Our Mission:

To inspire curiosity through enriching and entertaining experiences of the 1000 Islands Region of the St. Lawrence River

Nature and Scope:

Program Facilitators play an integral role in supporting the mission of the Aquatarium by delivering engaging and educational experiences to visitors of all ages. This forward-facing, customer service-oriented role involves facilitating interactive programs, tours, and hands-on learning activities on the exhibit floor. Program Facilitators will share their knowledge of the natural history, wildlife, and geography of the St. Lawrence River region, all while providing excellent customer service and contributing to the overall visitor experience. This position offers continuous learning opportunities, with a focus on expanding knowledge in science, environmental studies, and local history.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Educational Programming:

• Deliver hands-on, interactive educational programs to visitors of all ages, focusing on science, technology, environmental studies, and local history.
• Lead engaging presentations on the natural history, geography, and wildlife of the 1000 Islands region, including live animal demonstrations and daily talks about the Aquatarium’s resident animals.
• Assist in the development and implementation of a variety of activities that engage visitors and foster learning, such as crafts, games, and interactive exhibits.
• Collaborate with other staff and volunteers to create dynamic programming that meets the needs of different visitor groups.
• Stay informed about the Aquatarium’s exhibits and local natural history to enhance program delivery and respond to guest inquiries.

Tour Guide & Animal Presentations:

• Lead engaging tours of the Aquatarium, providing clear, informative, and entertaining explanations of exhibits and wildlife to guests.
• Present daily animal presentations in front of large groups using a microphone and a prepared script, sharing interesting facts and insights about the Aquatarium’s resident animals.
• Adapt your delivery to meet the needs of different audiences (children, families, adults), ensuring the information is both accessible and engaging.
• Answer guest questions during the tour and animal presentations, providing insightful responses and fostering an interactive learning environment.

Customer Service:

• Provide exceptional customer service by greeting and interacting with visitors in a friendly, professional manner.
• Ensure all visitors feel welcome and engaged, creating a positive and enjoyable experience during their time at the Aquatarium.
• Be responsive to guest inquiries, offering helpful information or directing them to other staff members as needed.
• Maintain a positive and approachable demeanor at all times, assisting with any issues or concerns promptly and professionally.
• Ensure visitors have all necessary information to fully enjoy their experience, including program schedules, exhibits, and special events.
• Assist with any special requests or needs, such as helping with accessibility or offering information on local attractions.

Team Collaboration:

• Work closely with other staff, volunteers, and the Education Coordinator and Education Manager to create a collaborative, positive work environment.
• Participate in ongoing training and professional development to continue building knowledge and enhancing educational program delivery.
• Assist with special events, school programs, and other activities as required by the Education Coordinator and Education Manager.

Health and Safety

• Ensure the safety and well-being of all guests by adhering to health, safety, and risk management protocols at all times.
• Support the maintenance of a clean, safe, and well-organized exhibit floor by assisting with the setup and teardown of programs and ensuring exhibits are well-maintained.
• Assist in ensuring that safety procedures are followed during live animal presentations, tours, and hands-on activities.

Sundry

• Any other duties as assigned by the Education Coordinator or Manager of Education.

Required Skills and Experience:

• Excellent communication skills—both verbal and written, with the ability to present information clearly and engagingly to a diverse audience.
• Experience working with children and/or adults in an educational or group setting.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to engage visitors, fostering a welcoming and positive atmosphere.
• Knowledge of science, wildlife conservation, and local history (or a strong willingness to learn).
• Ability to stand for long periods and lift up to 50 lbs (e.g., for setting up exhibits and programs).
• Criminal Reference Check (required).
• COVID Vaccination (required).
• Current Standard First Aid and CPR-B or CPR-C certification (required).

Work Environment:

• Ongoing training sessions
• Part-time / On-call
• Indoor work, potential off-site work

Compensation:

• Pay Rate $17.20 per hour

Job Types: Part-time, Casual

Pay: $17.20 per hour

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule
• On-site parking
• Store discount

Flexible language requirement:

• French not required

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Brockville, ON: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (preferred)

Application question(s):

• What excites you most about sharing the wonders of the 1000 Islands with visitors? What part of this role do you think you'll have the most fun with?

Work Location: In person