Job & Volunteer Opportunities
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Aquarium Educator | Summer Aquarist | Admissions Receptionist | Volunteer | Junior Docent Volunteer
Aquarium Educator
Job Description: The position for Aquarium Educator at the Maine State Aquarium involves interaction with and education of the general public visitors to the aquarium. We are looking for college level candidates who are 18 years or older and who are pursuing degrees in natural sciences or education fields and/or have hands-on experience working with various age groups or in relevant fields. The individual must be comfortable speaking in front of an audience and communicating with a variety of ages. An interest or background in marine science is a must. The position involves daily presentations on topics relevant to the Gulf of Maine and its resources and involves the use of live animals and props for demonstrations. Staffing of two touch tanks in the aquarium gallery will require the individual to initiate dialogue with guests and provide assistance with handling of the touch tank animals. Educators will lead group tours through the Department of Marine Resources Fisheries Research Lab, familiarizing themselves with current research and scientists at the facility and leading groups through the laboratories and wetlab. Each educator will also be responsible for a summer project that will aid in the growth of exhibits and education of our guests including (but not limited to) the development and presentation of a Summer Science Festival class and facilitation of other existing programs-including overnight camps. Educators are expected to participate in off-site festivities as requested and oversee junior docent volunteers. The Aquarium Educator will also be asked to assist in “behind the scenes” daily maintenance of aquarium exhibits and collection of specimens, to assist in the reception area at the admissions desk/gift shop. Other duties may be required as necessary. This is a position requiring high levels of responsibility, flexibility, team-work, motivation and self-initiative, as well as the ability to get "wet" as the situation calls for it. Applicants must be able to lead groups through various terrain; lift and carry 50 lbs, climb tanks unassisted, work in slippery conditions comfortably, provide support and assistance to aquarists, handle specimens comfortably, learn required information quickly, and speak knowledgeably, and clearly to all guests. Familiarity with small vessels and fishing gear is a bonus. A valid driver's license is required for all employees- driving will occur. Mandatory training will be provided prior to the start of work. A Lead Educator will be selected each season based on level of experience and educational background which will require additional responsibilities as requested by Aquarium Director. Supervisory experience is preferred.
Wage: To be determined based on education and experience. Wages start at $8.00/hour. Work-study & internships accepted per school approval and organization.
Benefit: In addition to competitive wages and a positive working environment, staff will receive a 20 % gift shop discount, complimentary passes for immediate family members, interaction with research scientists and hands-on experience in a working research facility. Staff will also have the opportunity to participate in field trips and programs, as well as other opportunities that arise. Housing opportunities may exist for select individuals on a first-come basis. No health benefits are available. Staff will also receive 2 free non-uniform t-shirts to keep.
Hours per week: Approximately 40 per week, to include weekends and holiday work and occasional overnight participation.
Date begin: May 14 & 15 is mandatory Staff Training. Some volunteer and paid hours may be available in April/May. Open May 18, 2010.
Date end: A) May- August schedule (students); B) May- October schedule (graduates, etc.) *Priority will be given to applicants with the best availability.*
Employer: Maine Department of Marine Resources, Education Division in conjunction with a state contracted employment agency.
All applications for these positions should be submitted by February 12, 2010. Interviews will be conducted for qualified applicants Jan-March. Final hiring decisions will be made by March 31, 2010.
For an application, please download the MSA Employment Application, pdf file,125 kb or request materials from the address below.
Summer Aquarist
Job Description: The position for Summer Aquarist at the Maine State Aquarium involves daily maintenance and care of the Aquarium facility, animal holding and exhibit areas. We are looking for college level candidates who have a strong background in biological, chemical, and physical sciences. Applicants with an interest or experience in zoology, wildlife biology, veterinary sciences, or aquarium sciences are strongly encouraged to apply. Individuals must be comfortable handling and caring for aquatic species and be comfortable speaking in front of large audiences and communicating with all age groups. The position will involve daily monitoring of aquarium systems and animals; cleaning and maintenance of exhibits and background areas; diet preparation and feeding; collection and observation of animals; assisting with diagnosis and treatment of specimens; and design and aquascaping of exhibits. Summer Aquarists will also be asked to give daily presentations and assist with facilitation of programs as well as assist in other areas as needed or required-including assisting Education staff with touch tank areas and management of volunteers. Aquarists will be responsible for giving behind-the-scene tours and teaching other programs (including overnight camps), as well as participating in off-site festivities as scheduled. This position requires candidates with responsibility, flexibility, team-work, motivation, self-initiative, ability to lift and carry 50 lbs ; climb tanks unassisted, work in slippery conditions unaided, willingness to "get wet" as situations call for it, strong work ethic and the ability to conduct themselves in a professional and mature manner, as well as an enthusiasm to educate and learn! Applicants must be able to speak clearly, knowledgeably and comfortably to guests and learn required information quickly. Familiarity with small vessels and fishing gear is a bonus. A valid driver's license is required for all employees-driving will occur. Mandatory training will be provided before the start of work. A Lead Aquarist will be chosen each season based on level of experience and educational background which will require additional responsibilities as requested by Aquarium Director. Supervisory experience is preferred.
Wage: To be determined based on education and experience. Wages start at $8.00/hour. Work-study & internships accepted per school approval and organization.
Benefit: In addition to competitive wages and a positive working environment, staff will receive a 20 % gift shop discount, complimentary passes for immediate family members, interaction with research scientists and hands-on experience in a working research facility. Staff will also have the opportunity to participate in field trips and programs, as well as other opportunities that arise. Housing opportunities may exist for select individuals on a first-come basis. No health benefits are available. Staff will also receive 2 free non-uniform t-shirts to keep.
Hours per week: Approximately 40 per week, to include weekends and holiday work and occasional overnight participation.
Date begin: May 14 & 15 is mandatory Staff Training. Some volunteer and paid hours may be available in April/May. Open May 18, 2010.
Date end: A) May- August schedule (students); B) May- October schedule (graduates, etc.) *Priority will be given to applicants with the best availability.*
Employer: Maine Department of Marine Resources Education Division in conjunction with a state contracted employment agency.
All applications for these positions should be submitted by February 12, 2010. Interviews will be conducted for qualified applicants Jan-March. Final hiring decisions will be made by March 31, 2010.
For an application, please download the MSA Employment Application, pdf file, 125 kb or request materials from the address below.
Admissions Receptionist
Job Description: The Maine State Aquarium is hiring full & part-time positions for Admissions Receptionist. The position is a season long position requiring an individual over 18 years of age with experience in customer service, retail sales and administrative duties. We are looking for candidates who have a passion for working with the public, who are comfortable with money management and cash register procedures, and who have experience with resale merchandise and inventory. Receptionists will be asked to manage the admissions desk and office area to greet incoming guests, monitor incoming sales and memberships, handle phone calls and guest information, assist in the daily cleaning and closing of the facility, and manage gift shop merchandise including bot not limited to: organization and restocking, display and inventory, as well as other duties as needed or assigned. The right candidate will be professional, flexible, organized, a quick learner, a team player, be self-motivated and have strong communication skills.
Benefits: In addition to a positive working environment and competitive wages, the Admissions Receptionist will receive a discount in our gift shop, complimentary passes for immediate family members, and opportunities to participate in special aquarium events and programs. No health benefits available.
Wage: To be determined based on experience and education. Starting wages at $8.00/hour.
Hours: Full & Part-time positions available. Full-time positions require a minimum of 32 hours per week. Part-time positions require a minimum of 16 hours per week.
Employer: Maine Department of Marine Resources Education Division in conjunction with a state contracted employment agency.
Dates: May 3, 2010 through October 2, 2010.
For an application, please download the MSA Employment Application, pdf file, 125 kb or request materials from the address listed below.
Applications must be submitted for this position no later than March 5, 2010. Interviews will be held for qualified candidates.
Volunteer Positions
Job Description: The position for Aquarium Volunteer at the Maine State Aquarium involves interaction with and education of the general public visitors to the aquarium. The individual must be comfortable speaking in front of an audience and communicating with a variety of ages. The position involves answering questions on topics relevant to the Gulf of Maine and its inhabitants, and involves the use of live animals and props for demonstrations, as well as answering general information questions about the local area, and the Department of Marine Resources. Staffing of two touch tanks in the aquarium gallery will require the individual to initiate dialogue with guests and provide assistance with handling of the touch tank animals and other hand’s on activities. Volunteers may get the opportunity to assist “behind the scenes” helping with daily maintenance of aquarium exhibits. This may include participating in water quality monitoring, exhibit cleaning, feeding and collecting of specimens, and may also be requested to assist in the reception area at the admissions desk/gift shop. Volunteers assist our Educators with general daily activities and presentations, including set-up and clean-up each day and maintenance of the facilities. In addition volunteers can assist with a variety of education projects, either to enhance the existing programs & exhibits or to help create new ones. We are always in need to extra hands and help in a variety of areas around the facility. In addition to aquarium hours, we have had volunteers teach classes or additional activities, develop materials, organize files and photographs, assist in landscaping (on Burnt Island), help set-up and break-down events, assist in the seasonal set-up and break-down of the aquarium, collect animals, assist at events and fairs, and many other activities. There is something for everyone and groups are encouraged to inquire!
Benefit: This is a volunteer position in a fun, educational environment with great people. Our volunteers enjoy a discount in our gift shop as well as opportunities to participate in special aquarium events and presentations. Volunteers also get complimentary admission for their immediate family members.
Hours per week: We ask that volunteers commit to at least one 4-hour shift per week, or two 8-hour shifts per month, but we are flexible based on your availability.
Dates needed: May 29 through September 26, 2010. (Open only to school groups May 17-28; Public Opening May 29th)
Applications are accepted year-round. You can download the Volunteer Application, pdf file, 115 kb or request an application packet from the address listed below.
Junior Docent Volunteers
Job Description: Why are lobsters different colors? How do sea stars move? How many rows of teeth do sharks have? These are just a few questions that our Junior Docents will be able to answer. Using natural objects and live animals, our docents will educate the aquarium visitors about marine invertebrates, different Gulf of Maine fish species, and other interesting native marine wildlife. The position for Junior Docent at the Maine State Aquarium involves interaction with and education of the visitors to the aquarium. The individual must be comfortable speaking in front of an audience and communicating with a variety of ages. The position involves daily interaction with school groups and the general public, helping to provide assistance handling the animals and providing information at our two touch tanks and other exhibits. The Junior Docent will also have opportunities to work “behind the scenes” assisting with daily maintenance of aquarium exhibits and care of animals. They may have the opportunity to participate in special Aquarium events, field trips, and special programs. Each docent will also be assisting our educator staff when giving public presentations, helping to set-up and clean-up as necessary, as well as helping with general maintenance duties each day to keep the facility in positive shape for our guests. They will each be required to complete an assigned project during their volunteer time at the Aquarium which may include the development and presentation of a marine related topic.
Qualifications: Public speaking experience and strong interest in marine biology is essential. We are looking for high-school students who are 14-18 years old, with strong and positive communication skills. The ability to work in a busy environment with lots of different people is a must, as well as being able to work in a friendly and professional manner. The right candidates will be able to work successfully alone and as part of a team, will have a strong desire to learn, and are highly motivated individuals.
Benefit: This is a volunteer opportunity with credit towards community service hours. The experience is fun, educational, and enables students to gain valuable work experience and make positive contacts for references. Our docents also receive a discount at our gift shop, and complimentary admission for immediate family members.
Hours per week: Docents are expected to commit to at least one 4 hour shift per week, or two eight hour shifts per month, for a total commitment of at least 32 hours throughout our season, May-September. July and August are our busiest months and will be where we need the most help.
For an application, please download the Junior Docent Volunteer Appilcation, pdf file, 118 kb or request an application packet from the address listed below.
Application deadline : May 28, 2010
Training: June 26, 2010. Applicants MUST be able to attend this 1-day training course.
Please submit all application materials to:
Aimee Hayden-Roderiques
Maine State Aquarium
P.O. Box 8
194 McKown Point Road
West Boothbay Harbor, ME 04575
For more information, applications or questions, please contact Aimee at (207) 633-9542 or by email at
aquarium@maine.gov.
