POSITION OVERVIEW

We are seeking a part-time Marine Science Educator to join our staff. Our team educates about 25,000 students, campers, and members of the public year-round. This position educates students and the general public in marine science programs on the shoreline and in the lab and classroom. This position receives direction from the Director of Curriculum and Instruction.

 

ABOUT US

Project Oceanology is a non-profit marine science education and research facility. Our mission since 1972 has been to nurture interest and inspire enthusiasm for science and for our planet’s marine environment from our waterfront facility in Groton, Connecticut. Project Oceanology is a year-round, marine science educational organization governed by local school districts and in collaboration with universities and other educational institutions. Our vision is to be the center of excellence for inquiry, and place-based science and marine education serving the evolving needs of our global community.

 

JOB DESCRIPTION

This position involves educating students and members of the public in marine science programs in diverse settings including: shoreline, lab, classroom, after school and summer camp. The Marine Science Educator is responsible for teaching and educational program content as well as safety requirements associated with the lesson and venue. Academic year educational programs primarily involve students in grades K through 12; summer programs involve campers in grades 4 through 12; additional year-round educational programs involve members of the general public and colleges and universities. This position includes the maintenance of aquaria and feeding of marine animals. The position requires sound judgment, independence, initiative, maturity, and excellent observation and communication skills.

This position is based at Project Oceanology in Groton, CT; educators must be available to work at other sites in Connecticut as needed. The employee must be able to work a flexible schedule including evenings and weekends. Regular attendance is a requirement of this position.

 

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Teaches after school programs multiple days per week including curriculum design, planning, set up and breakdown
• Coordinates with other Project Oceanology staff to customize lessons and engages participants during teaching and transition times
• Presents material involving oceanographic content and research techniques; teaches lessons; relates marine science topics to people having a wide range of interests, ages, and educational backgrounds
• Provides input and assistance to modify and/or develop activities to enhance academic year and summer season lesson options, especially as they relate to national and state Department of Education curriculum frameworks
• Supports aquaria through feeding and maintenance in seawater lab
• Provides a safe, supportive and friendly environment for all participants
• Establishes and maintains effective and courteous working relationships with school officials, members of the public, students, and coworkers
• Performs related duties and responsibilities as required

 

EDUCATION AND WORK EXPERIENCE

Education, Experience, and Training

• Must possess or be pursuing a BA or BS degree; biology, oceanography, education or similar background and/or course work is preferred
• Teaching experience is required; Familiarity with oceanographic equipment is highly desirable

License or Certificate

• Must have or be capable of obtaining certifications including American Heart Association or American Red Cross First Aid and CPR.

 

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of Marine Science and broad interest in oceans, including coastal ecosystems, fisheries resources, human interaction and management issues
• Aptitude for educating others. Knowledge of effective class/group management principles and ability to supervise students, delegate and share responsibilities
• Ability to educate others and to work with persons of varying ages and from diverse backgrounds; ability to work as a team member and leader; ability to be engaging, patient, energetic and enthusiastic with students and public
• Superior interpersonal skills including ability to establish and maintain effective and courteous working relationships with students, members of the public, coworkers, and partners
• Superior communications skills including ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing; fluency in Spanish is highly desirable
• Strong organizational skills including ability to prioritize work and arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations); ability to perform multiple tasks with interruptions, meet deadlines, perform duties promptly with attention to detail and accuracy; ability to adjust quickly to changing priorities

 

WHAT WE OFFER

• Compensation commensurate with experience; $17.00 to $20.00 per hour
• Up to 32 hours per week

 

HOW TO APPLY

Send your resume and cover letter to admin@oceanology.org using the subject line “Educator (PT)”. 

 

People of color, people with disabilities, veterans, and LGBTQIA+ candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. Project Oceanology is committed to a diverse workplace and to supporting our staff with ongoing career development opportunities. We are an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate in its employment decisions. We provide reasonable accommodation to applicants and employees as required by law.