Interpretive Programs Experience Specialist Sr.

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 backgrounds into our team and strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, veterans, and people with disabilities to apply.

Priority deadline for applications is June 12, 2026 at 12pm PST. Due to the volume of incoming applications, the role may be closed earlier than June 12, 2026. 

Job Summary:

Under limited supervision, lead the facilitation of tours, private events, internal events, and specialized experiences from planning through execution; lead scheduling, logistics, and communications to ensure smooth and high-quality guest experiences; deliver engaging on-mic programs, tours, and interpretive experiences that create meaningful guest connections; troubleshoot operational needs in real time and support daily program execution; maintain accurate records and contribute to the development of event and tour materials; and perform other duties as required.

Core Activities:

• Respond to guest/staff inquiries and requests for program information to appropriately support special experience requests.


• Recommend cohesive solutions for guest experience requests in collaboration with cross-functional staff.


• Create new presentations for specialty programs in collaboration with Marketing and Development.


• Determine and facilitate logistics (e.g., how to staff, vendor planning, audio visual, etc.) related to private and internal events, in collaboration with Event Specialists.


• Oversee scheduling logistics (e.g., sign up genius, volunteer resourcing, etc.) for volunteers balancing coverage across tours, specialty experiences, and events.


• Create structured training sessions for Volunteer Tour Guides, Event Guides, and staff to ensure consistent execution of daily tours and specialty experience.


• Facilitate volunteer Tour Guides, Event Guides, and staff to ensure consistent execution of daily tours and specialty experience. 


• Observe tours and event programs and provide feedback to enhance program effectiveness.


• Lead internal communications around schedules, updates, and operational information to GE staff and volunteers (e.g., email, zoom, Asana, etc.).


• Recommend operational improvements for trainings, tours, events, and experience requests to support consistency and efficiency.


• Deliver narrations for feedings, auditorium programs, and private tours.


• Provide floor support during daytime operations and night events, as needed.


• Inventory, order, and maintain equipment supplies for programs and training materials.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities (KSAs):

• Bachelor's degree with an emphasis on natural science, formal, or informal education or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience


• At least five years' previous experience in a project management role or equivalent training in a high-volume guest service environment


• Available to work holidays, weekend days, and some evenings


• Ability to work indoors and out for the full duration of the scheduled shift


• Proficiency in PC environment and strong working knowledge of MS Office suite; must be Outlook proficient


• Excellent problem-solving skills; ability to exercise independent judgement and decision-making


• Self-motivated, detail oriented, and excellent time management


• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral


• Demonstrated commitment to Monterey Bay Aquarium's Leadership Competencies


• Highly organized with high interpersonal skills


• Strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to work a variety of types of professionals, interns, and volunteers of various ages


• Demonstrated expertise facilitating programs in a dialogic, fun, scientifically accurate, and engaging manner


• Expertise in public engagement, science communication, storytelling, performance, or interpretive services


• High level mastery of marine science content and conservation principles


• Demonstrated expertise facilitating educational programs in a dialogic, fun, scientifically accurate, and engaging manner


• Ability to tend to the ethical responsibilities required by complex multi-cultural environments


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

Physical Requirements to Perform Essential Job Functions:

• Typical office equipment


• Constant sitting, standing, walking, bending


• Occasional unassisted lifting up to 50 lbs.


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

Annual Compensation Range:
$70,304 - $76,000 USD annually. Starting rate will vary based on previous experience and relevant skills/knowledge set.