Paddling Assistant

SUMMARY

Employment Type: Seasonal

Standard Work Days:   5 days per week 

Weekend Work Required: Yes

Residential Work Required: Yes

Overtime Status: Exempt

Seasonal/Year Round: Seasonal 

Paid Vacation/Holidays: applicable Federal Holidays during term of employment

Personal/Sick Days Up to 5 paid days per year pro-rated for term of employment

Benefits: Not applicable

Reports to: Director of Paddling Programs

Salary Range: $500 per week (but negotiable with pertinent work experience)

Job Location: Chestertown, Maryland

Housing: Staff housing available in Chestertown, Maryland 

Start Date: March 15, 2024

End Date: June 10, 2024

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Working under the direction of Sultana Education Foundation’s Director of Paddling Programs, the Paddling Assistant (PA) is responsible for assisting with the delivery of canoe and kayak-based educational programs during the Spring.  Spring paddling trips for schools are generally conducted on local waterways with an academic focus on environmental science and colonial/Native American history.  During these programs, the PA works closely with the Paddling Director to implement all aspects of the trip including direct instruction to students, organizing and maintaining educational equipment, and demonstrating proper paddling/safety techniques to participants.

CORE QUALIFICATIONS

The Paddling Assistant should have comfort teaching biology or environmental science in a classroom or outdoor/field setting and at least some level of college coursework in those areas.  Candidates must be comfortable working with a diverse age range of students and program formats, ranging from informal outdoor summer science programs for 7-18 year old participants to structured paddling programs for school groups and the general public.  Strong leadership and communication skills are essential, as is the ability to work collaboratively with fellow staff.    

Candidates must be comfortable working in an outdoor setting (including canoeing, kayaking, marsh exploration, hiking, etc).  Sufficient physical strength and endurance to engage in the above listed activities is critical. All employees of Sultana Education Foundation are subject to criminal background checks. 

The applicant should be at least 21 years old.  Experience driving a trailer is a plus.  Applicants should be capable of lifting 50 pounds above their heads in order to load and unload boats from trailers and other gear.  Passion for working outdoors and implementing educational programs for students of all ages is a must.  Applicants must currently possess, or be willing to obtain, American Red Cross CPR/First Aid  (If a candidate does not possess this qualification, Sultana will help pay for the training). Lifeguard certification is preferred but not required.

PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATIONS REQUIRED/PREFERRED

(SEF may assist and cover expenses for required certifications)

• American Red Cross First Aid and CPR (required)
• American Red Cross Lifeguarding (preferred)
• Wilderness First Responder (helpful)
• American Canoe Association Level 2 Kayaking Certification (helpful)

ABOUT THE SULTANA EDUCATION FOUNDATION

The Sultana Education Foundation provides hands-on educational opportunities that promote stewardship of the Chesapeake Bay’s historic, cultural, and environmental resources. By helping students of all ages develop an appreciation for the Chesapeake Bay, Sultana is working to create a community of individuals who are dedicated to preserving this irreplaceable treasure.

DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION

The Sultana Education Foundation (SEF) is committed to and accountable for advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in all of its forms. We embrace individual uniqueness, foster a culture of inclusion that supports both broad and specific diversity initiatives, leverage the educational and institutional benefits of diversity, and engage all individuals to help them thrive. We value inclusion as a core strength and an essential element of our public service mission.

ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS

This position will be filled on a rolling basis. 

An onsite interview in Chestertown may be required. 

A criminal background check will be required for this position.