Education and Outreach Specialist
Location of Position: SeaLife Response, Rehabilitation, Research. Des Moines, WA
Reports To: Communication and Education Coordinator
Position Classification: full-time (32-40 hrs / week), seasonal
Session Dates: June 11th 2026 - October 5th 2026, requires weekend and holiday work
Position Overview
SeaLife Response, Rehabilitation and Research (SR3) is hiring for an Education and Outreach Specialist. SR3 is dedicated to promoting the health and welfare of marine wildlife in the Pacific Northwest and in 2021 opened a marine mammal and sea turtle rehabilitation hospital in Des Moines, WA. The Education and Outreach Specialist plays a critical role in public awareness by engaging with community members about local marine wildlife. SR3’s Outreach and Education programming brings our knowledge and expertise to the community, inspiring conservation through patient stories, marine mammal artifact discovery, and hands-on activities.
Key Responsibilities
Work with children, teens, and adults to discover the life history, ecology, and anatomy of the marine animals SR3 researches and cares for
Educate folks about the impacts that humans have on marine wildlife in a way that inspires change
Act as on-site staff lead for SR3’s beach education program to promote marine mammal stewardship on Fridays and Saturdays
Setup, breakdown, and operate booths at farmers markets, festivals, patient releases, and other community events, promoting SR3 and inspiring marine conservation
Serve as a community event shift lead, providing leadership, oversight and training for volunteers and interns
Follow the goal of the booth/event, whether to educate, solicit donations, acquire email addresses, or sell merchandise
Provide volunteer support for SR3’s new on-site education kiosk, test the most effective staffing times, and create or repurpose education materials for engaging conversations with the local community
Inventory, maintain, and organize outreach and education materials including: marine animal bones, teeth, and pelts; brochures and infographics; pop-up tents and shades; and more.
Communicate regularly with supervisor about volunteer successes and areas for improvement
Record event attendance, display interactions, and other event data
Occasionally lead small groups of donors, community partners, and students during visits (in-person or virtual) to the Rescue Center
Required Qualifications
Must be at least 18 years of age
6 months of experience with community-based environmental education and/or teaching in an informal classroom setting, such as working with the public as a naturalist, environmental educator, outdoor educator, science communicator, or a related field.
Ability to work a flexible schedule, including weekends, evenings, and holidays.
Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record and your own reliable transportation.
Strong oral, written and interpersonal communication skills.
Ability to remain professional when engaged in sensitive conservation topics.
Able to lift/carry 30 lbs and work in an outdoor area (rain, heat, cold, snow, wind and direct sunlight) with moderate to strenuous physical activity, including walking half a mile on uneven terrain while pulling a cart, setting up a 10x10 pop-up tent, and loading and unloading equipment from SR3 vehicles
Proficiency in Google Suite and Microsoft Office
Must be able to work independently and as a team
Applicants should be self-starters with the ability to take responsibility for completing projects. Once trained, this position can have a large amount of autonomy.
Desired Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in education, marine biology, environmental science, or related field
Knowledge of the local marine environment and marine wildlife.
Previous experience in public speaking and interacting with diverse audiences.
Engaging and dynamic presentation and teaching skills.
Experience training and managing staff or volunteers.
Demonstrated initiative in identifying and solving problems and recommending ideas to improve operations.
Experience driving a large pickup truck or SUV for transporting items to events
Bilingual
Individuals who are adaptable, responsible, hardworking, willing to learn, and have attention to detail are encouraged to apply
Work Environment
SR3’s facility is in Des Moines, WA, and the Specialist will be expected to travel between the facility and outreach events across Western Washington. You will be working outside in varying weather conditions, and you may be exposed to extreme heat or cold and environmental allergens. You will be accessing a facility that treats wild animals that could result in exposure to zoonotic diseases. You are expected to be on site in Des Moines, WA when you are not at an outreach event.
Compensation
$18-$19 per hour based on experience. Mileage, tolls and ferry fees will be reimbursed when attending events.
SR3 is an equal opportunity employer, and does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.
To Apply
Submit your resume or CV, cover letter and 3 references (no letters of recommendation) in PDF format to apply@SR3.org with the subject ‘Education and Outreach Position.’ Application period is open until May 8th, 2026. The selection process and interviews will occur on a rolling basis.