Discovery Centre
Mission: Bring STEAM to life through hands-on science
learning experiences. Discovery Centre’s mandate is advanced
through the presentation of high-quality STEAM educational
experiences.
Ocean/Energy Facilitator
Department: Science Education
Supervisor: Director of Science Education
Position Category: Full time co-op
Wage: $16.00 per hour
Hours of Work: 35 hours per week; 16 weeks
Start Date: May 15, 2023
Application Deadline: March 1, 2023
Position Summary:
For over 35 years, the Discovery Centre has developed a reputation for being Nova Scotia’s
leader in the delivery of exciting hands-on, minds-on science programming for youth.
The main objective of the position is to help create exciting and stimulating science education
experiences for visitors in the energy and ocean galleries. The position will facilitate public
programming that provides visitors with exciting science demonstrations related to energy
sources that are being developed from ocean, land, and technology within the province of Nova
Scotia.
The Facilitator will engage the public in everything they are doing and provide an enthusiastic
welcome to the Galleries, helping visitors engage with the exhibits and programs.
Description of Tasks:
The Ocean/Energy Facilitator works in the Science Education department and reports to the
Director of Science Education.
The primary tasks of the position are:
• Helping maintain the life support systems of aquaria, ensuring that the life within an
aquarium is properly managed, that the environment is conducive to the plants and
animals growing and thriving, and that the living beings have everything else that they
need to live well
• Ensuring that displays and exhibits remain clean and that the living beings are in good
shape to be viewed by the public
• Creating an atmosphere of fun and enjoyment around the topic of oceans and energy
• Sharing information with the general public; helping visitors engage with the gallery
experiences
• Developing and delivering programming; supporting the research, development and
delivery of camp programs
• Maintaining a safe and clean working environment, keeping up to date with health and
safety requirements and training
• May help with species collecting at designated license/permit sites: this is limited to
gathering species by hand, snorkelling and with hip waders.
Qualifications:
Education: Post-secondary studies in marine biology, aquaculture, environmental studies, or
related discipline
Experience: Experience in a front-line setting dealing with the public; experience in science
communication
Language Requirements: Fluency in English is required; additional languages (especially French)
considered an asset
Competencies:
• Exceptional communication skills
• Highly adaptable
• Able to take initiative
• Highly organized
• Works well as part of a team
• Effective interpersonal skills
• Comfortable engaging strangers
• Proactive problem-solving
Other Qualifications:
• Depth of knowledge in marine and freshwater species of flora and fauna and their
associated ecosystems
• Technical knowledge of large and small aquariums, both salt and fresh water, their
operations, life support systems, maintenance, and recommended repairs when needed
• First Aid and WHMIS an asset
Eligibility: Applicants must be current students returning to post-secondary studies in Fall 2023
and must qualify for the Nova Scotia Co-Op Program in order to be considered.
Workplan:
Week 1: Training and orientation, including occupational health and safety,
building and operations, job-specific training, and Discovery Centre as
a whole; team meetings; review of position objectives
Weeks 2-16 Developing and delivering programming; engaging with public;
maintaining displays and exhibits; daily reporting of visitor
interactions; routine meetings with supervisor
Week 16: Compiling of final report; debriefing with supervisor; performance
evaluation
Measurable Outcomes:
The Ocean/Energy Facilitator will:
• Encourage members of the public to take an active role in protecting habitats and
resources through education and engagement
• Contribute to positive visitor experiences and interactions at the Centre, as evidenced
by positive feedback from guests
• Ensure that the aquarium plants and animals have everything they need to grow and
thrive
The student will understand and take ownership of outcomes through a combination of
training, self-directed study, and ongoing support from their manager and team. Through
regular communication with their manager, incremental objectives will be set to ensure
progress. One mid-term performance evaluation will be conducted, and the successful
completion of outcomes will be addressed in this meeting and in a final performance
evaluation. At the end of the 16 weeks, the Director of Science Education will provide the
student with an overall assessment of their performance.
Employability Skills:
After their employment at the Discovery Centre, the Ocean/Energy Facilitator is expected to
have acquired, or improved upon, the following skills:
• Communication
• Community engagement
• Information management
• Innovation
• Working safely
• Problem-solving
• Flexibility
• Adaptability
• Leadership
• Animal care
• Program development
• Environmentalism
This position is an excellent opportunity for any student that is continuing in marine biology,
aquaculture, or environmental studies, or who is interested in a career in an environmentrelated industry or in science education.
Orientation and Training:
The Ocean/Energy Facilitator’s orientation will include a briefing on the Discovery Centre and
the Science Education department. They will also have an orientation on the Ocean/Energy
galleries and other additional training that is specific to the role.
Occupational health and safety is a key organizational priority for the Discovery Centre, so the
individual will receive thorough training on the Centre’s occupational health and safety policies
and procedures, emergency protocols, building safety, first aid training (if applicable), and any
safety training that is specific to their role.
The individual will be given all applicable Discovery Centre policies, including the respectful
workplace policy and code of conduct. They will be required to familiarize themselves with
these policies and uphold the values and responsibilities outlined in them.
The Ocean/Energy Facilitator will be required to participate in general staff meetings and
department meetings. They will be encouraged to be as familiar with our Centre and its modes
of operation as possible.
Supervision:
Name: Ryan Jameson
Title: Director of Science Education
Phone: 902-492-4422 ext. 2239
Email: rjameson@thediscoverycentre.ca
Mailing address: 1215 Lower Water Street, Halifax NS, B3J 3S8
Application:
Applications are to be emailed to recruitment@thediscoverycentre.ca. Applicants are to
submit their resume, cover letter, and references. Please note the position that you are
applying for in the subject line of your email application. All applications will be reviewed but
only those chosen for an interview will be contacted. All applicants are thanked in advance for
their interest. Please note: this position is dependent upon receipt of funding.
Discovery Centre is committed to leveraging our facility, people, and programming to create
inclusive spaces that ignite a passion for science and discovery. We are also committed to
advancing diversity, inclusion, equity, and accessibility practices within our workplace, public
engagement spaces, and programming. Our Centre’s Board of Directors, management, and staff
believe diverse participation and representation are essential and that our networks thrive
when we create an inclusive and equitable culture where all people can see themselves
reflected, feel respected, and have their contributions valued.
Discovery Centre promotes equal employment opportunities for all job applicants, and we
encourage applications from candidates who self-identify as a member of an underrepresented
group, including Indigenous people (especially Mi’kmaq), people of Black/African descent
(especially African Nova Scotians), members of other racialized groups, women, people with
disabilities, and members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community.
We are committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment, starting with
the hiring process. If you need to be accommodated during any phase of the evaluation
process, please contact recruitment@thediscoverycentre.ca to request specialized
accommodation. All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept
confidential