Field Station Educator

Educators are trained to work with all education programs (school, university, adult and family, custom, Road Scholar, Scouts, and summer camp programs) and will work with learners of all levels, including K-12 students, college students, and adult learners. Field Station Educators work primarily with education programs (summer camp, school programs, family & special programs, Road Scholar, Scouts) but will have the opportunity to assist with outreach and University & Research programming. You will gain valuable and diverse knowledge regarding aquarium and field equipment use and maintenance, environmental education techniques, boat crew skills and boat safety, group leadership in laboratory and field settings, time management, and marine husbandry. This highly demanding, but rewarding, job best fits individuals who are self-motivated and work well both independently and as part of a team. Candidates must demonstrate problem solving skills, time and group management skills, and enthusiasm for education and the environment. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Primarily lead school programs, summer camps, Road Scholar, and special programs. Will also assist with college programs and outreach programs.
• Function as primary educator on our boat programs with Daisey’s Charters.
• Work with learners of all ages, Kindergarten through Adult
• Lead and teach all summer camp classes and assist summer camp counselors in evening programs and meals. Educators have the opportunity to design their own summer camp curriculum for overnight camps.
• Lead outdoor activities such as hikes, kayak trips, biking excursions, birding, beach walks, and other activities.
• Responsible for program set-up, break-down, and maintenance of program areas including but not limited to equipment, labs, and housing.·Work on weekly program maintenance tasks during non-program time including maintaining program spaces, office and paper work, equipment maintenance, etc.
• Drive Field Station vehicles including 15 passenger vans and school buses. (Commercial Driver’s License must be obtained as part of training). Will learn to drive Field Station kayak and bike trailers.
• Coordinate group check-ins and check-outs.
• Enforce Field Station protocols and rules on Field Station property and in the field.
• Clean and provide routine maintenance for field and lab equipment. Clean and maintain aquaria.
• Responsible for customer service for program participants.
• Actively interact with and supervise participants, giving them undivided attention.
• Represent the Field Station at outreach opportunities and special events.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree
• Comfortable working long hours outdoors and on boats with learners of all ages
• Teaching experience and/or leadership experience
• Ability to pass background check in order to obtain NASA security clearance.
• Valid driver’s license with 2 or fewer moving violations in the past 2 years and no DUI or DWI charges
• Must be willing and able to obtain a VA Commercial Driver’s License and drive full-size school buses and 15 passenger vans after starting position
• Current CPR/First Aid certification
• Up to date COVID-19 vaccination (required for all employees)

Preferred Experience:

• Teaching experience and/or leadership experience in formal or informal education
• Experience teaching multiple age groups from young learners to adults
• Previous experience working on boats, kayaking, and biking
• Experience with summer camps and/or outdoor adventure programs
• A degree in Education, Outdoor Recreation, Biology, Marine Biology, Environmental Sciences or other relevant fields.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift 50 lbs repeatedly
• Ability to lead kayaking and biking programs
• Kayaking up to 12 miles a day on flat water
• Biking up to 30 miles a day
• Ability to walk a mile on uneven terrain
• Ability to stand and work for long periods of time
• Ability to work long days and on weekends
• Ability to handle and work with equipment on vessels (training provided)
• Ability to work in extreme conditions (heat, cold, mosquitoes)