The Aquatic Exploration Guide is a member of the Aquatic Exploration team in the Learning & Community Division. Each team member is expected to exemplify and embody the Shedd mission & vision and bring the brand experience to life in all guest experiences. This position is responsible for delivering a variety of programs and experiences daily throughout the aquarium; and implements a range of experiences including special events, impromptu guest interactions, and various donor experiences.  The Aquatic Exploration Guide provides expert knowledge of of Shedd’s exhibits and collection, and facilitates the large scale Oceanarium experiences for thousands of guests daily.

Aquatic Exploration Guides help tailor and deliver Shedd’s Oceanarium experiences.  The scope of the role varies based on the needs of the experience.  There is a strong performance element in this role, and Exploration Guides will be in front of audiences as large as 1,000 guests at a time.  This position requires memorization of multiple program outlines, aquatic world content, and information related to taking action for animals.

The position requires a strong ability to apply improvisational techniques and dynamically engage audiences. Tailoring content to various audiences and rapidly adapting and evolving to guest and aquarium needs are important skills.  This position must have the ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required.

Team Member Attributes:

As a member of the Aquatic Exploration team, individuals should possess the following qualities which will enable the team to achieve Shedd’s mission to spark compassion, curiosity and conservation for the aquatic animal world.

• Positive attitude
• Supportive of other team members
• Proactive in bringing forward solutions to challenges
• Maintain positive working relationships
• Guest focus in all activities, passion for people
• Ability to proactively engage guests
• Valuing diverse perspectives
• Creativity
• Formal and informal leadership qualities, leading by example

The Shedd Way Charter

As One Shedd Aquatic Exploration team is expected to deliver an exceptional experience for other team members, staff, volunteers and internal and external guests. Each team member should demonstrate the qualities listed in the attached Shedd WAY charter including but not limited to:

• Professional appearance
• Positive body language
• Seeking out guest contact
• Listening and responding to others needs
• Taking pride in Shedd
• Delight in the animals in our care
• Learning about and respecting those you work with

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Demonstrate commitment to Shedd’s vision, mission and values
• Learn and facilitate multiple scripts and outlines featuring a variety of Shedd’s 32,000 animals, tailoring content to a variety of audiences
• Represent the team as the team leader, serve as team coach
• Complete schedules, rotations, and manage daily schedule changes
• Lead various team meetings, including operational and creative meetings
• Lead exercises to build team facilitation, improvisational and leadership skills
• Assist team in developing and evolving new visitor engagement strategies
• Analyze, and raise team performance and personnel issues to leaders
• Assist in creating and implementing reward and recognition programs and efforts
• Review programs and complete identified team documentation
• Learn and assist in evolving script and outline revisions, blocking adjustments, and ongoing program content updates
• Interact with guests, and marine mammals team members, donors, etc.
• Dynamically engaging guests about animals at Shedd throughout aquarium
• Work near animals, adhering to established protocols
• Serve as a leader to other staff and volunteers for guest interaction and knowledge
• Attend training workshops as scheduled, lead training elements and workshops
• Assist and lead onboarding new team members
• Demonstrate continued growth in content knowledge and increased aptitude in program delivery
• Understand and take part in the operation throughout the building, including but not limited to:
  • Aquatic/Oceanarium Experiences
  • Program Facilitation
  • Participatory Engagements

• Collaborate closely with leaders to set goals, develop skills, and receive and integrate feedback for professional growth
• Model all best practices in serving as both a team member and coach
• Apply improvisational strategies in programs, trainings, meetings etc.
• Serve on interdepartmental teams
• Other duties as needed or assigned

Qualifications:

Education:

• High School diploma, GED or equivalent recommended.  Some college preferred.             

Experience:

• Minimum of one-year experience in public speaking required.
• One year leadership experience
• Two years’ experience in education, theatre and or improvisation preferred.
• Experience delivering programs to a variety of audiences in a museum, zoo or aquarium setting preferred.
• Experience in aquatic science and/or biology preferred.

Special Skills & Characteristics

• Ability to maintain good vocal control with the ability to speak publicly for many hours each day without loss of voice.
• Ability to effectively present information to and collaborate with colleagues and guests alike.
• Ability to execute excellent public speaking skills and science teaching aptitude.
• Ability to improvise due to variable animal activities and guest needs.
• Ability to spend majority of the day on one’s feet.

We strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ community, veterans and active duty military, parents, individuals with disabilities, and individuals from all cultural backgrounds to apply. Shedd Aquarium is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes everyone to our team.

If you need a reasonable accommodation at any point in the application or interview process, please let us know. In your application, please feel free to select which pronouns you use (For example – she/her/hers, he/him/his, they/them/theirs).