Ocean Science Interpreter

Job title: Ocean Science Interpreter

Reports to: Manager of the Centre for Marine Biodiversity

Job location: Marine Biodiversity Centre, Steele Ocean Sciences Building, 6375 Edzelle Castle Circle

Wage: $18.50 / hour

Hours: 35 hours per week (15-week internship)

Start Date: Expected May 20, 2025

Number of Positions: 1

This position is designated and limited to applicants from the following groups:   

• Indigenous People (First Nations, Métis, or Inuit) 

Employment Hiring 

Clean is committed to Employment Equity and our goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative at all job levels. The Clean Leadership Program welcomes applications from qualified self-identifying First Nations, Métis and Inuit people, Racialized Youth, Persons with Disabilities, Newcomers, and 2SLGBTQIA+ applicants. If you are a member of one of the equity groups, you are encouraged to self-identify on our registration form. 

About the Clean Leadership Summer Internship Program 

The Clean Leadership Summer Internship program helps grow the clean economy by matching interns (age 15-30) with employers for 9- and 15-week summer work placements. Participating interns will receive paid hands-on experience, mentorship opportunities, take part in a professional development conference and training, while supporting local environmental projects.  

Program Requirements 

• Must be a Canadian citizen, Permanent Resident, person who has been granted refugee status in Canada or legally entitled to work in Canada;  

• Must be between the ages of 15 and 30 years old (inclusive) at the start of internship; 

• From and/or will be residing in Nova Scotia for the duration of the internship; 

• Must not be an immediate family member of host employer; 

About the host employer
The Centre for Marine Biodiversity is Halifax’s first ocean-focused research centre located in the
Dalhousie’s Steele Ocean Sciences building. Through its interactive exhibits and hands-on learning
opportunities, this 8,000-square-foot centre aims to promote public understanding about the
ocean and its many life forms and to encourage visitors of all ages to take action to protect the
ocean. The Centre strives to showcase ongoing ocean-related research and inspire the next
generation of ocean scientists, marine biologists, and oceanographers.

Summary of position
Reporting to the Manager, the Ocean Interpreter is responsible for the delivery of an exceptional experience for all visitors of the Beaty Centre for Marine Biodiversity. The role is primarily focused on encouraging visitor interaction with the centre’s exhibits and facilitating educational demonstrations and hands-on activities and programs. The Ocean Science Interpreter will contribute to the development and evaluation of ocean-related programming for visitors and organized groups. The individual will contribute to the opening of the new facility and collaborate with stakeholders from the Discovery Centre and Dalhousie University. The intern should be an excellent presenter, a great team player, creative, and knowledgeable about marine ecosystem.

Duties and Responsibilities
The Ocean Science Interpreter reports to the Manager and works closely with Customer Relations Coordinator and Visitor Experience Facilitator. The primary tasks of the position are:• Engage and interact with visitors in the exhibit galleries, providing an exceptional visitor experience.

• Facilitate back-of-house tours and other guided experiences for the public, organized and school groups.
• Be knowledgeable on topics related to marine conservation, ecosystem modelling, human impacts on oceans, climate change and technologies.
• Contribute to the development and delivery of special ocean related programming/education demonstrations and hands-on activities.
• Assist with conducting evaluation for exhibits and newly developed programs.
• Develop marketing content to highlight work of the centre.
• Collaborate with staff, volunteers, community organizations, researchers, and the public in a friendly and professional manner.
• Assist with front desk operations as needed.
• Clean exhibits and demonstration equipment regularly. Reports any exhibit maintenance needs.

Qualifications
Education: Post-secondary studies in science, education, recreation, or a related discipline
Experience: Experience in child supervision, preferably in an educational, recreational, museum or camp setting; experience in delivering workshops considered an asset.
Language Requirements: Fluency in English is required; additional languages (especially French) considered an asset

Other Qualifications:

• Proficient in MS Office applications
• Have an aptitude for safe work practices and the ability to multi-task in a busy work environment
• Be able to work productively as part of a team while responding to feedback
• Demonstrated interest in future employment in the environmental or clean sector is considered an asset

Requirements

• Must pass a criminal record check/vulnerable sector check
• First Aid and WHMIS certification an asset

Schedule and Work Environment
The position is located at the Centre for Marine Biodiversity for 35 hours a week, Wednesday to Sunday, and other hours as required.

CMB Hours of Operation in the high season are the following:
Wed: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Thu: 12:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Fr: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Sat: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Sun: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

Working conditions include daily interaction with children and large groups in a busy environment, long periods of standing, and light physical activity (moving supplies).