Educator- AQM60093186

Agency

Dept of Natural and Cultural Resources

Division

Aquariums

Job Classification Title

Museum Curator I (NS)

Position Number

60093186

Grade

NC06

About Us

The North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) takes care of the things that people love about North Carolina. DNCR manages over 100 locations across the state, including 27 historic sites, seven history museums, two art museums, five science museums, four aquariums, 35 state parks, four recreation areas, dozens of state trails and natural areas, the North Carolina Zoo, the State Library, the State Archives, the N.C. Arts Council, the African American Heritage Commission, the American Indian Heritage Commission, the State Historic Preservation Office, the Office of State Archaeology, the Highway Historical Markers program, the N.C. Land and Water Fund, and the Natural Heritage Program. The Department’s vision is to be the leader in using the state's natural and cultural resources to build the social, cultural, educational, and economic future of North Carolina. Everyone is welcome. For more information, please visit www.dncr.nc.gov. We encourage you to apply to become a part of our team!

Description of Work

The North Carolina Aquariums at Fort Fisher is seeking a dynamic, efficient, and enthusiastic individual to join our team as an Educator. The NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher is under construction and will be closed for a major expansion for approximately 30 months. While the Aquarium building is closed, the primary duty station is Discovery Bay at Independence Mall in Wilmington, NC.

The Educator conducts audience-driven educational and interpretive* programs aligned with aquarium, division, and department missions. Engaging, interactive, and scientifically accurate programs are delivered independently and in collaboration with other aquarium staff. The Educator is responsible for facilitating scheduled scripted educational and interpretive programs as well as impromptu dialogue-centered engagements with visitors.

This employee must be able to speak enthusiastically, professionally, accurately, and articulately to individuals and large groups in a variety of settings. Educators facilitate programs and activities onsite at aquarium properties as well as outdoors in local parks, schools, libraries, and other community locations. *Educational programs align with specific standards and talking points for targeted learning outcomes, and interpretive programs focus on facilitating personal meaning and connection between the audience and the resource.

Educators occasionally assist the volunteer coordinators by supporting the volunteers’ daily tasks. Educators collaborate with other departments to coordinate logistics, material development, and promotion of educational programs and events. Educators are responsible for maintaining best practices of pedagogy and interpretation for conservation messaging.

If the selected candidate has relevant skills and experience, they may be tasked with facilitating professional development workshops for teachers and educators.

Key Responsibilities:
• Develop and facilitate educational/interpretive programs using live animals, props, biofacts, and technology as tools to support the goals and objectives of the program.
• Evaluate programs for best practices of mission-based communication, appropriate incorporation of school learning standards as needed, and for outcomes that meet program goals.
• Assist with the daily operations of the Education Department, including education station coverage, onsite program coverage, and some travel for off-site programs (educational events and outreach).
• Support Education interns, seasonal staff, and volunteers as needed.
• Work cooperatively with Education staff and other departments to achieve the overall mission of the Aquarium.
• Internal and external communication and customer service.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences

***This is an anticipated vacancy***

Please note: Job postings close at 11:59:59 p.m. the night before the listed Posting End Date above. 

Recruitment Range: $35,596 - $48,238

To receive credit for your work history and credentials, you must provide the information on the application form. Any information omitted from the application form, listed as general statements, listed under the text resume section, or on an attachment, will not be considered for qualifying credit.

Candidates meet the minimum qualifications of this position if they meet the minimum education and experience listed on the vacancy announcement. Vacancy specific knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) and/or management preferences are not required. Applicants who possess the following are preferred:

• Experience developing, presenting, and evaluating effective and engaging public programs and events in a zoo, aquarium, nature center, museum, or similar setting.
• Certificate or demonstrated proficiency in environmental education, science communication, and/or resource interpretation.
• Experience presenting live animals to a variety of audiences.
• Experience facilitating educational and/or interpretive programs that require transporting program materials to and from primary worksite.
• Experience developing and facilitating professional development opportunities for teachers and educators.
   

Position/Physical Requirements:

• Weekend, evening, and holiday work will be required.
• Must meet DNCR Fleet Safety Guidelines and have ability to obtain and maintain a valid driver's license issued from within the United States or be able to obtain one within 90 days of employment.
• Recommended candidate will be subject to a background check prior to hiring.
• While stationed at Discovery Bay, typical schedule will be either five eight-hour shifts Sunday through Thursday, 11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. or four ten-hour shifts Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday, 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.

This position is located at: 
900 Loggerhead Rd

Kure Beach, NC, NC 28449

  Follow us on Social Media at:  
     Learn about the NC Aquariums: https://www.ncaquariums.com
     www.facebook.com/NCAquariumFF
     www.facebook.com/NCaquariumPKS
     www.facebook.com/NCAquariumRI 
 

Minimum Education and Experience

Some state job postings say you can qualify by an “equivalent combination of education and experience.” If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide for details.

Bachelor's degree in Art History, Biology, Botany, Conservation, Education, History or Zoology from an appropriately accredited institution

AND

two years of museum or related work;

OR

an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Supplemental and Contact Information

Section/Unit Description:
The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher, 20 miles south of Wilmington, NC, in Kure Beach, overlooks the Atlantic Ocean and Cape Fear River. A living collection of more than 4,000 animals in 93,000 square feet of exhibit space attracts and engages more than 500,000 visitors each year. The Aquarium is surrounded by protected woodland, marsh, and beach. Visitors often plan to stop at sites adjacent to the Aquarium - Fort Fisher State Recreation Area and historic Fort Fisher Civil War Museum. Fort Fisher Aquarium is a unique place to visit and work.

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The Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) selects applicants for employment based on required education and experience and job-related knowledge, skills, and abilities without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age (40 or older), disability, National Guard or veteran status, genetic information, political affiliation, or political influence. 

We are an Employment First state, ensuring that people with disabilities have equal opportunities to succeed in the state government workplace. DNCR supports pay equity for women, establish paid parental leave for birth, adoption, and foster care, and implement fair chance policies. Join a team that welcomes, values, respects and supports all members of our work community. 

Application Process

 Be sure to complete the application in its entirety.   Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing this application.

• Information should be provided in the appropriate areas, to include the following: Education, including high school and all degrees obtained, Work Experience, and Certificates & Licenses. It is critical to our screening and salary determination process that applications contain comprehensive candidate information.
• Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to provide information regarding the status of your application. The hiring process may take several weeks.
• Be sure to complete the application in full. Applicants are unable to submit more than one application to an individual posting.  Only one application received prior to the closing date will be accepted.  Applications must be submitted by 11:59:59 PM on the night prior to the closing date.  

Degree/College Credit Verification 

Degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions. Transcripts, and degree evaluations may be uploaded with your application. If you have student loans, becoming a state employee includes eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. Visit www.studentaid.gov to learn more. 

Veteran’s and National Guard Preference 

Applicants seeking Veteran’s Preference must attach a DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, along with the state application. 

Applicants seeking National Guard Preference must attach an NGB 23A (RPAS), along with the state application if they are a current member of the NC National Guard in good standing. 

Applicants who are former member of either the NC Army National Guard or the NC Air National Guard, with honorable discharge and six years of creditable service must attach a copy of the DD 256 or NGB 22, along with the state application. 

ADA Accommodations 

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA), DNCR is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, DNCR will ensure that persons with disabilities, or known limitations covered by the PWFA, are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact the person indicated below. 

Employment Eligibility 

It is the policy of the State of North Carolina and DNCR that all employees provide proof of employment eligibility (immigration and naturalization) on the first day of employment. We participate in E-Verify (Employment Eligibility Verification System). 

CONTACT INFORMATION:

N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources

Division of Human Resources

109 E. Jones Street, Raleigh, NC 27601

Phone: 919-814-6670

EEO Statement

The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.

Recruiter:

Mike Peele

Email:

[email protected]