Program Educator II

Requisition ID: 48874 Work Location: Museums - Aquarium (General Booth Blvd) Pay Range: G.21, $46,904.00 - $72,696.00 Starting Salary: Minimum of the Pay Range Work Schedule: 40 hours per week that will include evenings and weekends Part Time Hours/Wk: Job Open Date: Application Deadline: 5/5/26

Job Duties:

The Virginia Aquarium seeks a collaborative, detail-oriented Special Programs Educator to coordinate, implement, and evaluate engaging, revenue-generating programs. This role focuses on delivering high-quality events, fostering youth engagement, and supporting inclusive programming that connects diverse audiences to marine conservation.

The Special Programs Educator (Program Educator II) focuses on the planning, execution, and evaluation of mission-aligned programs and events from concept through delivery. This includes coordinating signature offerings such as themed seasonal events, overnight experiences, and adult-focused evenings. The role also supports inclusive initiatives like Sensory Friendly Mornings, enhances youth and teen engagement, and works collaboratively across sections to elevate conservation awareness and guest experiences.

In addition, the educator trains and supervises special programs staff and volunteers, mentors interns and program participants, and manages key administrative tasks – including budgeting and invoicing – to ensure successful and sustainable program delivery.

Responsibilities include:

• Cultivate a collaborative team environment where all members are committed to delivering exceptional guest experiences through innovative programs and events
• Coordinate, implement, facilitate, and evaluate revenue-generating events from planning through execution to expand audiences, generate revenue, and support membership growth
• Collaborate with internal partners to ensure all pre-event requirements are completed and aligned with organizational standards
• Lead and support signature programs, including adult-focused events, overnight experiences, and seasonal themed programming
• Train and supervise staff and volunteers to deliver engaging, high-quality guest experiences
• Manage administrative tasks such as processing invoices and tracking program budgets
• Plan and lead monthly Sensory Friendly Mornings to ensure inclusive and accessible programming
• Design, implement, and oversee youth and teen programs, including Watershed Warriors
• Supervise and collaborate with interns and fellows to support program success
• Assist with the planning and facilitating a youth ocean conservation summit and fostering youth and teen engagement initiatives
• Collaborate with the Guest Engagement team to develop and deliver Conservation Awareness Day programming included with general admission
• Contribute to cross-functional collaboration to enhance educational impact and audience engagement

Official City Job Description:

https://virginia-beach-departments-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/city/job-descriptions-pay-plans/Program-Educator-II-Aquarium-02169.pdf

Working Conditions:

https://workingcondition-summary-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/B.004555.4.pdf

Minimum Requirements:

MINIMUMS: Requires any combination of education (above high school level) and/or experience equivalent to seven (7) years in fields such as marine or earth science, formal or informal education, museum studies, and aquarium and zoo studies, using the required knowledge, skills and abilities. Must have, or obtain, a current and valid Virginia or North Carolina drivers license in accordance with Virginia or North Carolina DMV drivers license eligibility requirements. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Must be available to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and overtime when required to meet operational needs. This position may require that incumbents wear and maintain appropriate personal protective equipment such as, but not limited to, steel toed shoes, safety glasses, gloves, or other designated safety attire and equipment in designated areas of risk. Specific requirements will be determined and communicated by the employees supervisor based on position assigned.

Additional Requirements:

DMV Transcript: Required
CDL: Not Required
DOT History: Not Required
CPS Check: Not Required
Physical: Not Required
Respirator: Not Required
Polygraph Review: Not Required
Psychological Screening: Not Required

Attachments Required:

Preferences:

Preferences:
• Two or more years of experience coordinating and delivering public programs or special events in an aquarium, zoo, museum, or similar informal learning organization.
• Two or more years of experience engaging diverse audiences of all ages through informal education or guest-facing programming.
• Two or more years of experience supervising, training, or mentoring staff, interns or volunteers.
• Experience developing and implementing informal learning experiences for youth, teen, adult or family programming.
• Experience engaging the public to build awareness around conservation and sustainable practices.
• Experience collaborating with or leading cross-functional teams as part of event development and implementation.
• Experience managing project or event budgets and tracking related expenses.

Special Instructions:

• Please complete the application in its entirety and include your resume if required by the posting.
• Your responses to any "Supplemental Questions", if attached to this requisition, must be supported by the information you provide on your application and/or resume; or otherwise demonstrated during the hiring process.
• You will not be able to access the details of this job ad once the closing date has passed. If you would like to retain this information, please take a screen shot or print using your browser's printing capability.

VRS Contribution: All full-time employees are required to contribute 5% of annual salary toward their retirement account; in accordance with VRS retirement provisions. This will be handled through a pre-tax payroll deduction.

Drug Free Workplace: The City of Virginia Beach maintains a drug free workplace.