Marine Science Educator

The Greater Farallones Association seeks a Marine Science Educator to provide instructional support for education projects, in particular delivering ocean science lessons to our after-school program, Ocean AfterSchool. This position is designed for individuals looking to continue developing their science communication and organizational skills as a classroom marine science educator and gain hands-on experience with two national marine sanctuaries.

Greater Farallones Association (GFA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization working in close partnership with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to conserve the ecosystems of the Greater Farallones and Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuaries. GFA conducts joint research, conservation, and education to support healthy ecosystems in the Sanctuaries, which comprise one of the most bountiful and nationally significant marine environments in the world, an area of 4,581 square miles off the northern and central California coast. With approximately 30 staff members, GFA is supported by a diverse mix of government grants, program fees, private philanthropy, and donated services. GFA has an annual operating budget of approximately $5 million and is co-located in the National Marine Sanctuary office, situated in a beautiful historic building on Crissy Field in the Presidio, which also houses a staffed Visitor Center with exhibits and aquaria open Wed-Sun 10am-4pm and provides a base for on-site field trips for school classes.

Greater Farallones Association aims to foster inclusivity and equity within our organization, and in the broader fields of ocean conservation, environmental education, and nonprofit management. All staff members are expected to bring a demonstrated commitment to building an inclusive, sustainable, and effective workplace.

Program Description and Overview
The Ocean AfterSchool (OAS) program is funded by the San Francisco Department of Children, Youth, and their Families (DCYF) to serve primarily at-risk students in grades 2 to 7 with a series of ocean science enrichment programs during their out-of-school time period. A special focus is on increasing accessibility of ocean science by working with youth with disabilities and non-English or English as a Second Language speakers.

This position will lead lessons in the classroom with a focus on Spanish bilingual classes, provide a safe and supportive learning environment, meet youth teaching standards, and maintain quality curricula. This position may be engaged in outreach related to the OAS program and receive opportunities for professional development provided by DCYF.
Reporting to the GFA Education Program Manager, this part-time, non-exempt position will work 15-28 hours weekly, depending on program schedules during the school year and the candidate’s availability. The position will work closely with other GFA education staff and, as an affiliate with NOAA, overlap with federal Greater Farallones and Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary staff in coordinating program delivery. This position will also work closely with school staff and staff from our partner organizations.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Deliver marine science education curriculum (including programs on sharks, marine mammals, seabirds, squid, crabs, salmon, plankton, ocean acidification, deep-sea corals, Remotely Operated Vehicles, sea turtles, and newly developed lessons) in the classroom to school audiences in alignment with the Next Generation Science Standards
• Assist in updating Spanish-translated curricula and delivering lessons in Spanish as needed
• Maintain a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment for all students during lessons as well as with colleagues in the workplace
• Collect weekly student attendance and maintain monthly records to be reported as required by the Ocean AfterSchool funder and partners
• Maintain program materials and supplies, including proper handling of live marine organisms
• Assist with ongoing evaluation of the Ocean AfterSchool program by administering evaluation tools and inputting data as needed, collaborating with fellow GFA educators and consultants to update tools and curricula to maintain high-quality programs
• Ensure high-quality programs using Youth Program Quality Assessment principles and participating in professional development opportunities to improve the quality of the curricula and classroom management
• Assist the Program Manager in administrative tasks as needed, including maintaining direct communication with teachers, site coordinators, and partner organizations
• Assist in curriculum development as needed
• Staff the Sanctuary Visitor Center as needed
• Maintain high performance standards and ensure timely completion of responsibilities
• Adhere to GFA’s financial and administrative policies and procedures
• Follow all established safety protocols
• Other program-specific tasks as assigned

Preferred Qualifications

• At least 18 years of age
• Minimal experience teaching K-12 students from all backgrounds, including urban youth and youth with special needs, and willingness to continue learning new teaching skills for effective instruction
• General knowledge, interest, and willingness to learn about ocean and marine science concepts, including key ocean organisms, coastal ecosystems, and coastal stewardship
• Ability to work as a team member and be an effective communicator
• Fluency in both English and Spanish, comfortable teaching interchangeably in both languages
• Strong computer and organizational skills, particularly in Google Workspace, to assist with collecting student data, evaluations, class attendance, and communicating with partners
• Commitment to fostering an inclusive and healthy workplace that accepts and supports all staff members
• Ability to adjust quickly to changing priorities and manage tasks in a sometimes stressful environment
• Ability to work a flexible schedule focused on afternoons during the afterschool period (between the hours of 2 – 6:30 pm)
• Ability to lift and carry 35 lbs, as this position requires transporting educational materials
• A valid driver’s license, access to a reliable personal motor vehicle, and proof of auto insurance; ability and flexibility to travel as needed to school sites
• Pass a mandatory federal background check and defensive driving course
• Be fully vaccinated against COVID as defined by the Centers for Disease Control, and provide proof prior to beginning work (exemptions apply)
• Documented negative TB test within the last 3 years

Employee Status and Benefits

This is a part-time, non-exempt staff position with Greater Farallones Association, based in San Francisco, and officially affiliated with NOAA. The starting pay for the position is $28 per hour and is not eligible for health benefits.

GFA is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age (over 40), pregnancy or family status, protected veteran status, or any other protected status.

For full details: https://farallones.org/job-openings/marine-science-educator-oas/