Position Title: Biologist
Reports to: Education and Leadership Manager
Classification: Part-time, non-exempt
Compensation: $21.00 per hour
Locations: Laguna Beach, CA and other locations as necessary, in Orange County, CA
Job Summary:
The Biologist works within the Laguna Ocean Foundation’s Education and Leadership Manager to educate the public, assist with on-going research projects, and help develop educational programming. The Biologist will educate the public at various tidepool locations in Laguna Beach, community events held within Orange County, and at schools across Orange County. Educational topics include, but are not limited to, tidepool species identification, Marine Protection Area status, how to safely explore tidepools, ocean awareness, climate change, marine debris, and ocean acidification. Research projects and program development will be based on current grants and funding opportunities.
Essential Duties:
- Leads onsite education at tidepool locations by informing visitors about the biology of the flora and fauna of these rocky intertidal areas and interpreting the natural surroundings, including the ocean, geology, and surrounding habitats.
- Collects data on tidepool visitation, tidepool Marine Protected Area infractions, weather conditions, species sighted and other data as deemed necessary by the Foundation on an online data log.
- Participates in various research projects and campaigns ran by the Laguna Ocean Foundation based on current grants and funding
- Leads educational activities and lesson plans about tidepools, ocean awareness, marine debris, climate change, ocean acidification, and more, during field trips, community outreach events, and school visits.
- Develops educational materials for outreach and education purposes.
- Willingness to share knowledge, experience, time and talents with others and work in a team environment.
- Attends training sessions and workshops provided by the Laguna Ocean Foundation to improve skillset and grow knowledge base.
- Interacts and cooperates with the City of Laguna Beach Marine Safety Department Lifeguards and Protection Officers for their enforcement of State and local laws, as well as patron safety.
- Promotes conservation efforts by increasing public awareness of the laws within Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and the role the public plays in protecting the environment.
- Uses a proactive approach to provide interpretive information in a friendly, polite, and professional manner.
- Other job duties that may arise and be assigned by the Education and Leadership Manager.
- Represent the Laguna Ocean Foundation in public events and forums.
Desired Qualifications:
- Interest in the natural world and enthusiasm for the environment.
- Enjoys teaching and interacting with the public.
- Enjoys being a proactive member of a team, including being dependable and responsible.
- Professional knowledge of one of the following: marine biology, oceanography, rocky intertidal habitat, local organisms, and interpretive techniques.
Requirements:
- Biologists are representatives of Laguna Ocean Foundation and must maintain a professional appearance and demeanor at all times.
- Minimum 18 years of age.
- College degree with Marine Biology or other Biology degree with similar science focus preferred, but prior interpretive or research experience will be considered.
- Performs job duties according to the Standards of Conduct.
- Communicates in a timely manner
- Has access to the internet and a Google account for shared Google Drive documents.
- Reports directly to the Interim Education and Leadership Manager. Occasional direction may be from Biologist Trainer or Docent Trainer by the guidance of the Education and Leadership Manager.
- Ability to work outside in an uneven, rocky, wet, sandy and exposed environment with changing weather conditions.
- Performs duties in a safe manner, follows all protocols for safety, and chooses the safest course of action in performing their duties.
- Available to work a minimum of six shifts monthly, including weekdays, weekends, and holidays. Hours should total 25-40 hours per month.
Skills:
The ideal Biologist is motivated, reliable and energetic; interacts well with the public; understands the mission of the Laguna Ocean Foundation; has knowledge of MPA regulations and the rocky intertidal ecosystem; and possesses the following skills:
- Problem Solving
- Customer Service
- Verbal and Written Communication
- Professional Judgment
- Safety and Security
- Adaptability
- Initiative
Laguna Ocean Foundation will provide approximately ten hours of training covering topics related to the knowledge needed to be an effective interpreter and biologist while engaging with the public. Continuing training and hands-on experience will be available to Biologist through extended education opportunities.
Physical Demands:
- Ability to be outdoors for shifts of three to six hours long.
- Ability to stand and traverse over rocky, wet, and uneven surfaces.
- Ability to withstand extreme seasonal weather conditions (e.g., heat, cold, rain, and wind).
- Ability to communicate and interact with the public for shifts of two to seven hours long.
Work Environment:
The Biologist mainly works in an outdoor setting and may be exposed to variable weather and water conditions, including sun, rain, wind, and waves. Tidepool shifts will be during low tides, but other research projects or events may require work outside of low tides. In addition, the Biologist may at times expect to be surrounded by large numbers of people or work events with a high traffic of guests.
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