Careers

Please email a Resume and Cover Letter to: jobs@aquarium.org

This full time, seasonal position from May 2026 to September 2026.

This position is non-exempt according to the Fair Labor Standards Act. 

The Oregon Coast Aquarium is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

POSITION TITLE: Seasonal Admissions Associate

REPORTS TO: Visitor Services Manager

JOB SUMMARY: As a key representative of the Aquarium, the Admissions Associate plays a vital role in delivering exceptional visitor experiences by providing friendly and efficient customer service. This position is responsible for selling admissions, memberships, experiences, and other related products. The Admissions Associate serves as the first point of contact, offering accurate information, handling transactions with precision, and assisting visitors with special needs. Additionally, this role supports operational efficiency by participating in training programs, maintaining a clean and organized workspace, assisting with emergency procedures as needed, proactively contributing to business growth and guest satisfaction.

GENERAL ACCOUNTABILITIES AND ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Greet visitors warmly and provide accurate information about the Aquarium, exhibits, and events.
2. Process admissions, experience, and membership sales using a computerized cash register, ensuring accuracy in transactions. *Manual processing as directed and by need
3. Actively promote membership benefits, special events, and experiences to drive sales and enhance customer engagement.
4. Answer phone calls, route inquiries appropriately, and provide general public information.
5. Participate in customer service and sales training programs to enhance guest interactions and increase sales.
6. Identify and assist visitors with unique needs, ensuring an inclusive and welcoming environment.
7. Monitor guest flow and provide crowd management support to maintain an efficient and pleasant admission process.
8. Support emergency procedures, including building evacuations, in accordance with the crisis management plan.
9. Handle lost and found items responsibly, logging and routing them as required.
10. Perform opening and closing duties, including morning counts and group check-ins, to ensure smooth daily operations.
11. Gather guest feedback through casual interactions and share insights with management to improve visitor experiences and operational efficiency.
12. Maintain a clean, organized, and professional work/guest area to uphold a positive visitor experience.

The above accountabilities represent work performed by this position and are not all inclusive. The omission of a specific accountability will not preclude it from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical extension of the position.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (Minimum levels)

High school equivalency required.  Minimum of two years’ experience as a cashier. Must be able to lift 30 lbs. Must be able stand for long periods of times. Experience working in a high-traffic visitor-oriented facility preferred.  Experience using computers is also required.

Please email a Resume and Cover Letter to: jobs@aquarium.org

This full time, seasonal position from May 2026 to September 2026.

This position is non-exempt according to the Fair Labor Standards Act. 

The Oregon Coast Aquarium is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

POSITION TITLE: Food Service Cashier (Seasonal)

REPORTS TO:  Café Manager

JOB SUMMARY: The Food and Beverage Cashier is a key frontline team member responsible for delivering outstanding guest service across various food and beverage stations, including cafés, kiosks, and concession areas. This role combines high-quality food and drink preparation with accurate cash handling, strong communication, and a commitment to cleanliness and safety. The cashier ensures food quality and compliance with health regulations, maintains inventory, supports fast-paced operations with adaptability, and uses digital systems efficiently. With a focus on professionalism, inclusivity, and collaboration, this position plays a critical role in creating a welcoming and efficient service environment, while also performing additional duties as needed to support the overall success of the team.

GENERAL ACCOUNTABILITIES AND ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Delivers exceptional guest experiences by providing prompt, friendly, and informed service across all food and beverage stations, including café, kiosk, and concession areas.
2. Prepares and serves coffee, espresso drinks, smoothies, and food items accurately and efficiently, following standardized recipes, safety procedures, and quality guidelines.
3. Executes cash handling and POS transactions with precision, adhering to established policies to ensure accuracy and accountability.
4. Maintains proper food safety and sanitation standards by holding a valid food handler’s card and complying with health regulations and internal protocols at all times.
5. Monitors food quality and temperature controls throughout the shift, ensuring all items meet required safety and OCAq standards.
6. Performs food prep, portioning, and production support tasks to meet service demands and reduce wait times during peak periods.
7. Keeps the service area and dining spaces clean and organized, including sanitizing surfaces, removing trash, sweeping, and restocking supplies to support a safe, welcoming environment.
8. Communicates clearly and respectfully with guests, coworkers, and supervisors to maintain a collaborative and efficient team environment.
9. Demonstrates adaptability and resilience, managing fluctuating guest volumes and shifting priorities while maintaining service standards.
10. Provides inclusive and culturally respectful service, ensuring all guests feel welcomed, valued, and accommodated.
11. Maintains proper stock levels and inventory rotation, alerting supervisors to shortages and contributing to effective waste reduction and replenishment.
12. Uses digital systems and equipment effectively, including POS systems, order displays, and communication tools, with a willingness to learn new technologies as needed.
13. Adheres to company dress code and grooming standards, presenting a professional and approachable appearance in line with OCAq expectations.
14. Follows all workplace safety procedures, including proper equipment handling, spill prevention, and emergency protocols to ensure a safe environment for guests and staff.
15. Performs other duties as assigned or as logically required, which may arise as a natural extension of the role to support team and operational success.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES (Minimum levels)

• Current food handler’s card is required.
• Prior food handling and cash handling is preferred but not required.
• Must be able to handle multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Must be able to stand, bend, kneel, and lift 

Please email a Resume and Cover Letter to: jobs@aquarium.org

This full-time, hourly position is non-exempt according to the Fair Labor Standards Act. This position includes full benefits coverage.

This is a limited-term position – grant funded for 3 years. AAUS Scientific Diver certification is required at time of hire.

Schedule: 40hrs/week, with required flexibility for fieldwork, vessel operations, evenings, weekends, and travel.

The Oregon Coast Aquarium is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Open until filled, first application review date April 21^st, 2026

POSITION TITLE: Research Technician (field intensive)

REPORTS TO: Animal Care and Dive Operations

JOB SUMMARY: The Oregon Coast Aquarium is seeking a highly capable Research Technician to support advanced field-based research and conservation programs along the Oregon coast. This position is designed for an individual with strong scientific diving, marine fieldwork, and technical skillsets who can contribute immediately to ongoing operations. The Research Technician plays a key role in executing AAUS scientific diving operations, vessel-based surveys, ROV missions, and data workflows supporting nearshore ecosystem monitoring, species recovery, and collaborative research initiatives. This is a field-intensive position requiring comfort working in dynamic ocean conditions and the ability to operate independently within established protocols.

GENERAL ACCOUNTABILITIES AND ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Primary Responsibilities

• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot ROV systems (e.g., BlueROV2), including piloting, navigation, and sensor integration
• Conduct AAUS-compliant scientific diving to support subtidal surveys, monitoring, and conservation projects
• Participate in and support small vessel operations in nearshore and offshore environments under variable conditions
• Execute underwater and vessel-based data collection including biological surveys, video/photo documentation, and sampling
• Manage and QA/QC datasets including dive logs, survey data, ROV telemetry, and imagery
• Perform basic data processing and analysis using established workflows (Excel, R, Python, or similar)
• Maintain field readiness through equipment organization, maintenance, and repair
• Assist with deployment and recovery of field equipment including sensors, transects, and monitoring systems
• Support coordination with internal teams and external partners during field operations
• Contribute to technical reporting, documentation, and program deliverables
• Research vessel operation
• Participate in outreach and public engagement activities as needed

Secondary Responsibilities

• Assist with ensuring current documentation of diver paperwork (medicals, provider certifications, etc).
• Services, maintains, and repairs SCUBA and diving related equipment including regulators, BCDs, scuba cylinders & valves, gauges & dive computers, compressor & fill station, and wetsuits & drysuits.  Updates the appropriate equipment logs concerning this maintenance and repairs.
• Assists with routine maintenance of Research Vessel Gracie Lynn.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

This position provides supervision of on-site Aquarium dives and supplemental support (tending, dive buddy) for staff diving activities as needed.

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Current AAUS Scientific Diver certification (required) with demonstrated experience in cold-water scientific diving
• Bachelor’s degree in marine science, biology, or related field (or equivalent professional experience)
• Minimum one year of direct marine fieldwork experience, including diving and/or vessel-based operations
• Demonstrated ability to work safely and effectively in challenging ocean conditions
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple field and data workflows

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience with ROV operations, maintenance, and field deployment
• Familiarity with Oregon coast species, habitats, and survey methods
• Experience with data analysis tools (R, Python, or similar)
• Small vessel experience and/or relevant certifications
• Experience working within AAUS dive programs or similar scientific diving frameworks

MENTAL, HEARING, AND VISUAL DEMANDS:

The work involves continuous mental and visual attention involving reading, analyzing, visualizing, or otherwise performing very involved, comprehensive work.  When in the field, the work involves mental and visual attention that assures the safety of all participants.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Extended travel and field days based on tides, weather windows, and project demands. Frequent fieldwork in cold-water, high-energy marine environments. Regular scientific diving and vessel operations in variable weather and sea conditions. The ability to lift, carry, and deploy field equipment up to 75 lbs is required. Some sedentary work is required when performing administrative duties.

ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS:

Compliance with appropriate company standards is required.

Disclaimer: This position description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by this position and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. The omission of a specific accountability will not preclude it from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical extension of the position.