Ocean/Energy Facilitator

Department:	Science Education
Supervisor:	Director of Science Education
Position Category:	Full time co-op
Hours of Work:	35 hours per week; 16 weeks
Start Date:	September 6, 2023
Application Deadline:	July 15, 2023

 

Position Summary:

For over 35 years, the Discovery Centre has developed a reputation for being Nova Scotia’s leader in the delivery of exciting hands-on, minds-on science programming for youth.

The main objective of the position is to help create exciting and stimulating science education experiences for visitors in the energy and ocean galleries. The position will facilitate public programming that provides visitors with exciting science demonstrations related to energy sources that are being developed from ocean, land, and technology within the province of Nova Scotia.

The Facilitator will engage the public in everything they are doing and provide an enthusiastic welcome to the Galleries, helping visitors engage with the exhibits and programs.

Description of Tasks:

The Ocean/Energy Facilitator works in the Science Education department and reports to the Director of Science Education. The primary tasks of the position are:

• Helping maintain the life support systems of aquaria, ensuring that the life within an aquarium is properly managed, that the environment is conducive to the plants and animals growing and thriving, and that the living beings have everything else that they need to live well
• Ensuring that displays and exhibits remain clean and that the living beings are in good shape to be viewed by the public
• Creating an atmosphere of fun and enjoyment around the topic of oceans and energy
• Sharing information with the general public; helping visitors engage with the gallery experiences
• Developing and delivering programming; supporting the research, development and delivery of camp programs
• Maintaining a safe and clean working environment, keeping up to date with health and safety requirements and training
• May help with species collecting at designated license/permit sites: this is limited to gathering species by hand, snorkeling and with hip waders.

Qualifications:

Education: Post-secondary studies in marine biology, aquaculture, environmental studies, or related discipline

Experience: Experience in a front-line setting dealing with the public; experience in science communication

Language Requirements: Fluency in English is required; additional languages (especially French) considered an asset

Competencies:

• Exceptional communication skills
• Highly adaptable
• Able to take initiative
• Highly organized
• Works well as part of a team
• Effective interpersonal skills
• Comfortable engaging strangers
• Proactive problem-solving

Other Qualifications:

• Depth of knowledge in marine and freshwater species of flora and fauna and their associated ecosystems
• Technical knowledge of large and small aquariums, both salt and fresh water, their operations, life support systems, maintenance, and recommended repairs when needed
• First Aid and WHMIS an asset

Eligibility: Applicants must be current students returning to post-secondary studies in Winter 2024 and must qualify for the Nova Scotia Co-Op Program in order to be considered.

Measurable Outcomes:

The Ocean/Energy Facilitator will:

• Encourage members of the public to take an active role in protecting habitats and resources through education and engagement
• Contribute to positive visitor experiences and interactions at the Centre, as evidenced by positive feedback from guests
• Ensure that the aquarium plants and animals have everything they need to grow and thrive

This position is an excellent opportunity for any student that is continuing in marine biology, aquaculture, or environmental studies, or who is interested in a career in an environment-related industry or in science education.

Application:

Applications are to be emailed to .  Applicants are to submit their resume, cover letter, and references. Please note the position that you are applying for in the subject line of your email application. All applications will be reviewed but only those chosen for an interview will be contacted. All applicants are thanked in advance for their interest. Please note: this position is dependent upon receipt of funding.

Discovery Centre is committed to leveraging our facility, people, and programming to create inclusive spaces that ignite a passion for science and discovery. We are also committed to advancing diversity, inclusion, equity, and accessibility practices within our workplace, public engagement spaces, and programming. Our Centre’s Board of Directors, management, and staff believe diverse participation and representation are essential and that our networks thrive when we create an inclusive and equitable culture where all people can see themselves reflected, feel respected, and have their contributions valued.

Discovery Centre promotes equal employment opportunities for all job applicants, and we encourage applications from candidates who self-identify as a member of an underrepresented group, including Indigenous people (especially Mi’kmaq), people of Black/African descent (especially African Nova Scotians), members of other racialized groups, women, people with disabilities, and members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community.

We are committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment, starting with the hiring process. If you need to be accommodated during any phase of the evaluation process, please contact to request specialized accommodation. All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.