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs):

• Bachelor’s degree with an emphasis in natural science, formal or informal education, curriculum, youth or educator development; or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience


• A minimum of 1 year of animal husbandry experience


• Ability to work with aquarium chemotherapeutics and other chemicals. Ability to perform precise chemical measurements and dosing while adhering to all safety protocols.


• Knowledge of the basic taxonomy of marine fish, invertebrates, and plants


• Demonstrated understanding of basic animal food preparation, nutrition, and feeding techniques


• Demonstrated understanding of water quality chemistry as it pertains to aquarium systems (including the nitrogen cycle, pH, dissolved gases, temperature, etc.)


• Understanding of the operation of aquarium life support systems and various mechanical, biological, and chemical filtration components


• Basic understanding of fish and invertebrate disease, parasites, and animal health management and welfare


• Experience teaching learners from a diversity of backgrounds, developmental stages, and abilities


• Commitment to culturally responsive education


• Commitment to building and maintaining positive learning environments with a diversity of program participants


• Strong time management skills


• Familiarity with Monterey Bay natural history, as well as marine and basic science


• Experience and comfort in the use of technology as an educational tool with students and adults, including but not limited to iPad apps, VR, Google Suite, and web-based educational tools


• Able to write clearly, concisely, and fluently in English


• Strong speaking skills


• Strong interpersonal skills


• Strong organizational skills


• Ability to obtain a valid California driver's license and maintain clearance in the DMV pull program


• SCUBA certification and fluent Spanish speaking and writing skills


• Ability to work within, and maintain Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Core Values

Physical Requirements to Perform Essential Job Functions:

• Typical office equipment


• Extended periods standing, walking, climbing, bending, and squatting


• Occasional unassisted lifting up to 50 lbs


• Typical office environment, main aquarium and exhibits, occasional offsite events

Hourly Compensation Range :

$25.77-$29.33 Starting rate will vary based on previous experience and relevant skills/knowledge set.