The Science Center Guide Job

Science Center guides are the public face of the Sitka Sound Science Center. The position requires daily interaction with diverse groups of locals, tourists, and visitors to Sitka. Science Center guides will contribute to an atmosphere of fun, inclusion, education, and curiosity among both staff and visitors. Over the course of a single day, a Science Center guide might welcome visitors at the front desk, lead a tour of our working salmon hatchery, teach visitors about our food system while visitors enjoy a meal of local salmon, lead an informal educational program in the aquarium, and answer questions about life in Southeast Alaska. 

Dates & Deadlines

Job Duration: April 28 – September 27, 2025

Application Deadline: February 14, 2025. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and the position is open until filled. 

Tasks

• Welcome visitors to our facility   

• Facility upkeep (general cleaning, restrooms, aquarium, public spaces, etc.)  

• Contribute to daily planning and scheduling 

• Follow a daily schedule including tours and other educational programs 

• Daily opening and closing procedures  

• Develop and deliver educational tours and interpretive programs within the aquarium, salmon hatchery, on the beach, and other parts of the facility 

• Answer questions and share information about marine life, Sitka, hatcheries, scientific research, and more  

• Collaborate with community partners/volunteers as needed 

• Lead the facilitation of children’s birthday parties when booked 

• Collaborate with the education team and other staff to create new visitor programs or community engagement opportunities 

Qualifications

• You are familiar with ecology and interested in learning about fisheries and marine and intertidal ecosystems. 

• You are interested in interdisciplinary learning and communication. 

• You have cash management skills. 

• You have strong customer service skills. 

• You enjoy speaking to both large and small groups of people in formal and informal settings. 

• You thrive in a busy environment. 

• You can take initiative and be self-directed.  

• You actively work to build community with the people in your life.   

• You are a good improviser.  

• You can manage your time effectively.  

• You feel comfortable and enthusiastic about interacting with diverse groups of visitors. 

• Speaking a language other than English is a plus but not a requirement. 

Background

The Sitka Sound Science Center is a non-profit organization dedicated to scientific research and science education. Based in Southeast Alaska, SSSC is focused on research topics and education programs that are relevant to our region and state. SSSC is made up of a team of people who enjoy collaborating across disciplines, thinking big and following through, and finding new ways to connect our community with the world around us.  

Inclusion and equity are core values of the Sitka Sound Science Center. We are passionate about building and sustaining an inclusive and equitable working and learning environment for students, researchers, and staff. We believe every member of our staff and visitor to our facility enriches our diversity by sharing a broad range of ways to understand and engage with the world, identify challenges, and discover solutions. We encourage you to pursue your interests, develop your potential, and bring your full self to work. 

SSSC considers equivalent combinations of experience and education for certain jobs. All candidates who believe they possess equivalent experience and education are encouraged to apply. 

SSSC is a busy non-profit research and science education organization. From spring into the fall, we host visiting researchers, high school and university field courses, education programs, and visitors. These months are full of energy, excitement, fun, and people.

Additional Information

Benefits for Science Center Guides:  

• Subsidized housing  

• Five days of paid sick leave 

• Electric bikes for transportation 

• Exposure to and/or participation in animal husbandry in the aquarium, hatchery work, research projects, education programming, and other Science Center projects and programs 

• Access to outdoor gear and equipment