Middle School Program Assistant

Organizational Background

Rocking the Boat began as a boatbuilding afterschool project for high school students in the South Bronx and was incorporated as a 501(c)3 non-profit in 2001. Today, the organization, with an annual budget of over $5 million, is a hub of youth development programming that serves nearly 5,000 community members annually across three locations. The mediums of boatbuilding, environmental science, and sailing are paired with social-emotional, academic, and career counselling by a team of licensed social workers to have profound and lasting impact on participants.

Position Summary

Middle School Program Assistants are part-time, non-exempt positions that support the delivery of Rocking the Boat’s after school and summer Middle School Development Program. We are currently hiring for the summer semester, mid-June through mid-August. Program Assistants work over multiple semesters with the 6th-8th grade participants in delivering all aspects of the program’s environmental, sailing and boat building based curriculum. Up to four positions report to the Middle School Manager.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate environmental science, boatbuilding, and sailing lessons to middle school participants
• Incorporate and promote Rocking the Boat’s Core Values into all aspects of program delivery
• Actively practice and promote all safety protocols in the classroom, field, and on the water
• Manage the upkeep of the program materials and equipment including rowboats, field equipment, and activity material
• Independently lead small group instruction and activities
• Assist in leading day trips designed to introduce participants to new experiences related to Rocking the Boat programs
• Assist with managing participant behavior to facilitate an effective and safe learning environment
• Participate in other activities as necessary to fulfill the mission of Rocking the Boat

Qualifications & Preferred Skills

• Experience working with youth or in youth development, particularly the middle school population
• Background in environmental science or outdoor education is a plus
• Strong leadership skills
• Experience working in the outdoors and on and around water
• Ability to understand and adapt teaching methods to address different learning styles and challenging behaviors
• Demonstrates independent initiative while also working well with a team and program manager
• Ability to communicate honestly, respectfully, and effectively with supervisors and coworkers
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Must be able to row a boat and lift buckets and equipment (25 lbs+)
• Spanish language skills a plus
• Lifeguard certification a plus
• Alumni of Rocking the Boat strongly encouraged to apply

Rocking the Boat Offers

• Up to 40 Sick and Safe hours per calendar year, accrued at a rate of one hour of Safe and Sick time earned to every 15 hours worked
• $18 to $21 per hour, commensurate with experience
• Program calendar operates seasonally in the spring (Mar-May), summer (late June-Aug) & fall (Sept-Dec), predominantly Monday — Thursday
• Staff hours are 3:00 — 7:00pm during the school year; 8:00 — 4:00 during the summer
• Rocking the Boat provides staff training weeks in late February, late June, and early September in preparation for each semester