Outreach Educator (PT/S)

The Outreach Educator position supports the mission of the Tennessee Aquarium to connect people with nature and empower them to make informed decisions about water and wildlife. The Education Department is passionate about lifelong learning, respect for conservation, recognizing the abilities of all people and their experiences, the value of both using and contributing to research about informal education, and a collaborative, learning-based, respectful work environment.

This position will engage with program participants utilizing best practices in education and conservation messaging during onsite (in-reach) and offsite (outreach) programming along with supporting training needs within the Education Department.

Key Responsibilities

1. Assist and support with outreach (school & community), inreach (early childhood programming, etc.), and camp as needed and when appropriate. Update curriculum/roadmaps for the above-mentioned programs.


2. Learn and use suitable techniques for participant engagement, including storytelling/interpretation, inquiry based learning, and interactive experiences, while facilitating education programming of different types and for various ages. These duties may include facilitating storytelling/interpretation in galleries, curriculum-based programs, tours, animal encounters, and community events and festivals.


3. Encourage active discovery and spark curiosity for our participants. Make impromptu changes to programs to meet the needs of various audiences, such as families, adults, or children of different ages and needs.


4. Follow all protocols related to ambassador animal handling along with obtaining and maintaining animal program certifications.


5. Take part in professional learning experiences to grow and use best practices in engaging participants, animal care, and onsite safety.


6. Actively participate in Education Department meetings, professional learning, events, and special projects, when applicable.


7. Ability and willingness to assist with any programming needs of the Education Department.

Key Requirements

• Experience in outreach, early learning, school, or camp setting preferred.


• Storytelling/Interpretation and training experience preferred.


• Animal handling experience is preferred.


• Experience or coursework in Environmental Sciences, Biology, Education or a related field preferred.


• First Aid/CPR Certification preferred.


• Passion for the environment, nature, and communication.


• Communication, storytelling/interpretation, and public speaking skills.


• Comfort with learning to handle a variety of Ambassador and exhibit animals, including invertebrates, fish, reptiles, amphibians, small birds, and small mammals.


• Innovative, curious, growth mindset, and team player.


• Resilience and ability to maintain composure and handle difficult situations with professionalism in a fast-paced environment.


• Empathy and emotional intelligence to understand and respond to the needs of colleagues, guests, and animals.


• Bilingual preferred.


• Driver’s license required to operate Aquarium vehicles

Part-time, hourly ($15.00/hour); This position may have to work holidays, weekends, and/or evenings as needed. Most availability must be during school hours M-F (7a-6p); they may work 3-4 days a week depending on program scheduling.

To apply, submit an online application, resume, and references through the Aquarium’s career site at https://tnaqua.org/get-involved/

All submissions must be received by March 1, 2026.