NESS SEA AmeriCorps STEM Educator

Do you love working with students?

Do you love STEM marine science education?

Do you love the marine environment on and off the water?

Do you want to share your passions with others?

The NESS SEA AmeriCorps Program is a once in a lifetime opportunity to do all the things you love while giving back to the community through a year of paid service!

NESS SEA AmeriCorps STEM Educators:

• ENGAGE students in learning by seeing and doing.
• TEACH NESS standards-based programs.
• PROVIDE student support on and off the water.
• EMPOWER students to discover their personal best by facing new challenges.
• SHARE enjoyment of the ocean and teach marine science to students from all backgrounds.
• ENCOURAGE students to be positive stewards of their community and environment.

Duties and responsibilities:

• Serve in Connecticut schools and organizations delivering NESS STEM lessons on and off the water.
• Enrich and develop NESS STEM lesson plans aligned to state and national standards.
• Lead and assist in delivering NESS STEM experiential education programs on and off the water through kayaks, sailboats, marine science, powerboats, and more.
• Participate in community events bringing the NESS lessons to communities at large.
• Deliver NESS programs while always adhering to and prioritizing NESS’s “Safety First” policy.
• Serve as a NESS SEA AmeriCorps Member first and foremost team with NESS staff, host sites, and partners.
• Participate in mandatory orientation training at the beginning of the service term and regularly scheduled mandatory trainings throughout the service term.

Requirements:

• Passion for working with students.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Must be 18 years of age at time of application.
• Valid Driver’s License.
• Successful passage of the three-part National Service Criminal History Check.
• Positions will abide by AmeriCorps Prohibited Activities as referred to in the member contract.
• Commitment to a 12-month, full-time assignment (38-40 hours/week), beginning September 8, 2025, through August 2026.
• Complete a minimum of 1700 hours of service and host site requirements.

Physical Requirements: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or listen. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands to handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

Desired Skills:

• Commitment to the AmeriCorps mission of service.
• Understanding or willingness to understand students’ needs and the communities NESS serves.
• Interest in education, lesson development, nonprofit organizations, and youth development.
• Interest in STEM marine science, sailing, kayaking, powerboating, fishing, surfing, SUP instruction in a student-centered experiential learning setting.
• A strong team player and an excellent motivator.
• Self-starter, proactive, positive outlook, roll up your sleeves, ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Effective skills in interpersonal relationships, written and verbal communications, problem-solving, decision-making, group dynamics, and public speaking.
• Bilingual speakers are encouraged to apply.

Benefits of Service:

• AmeriCorps living allowance of approximately $20,400 over a 12-month term of service.
• Paid in weekly installments.
• Subject to all applicable local, state and federal income taxes.
• Eli Segal Education Award of up to $7,395 the National Service Trust for qualifying education expenses or loans upon successful completion of the term of service.
• Comprehensive Health, Dental and Vision insurance benefits at no cost.
• Extensive training and certifications.
• 8 days off for holidays each calendar year.
• Childcare assistance for those who qualify.
• Positions are eligible for student loan forbearance (available for qualified loans).

Training and certifications provided include:

• Waterfront Lifeguarding (American Red Cross certification).
• First Aid & CPR for the Professional Rescuer (American Red Cross certification).
• Kayaking Instruction (American Canoe Association skills assessment).
• Powerboat instruction and practice.
• Sailing instruction and practice.
• Introduction to STEM marine science experiential-based teaching practices.
• Career Development.

ABOUT NEW ENGLAND SCIENCE & SAILING

New England Science & Sailing is a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization that uses sailing, marine science, powerboating, and ocean adventure sports as experiential learning platforms to increase academic outcomes. NESS teaches in classrooms and on the water, incorporating school standards, including the Next Generation Science Standards, Ocean Literacy Principles, and Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning standards. NESS is the only school partner program accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.