YouthWorks

The Communications Aide will primarily support the Social Media team. They will research social media best practices and apply them via copywriting, content creation, graphic design and online community engagement. They will create Instagram posts, Instagram stories, YouTube shorts and TikToks, all to further the National Aquarium's mission. They will also have the opportunity to work throughout the Communications department with the content writers, public relations team, and others as best suited to their unique career goals.

Essential Functions:

• Inspires care for our ocean planet by creating engaging content across several social media platforms, using content creation programs such as Adobe Premiere and Canva.
• Writes copy following our style guide, branding and intended messaging.
• Collaborates with our Visual Productions team to source the appropriate photos and videos for content.
• Responds to messages from past and prospective guests to ensure they have all the information they need for a pleasant and safe visit.
• Safely handles all digital equipment, particularly the DJI camera and its accessories.
• Maintains a great working relationship with all Aquarium departments and partners, including Animal Care staff, exhibit guide volunteers, Youth Exhibit Guides, Guest Services staff and more, to help the Social Media team encourage participation in our content.
• Adheres to all organizational and departmental policies and procedures.
• Other duties as assigned or required; may assist other departments as needed.

Qualifications:

• Experience with content creation on Instagram and TikTok.
• An interest in sustainability and conservation.
• Strong writing and public speaking skills.
• Outgoing and energetic personality.
• Physical ability to walk to and from the Candler building and main Aquarium campus.

This job is a rare opportunity to work alongside and support the Habitat and Exhibit Fabrication staff while working in a creative shop environment and the Aquarium's behind-the-scenes and habitat spaces. This person's responsibilities will include maintaining and fabricating props, exhibit and habitat elements, and helping to facilitate quality and care of all Aquarium spaces. They will work to maintain the Aquarium's shop safety and cleanliness standards. They may be asked to assist with daily maintenance or other tasks as assigned. It's a fantastic opportunity to help tell the National Aquarium's story, from its resident animals to the people working there, and connecting people with nature to inspire compassion and care for our ocean planet.

Essential Functions:

• Provides shop support as directed by supervising staff.
• Works within all shop safety standards, following all Aquarium safety rules and protocols—especially when handling materials or working behind the scenes.
• Helps maintain shop cleanliness and organization.
• Helps to maintain all department equipment, props, workspaces, and written material.
• Helps maintain aquarium style and brand through quality work.
• Adheres to all organizational and departmental policies and procedures.
• Other duties as assigned or required; may assist other departments as needed.

Qualifications:

• Must be enthusiastic, outgoing and willing to work independently.
• Strong tool use or interest in building and makerspaces.
• Good knowledge of art, construction, biology, nature and conservation issues is desired but not required.
• Strong interest in mold making, theater arts, 3D printing, scenic painting and color theory.
• Eager to learn new skills.
• This job requires the ability to lift 50 pounds and to work physically standing, ladders, kneeling and lifting things above a head level.

This position is ideal for an individual looking to work outdoors to gain experience with scientific data collection, community engagement and basic nature trail maintenance. This person will assist in implementing field and community programming for Conservation Program initiatives. Works with staff, volunteers, students, community members and partners. Most activities will occur outdoors, focusing on the Harbor Wetland exhibit or off-site at the Fort McHenry wetland in Baltimore City. Transportation is provided and based out of the National Aquarium's Animal Care and Rescue Center.

Essential Functions:

• Supports the implementation of Conservation Program initiatives, including habitat restoration, community engagement, community science, marine debris cleanups, wildlife gardening and outreach programs.
• Aids in weekly collection of water quality samples around Harbor Wetland and maintaining our water quality equipment.
• Supports staff in maintaining Harbor Wetland; a successful applicant must be comfortable working on small boats with staff and in close proximity to water.
• Assists staff in collecting scientific biodiversity data of the harbor.
• Contributes to trail maintenance around the Fort McHenry wetland.

Qualifications:

• Must be enthusiastic, motivated and enjoy working with people.
• Must be prepared to perform in various outdoor terrains and weather conditions.
• Have strong communication skills and ability to engage youth and community members of all ages.
• Possess basic computer skills, including using email and navigating the internet.
• Be able to work independently and within a team.
• Be able to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Be committed to the Aquarium's mission.

Guest engagement representatives support all Guest Engagement programs and paid tours and experiences in the aquarium. Responsibilities for this position include formal and informal interpretation while working at the Living Seashore touchpools, engaging guests with props or at carts, and helping to facilitate different tours throughout the day and week, culminating in outstanding guest experiences. All programs, whether paid or included with admission, are crafted to help tell the story of the National Aquarium, its animals and staff, and to inspire compassion and care for our ocean planet. In addition to regular daily/weekly tours and programs, representatives may be asked to assist with daily maintenance or other tasks as assigned.

Essential Functions:

• Inspires conservation by presenting/facilitating various unique and interactive programs to diverse audiences each day. Much time is spent at touchpools and immersive exhibits, while other programs will be delivered elsewhere on Aquarium grounds.
• Provides world-class guest service to all guests and staff and positively represents the National Aquarium.
• Helps to maintain all department equipment, props, workspaces and written material.
• Maintains an excellent working relationship with all Aquarium departments and partners to help the Guest Engagement team to consistently deliver excellent guest experiences.
• Follows all Aquarium safety rules and protocols, especially when handling Aquarium animals and moving in behind-the-scenes areas.
• Adheres to all organizational and departmental policies and procedures.
• Other duties as assigned or required; may assist other departments as needed.

Qualifications:

• Have strong presentation and public speaking skills.
• Good knowledge of biology and conservation issues is desired but not required.
• Possess strong guest service skills.
• Outgoing and energetic personality, enthusiastic about engaging others in conversation.
• Job requires availability during peak attendance times (i.e., weekends, summer, holidays, etc.).
• Be committed to the Aquarium's mission.

This position is responsible for anticipating guest needs, exceeding expectations and implementing creative solutions to provide exceptional service. This position represents the National Aquarium in a variety of areas throughout the venue. Responsibilities include supporting guest needs from the moment of arrival through departure, ensuring all requests are addressed enthusiastically, and always following Aquarium policies and procedures while keeping in mind the National Aquarium values of Connection, Curiosity, Optimism, Service and Wellbeing.

Essential Functions:

• Provides exceptional guest service that transforms a day at the Aquarium from ordinary to extraordinary by supporting Guest Service needs, assisting guests in a friendly and positive manner and creating opportunities to share messages that support the Aquarium's conservation and business goals.
• Uses knowledge gained about the Aquarium's history, accomplishments and goals to deliver Personal Facilitated Experiences (PFEs) that engage guests.
• Uses skills gained through the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) training in daily guest interactions.
• Ensures guest safety by following established and ad hoc safety policies and procedures, including scanning tickets for timed entry, enforcing safety guidelines around escalators and elevators, assisting with emergencies and evacuations, and reporting potential safety hazards.
• Adheres to all organizational and departmental policies and procedures.
• Other duties as assigned or required.

Qualifications:

• Must be enthusiastic, motivated and enjoy working with people.
• Have strong communication skills and the ability to engage Aquarium guests of all ages.
• Possess strong basic computer skills, including using email, navigating the internet and working with MS Office applications.
• Be able to work with a team and independently.
• Be able to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Be committed to the Aquarium's mission.

This position is ideal for an individual seeking experience with basic animal husbandry and exhibit maintenance. This person will be responsible for assisting primary Animal Care staff with their routine, including diet preparation and distribution, cleaning, record-keeping and maintaining feeder insect colonies. Works with staff, volunteers, interns and guests. Most activities will occur in exhibit spaces that are maintained as ideal environments for the animals, which can be quite hot and humid. The ability to climb ladders and stairs and to work around heights and water is required. Due to the nature of work and proximity to animals, applicants must be 18 years or older.

Essential Functions:

• Prepares diets, feeds and provides water to the animals within the Australia: Wild Extremes exhibit, including birds, reptiles, fishes, and invertebrates.
• Maintains live feed colonies as assigned.
• Observes animal behavior and health and maintains records of observations.
• Daily responsibilities include servicing and maintaining exhibits, cleaning off-exhibit holding and food dishes, and monitoring and recording temperature, water chemistry data, etc.
• Keeps backup areas clean and organized.
• Assists in pest control as necessary.
• Adheres to organizational and departmental policies and procedures.
• Other duties as assigned or required.

Qualifications:

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Must be enthusiastic, motivated and enjoy working with people.
• Have basic knowledge of biology and zoology concepts and be interested in and able to learn about common husbandry techniques and veterinary care.
• Prepared to perform in various environmental conditions.
• Able to maintain a calm and controlled demeanor around animals of all types, including birds, reptiles, fish, and invertebrates.
• Possess strong communication skills and be able to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Possess basic computer skills, including using email and navigating the internet.
• Able to work with a team and independently.
• Be committed to the Aquarium's mission.