POSITION OVERVIEW: We are seeking a part-time Marine Science Educator to join our staff. Our team educates approximately 25,000 students, campers, and members of the public year- round. The Marine Science Educator delivers inspiring marine science and environmental education programs for elementary through high school students, college students, summer camp participants, and the general public. 

ABOUT US: Project Oceanology is a non-profit marine science education and research facility. Our mission since 1972 has been to nurture interest and inspire enthusiasm for science and for our planet’s marine environment from our waterfront facility in Groton, Connecticut. Project Oceanology is a year-round, marine science educational organization governed by local school districts and in collaboration with universities and other educational institutions. Our vision is to be the center of excellence for inquiry and place-based science and marine education serving the evolving needs of our global community. 

JOB DESCRIPTION: The Marine Science Educator will deliver stimulating marine science and environmental education programs aboard vessels and land-based locations for elementary through high school students, college students, summer camp participants, and the general public. The Marine Science Educator will contribute to the expansion of programs, the revision and integration of Project Oceanology’s activities into local school curricula, and delivery of summer camps. The Marine Science Educator is responsible for teaching and educational program content as well as safety requirements associated with the lesson and venue. Academic year educational programs primarily involve students in grades K through 12; summer programs involve campers ages 9 through 17; additional year-round educational programs involve members of the general public and colleges and universities. This position includes the maintenance of aquaria and feeding of marine animals. The position requires sound judgment, independence, initiative, maturity, and excellent observation and communication skills.  

This position is based at Project Oceanology in Groton, CT; educators must be available to work at other sites in Connecticut as needed.  The employee must be able to work a flexible schedule including evenings and weekends.  Regular attendance is a requirement of this position.  

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Presents material involving oceanographic content and research techniques; teaches lessons; relates marine science topics to people having a wide range of interests, ages, and educational backgrounds

- Provides input and assistance to modify and/or develop activities to enhance academic year and summer season lesson options, especially as they relate to national and state Department of Education curriculum frameworks

- Delivers marine science programs aboard research vessels, on shoreline programs, in marine laboratories, and in classrooms.

- Considerable physical stamina is required to work aboard vessels and outdoors for long periods, including during inclement weather.

- Teaches after-school programs multiple days per week including curriculum design, planning, set up and breakdown

- Coordinates with other Project Oceanology staff to customize lessons and engages participants during teaching and transition times

- Supports aquaria through feeding and maintenance in seawater lab

- Provides a safe, supportive and friendly environment for all participants

- Establishes and maintains effective and courteous working relationships with school officials, members of the public, students, and coworkers

- Performs related duties and responsibilities as required

- Must be able to work flexible and varied hours, including some evenings and weekends.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: 

- Knowledge of Marine Science and broad interest in oceans, including coastal ecosystems, fisheries resources, human interaction and management issues

- Aptitude for educating others. Knowledge of effective class/group management principles and ability to supervise students, delegate and share responsibilities

- Ability to educate others and to work with persons of varying ages and from diverse backgrounds; ability to work as a team member and leader; ability to be engaging, patient, energetic and enthusiastic with students and public

- Superior interpersonal skills including ability to establish and maintain effective and courteous working relationships with students, members of the public, coworkers, and partners

- Superior communications skills including ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing; fluency in Spanish is highly desirable

- Strong organizational skills including ability to prioritize work and arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations); ability to perform multiple tasks with interruptions, meet deadlines, perform duties promptly with attention to detail and accuracy; ability to adjust quickly to changing priorities

WHAT WE OFFER: 

- Part-time, hourly position.

- Hourly pay of $18.00 to 20.00 per hour, commensurate with experience.

- Opportunities to work in a variety of settings including along the shoreline, in marine science laboratories, and in classrooms.

- Flexible scheduling based on program needs and employee availability.

- Opportunities for professional development and training in marine science education, field research techniques, and vessel-based programming.

HOW TO APPLY: Send your resume and cover letter to admin@oceanology.org using the subject line “Marine Science Educator”.  In your cover letter, tell us why you are interested in this position and about any relevant experience.