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Vessel and School Partnership Educator

Norwalk, Connecticut

ORGANIZATION BACKGROUND 

The Maritime Aquarium’s mission is to Ignite a connection to Long Island Sound and the ocean to enrich the lives of all people and inspire action to protect our blue planet. For 37 years, the Aquarium has played a significant role in shaping the landscape of Norwalk and the region. The second largest family attraction in Connecticut, and 50 miles from New York City, the Aquarium hosts nearly 450,000 guests annually. Its primary exhibits take guests on a voyage from the shallow salt marshes and estuaries to the depths of the Long Island Sound and the ocean beyond, culminating with habitats for sharks and harbor seals.  
  
Altogether, the Aquarium is home to more than 8,000 animals and 285 species in 75 exhibits. A new 4D Theater offers a unique sensory film experience for guests. Its education programs introduce nearly 50,000 students, campers and scouts to marine and STEM education. The Aquarium is recognized as a top aquarium in the nation and is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. It is an active participant in the local and regional community. The strength of the Aquarium is its 85 full-time staff, and part-time and seasonal staff, in addition to our volunteers.  

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Maritime Aquarium (TMA) seeks a talented individual to lead programming in support of two of the Education Department’s hallmark programs: Vessel Programming and School Partnerships.

TMA vessels serve as floating classrooms, introducing passengers to the marine life and natural beauty of Long Island Sound. TMA’s fleet consists of two inspected passenger vessels — a 64- foot hybrid-electric catamaran (R/V Spirit of the Sound) and a 46-foot Chesapeake Deadrise — and a 14-foot rigid hull inflatable boat. Our passenger boats host education excursions year-round, and evening and special event cruises in the summer and fall seasons. This educator will be responsible for teaching school, group and public programming on board including Marine Life Study Cruises. They will also serve as a deckhand, responsible for the safe docking and deployment of gear and passenger personal safety and assisting captains with maintenance projects.

The Aquarium’s School Partnerships are collaborative relationships with select schools, and include customized programs and activities designed to support curricular goals. The Full-time Educator: Vessel & School Partnerships will play a key role in the teaching of hands-on programming with students from our partner schools, which include preschools through high schools. These programs take place at the Aquarium, at schools, on board our Vessel, and at outdoor locations such as local beaches.

The successful candidate will have teaching experience; experience on boats, especially in an educational capacity; situational awareness and a love of learning. This position’s regular days will be Monday through Friday from Labor Day through Memorial Day, and Sunday through Thursday in the summer.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Vessel Programs (50% of time)

  • Lead boat-based, wildlife and science programming as an educator and naturalist for groups of up to 40 passengers on public and charter cruises
  • Handle lines for docking, deploy and retrieve sampling gear including a dredge and otter trawl net aboard the Aquarium’s vessels
  • Maintain a safe environment at all times
  • Participate in regular safety trainings and drills
  • Speak with students about working in the maritime industry, serving as a positive role model
  • Assist captains with maintenance and projects, including bimonthly checks

School Partnerships (50% of time)

  • Teach programs and facilitate hands-on STEM and science activities, tours, and experiences for partner school. Student ages range from preschool through high school. Programs may take place at the Aquarium, offsite at schools and other venues, outdoors, and online.
  • Prepare for programs by reviewing outlines and curriculum in advance, organizing and packing materials, and following animal handling protocols.
  • Complete administrative tasks associated with programs in a timely manner.
  • Participate in department trainings and professional development.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

  • College degree in a related field, or equivalent work experience
  • Positive attitude and genuine enthusiasm for fostering personal connections to the ocean
  • Excellent interpersonal and public speaking skills, comfort speaking to groups, and ability to effectively communicate in noisy settings
  • Experience working with children in an educational setting and eagerness for working with people of various backgrounds and ages
  • Able to work some weekends and evenings
  • Enjoy working in outdoor settings and prepared for various weather conditions
  • Ability to handle gear and move about the boat; Must be able to lift/carry in excess of 60 pounds of gear and other equipment
  • Participate in drug screening program per USCG regulations
  • Ability to respond appropriately and according to training in emergency situations

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Prior boating experience, preferably professional
  • A current driver’s license with clean driving record
  • Knowledge of local marine flora, fauna, and maritime history in Long Island Sound
  • Spanish language skills a plus

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

The Maritime Aquarium is an equal opportunity employer with a commitment to diversity. All individuals, regardless of personal characteristics, are encouraged to apply.

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