Field Station Educator – Chincoteague Bay Field Station (Wallops Island, VA)

Position Start Date: February 14, 2022

This position is expected to run February 14 until October 22, 2022 with the possibility to extend through mid-November.

Chincoteague Bay Field Station

Chincoteague Bay Field Station is the residential field station of the Marine Science Consortium.  We are located near a wealth of ecologically significant and environmentally rich habitats, such as productive saltmarshes, pristine barrier island beaches, peaceful cypress swamps, and sheltering maritime forests. The Chincoteague Bay Field Station provides outstanding multi-disciplinary, educational and research opportunities that celebrate the rich natural, cultural, economic, and technological resources of the mid-Atlantic Coastal region through field-based and hands-on learning, often in affiliation with multiple public and private partners. To accomplish this mission, the Field Station provides  a unique set of educational and research experiences; expand research collaborations among member universities, NASA Wallops Flight Facility, US Fish and Wildlife Service, National Park Service, and other public and private partners; expand and enhance programs for pre-college, university,  and adult learners.

Field Station Educator Position

Educators are trained to work with all programs (school, university, adult and family, custom, and summer camp programs) and will work with learners of all levels, including K-12 students, college students, and adult learners. Field Station Educators primarily work with school, custom, family, and summer camp programs, but will assist with all other programs. You will gain valuable and diverse knowledge regarding aquarium and field equipment use and maintenance, boat crew skills and boat safety, group leadership in laboratory and field settings, time management and marine husbandry. This highly demanding, but rewarding, job best fits individuals who work well independently and as part of a team. Candidates must demonstrate problem solving skills, time and group management skills, and enthusiasm for education and the environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Primarily lead school programs, summer camps, and special programs. Will also assist with college programs and outreach programs.
• Function as primary educator on our boat programs with Daisey’s Charters.
• Mostly work with school aged students, but will get the chance to work with groups of all ages, including adult learners.
• Will have the opportunity to design summer camp classes and curriculum. Will lead and teach all summer camp classes. Will assist summer camp counselors in evening programs and meals.
• Will lead outdoor activities such as hikes, kayak trips, birding, beach walks, and other activities.
• In charge of set- up, take down, cleaning and organizing program areas.
• Work on weekly program maintenance tasks during non-program time including cleaning materials, office work, updated curriculum, and other necessary tasks.
• Drive Field Station vehicles including 15 passenger vans and school buses. (Commercial Driver’s License must be obtained as part of training). Will learn to drive Field Station kayak and bike trailers.
• Coordinate group check-ins and check-outs.
• Prepare equipment, labs, and housing for use. In charge of clean up for labs and equipment after use.
• Enforce Field Station protocols and rules on Field Station property and in the field.
• Clean and provide routine maintenance for field and lab equipment. Clean and maintain aquaria.
• Responsible for customer service for program participants.
• Actively interact with and supervise participants, giving them undivided attention.
• Represent the Field Station at outreach opportunities and special events.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

• Minimum BA or BS Degree
• Comfortable working long hours outdoors and on boats with learners of all ages
• Teaching experience and/or leadership experience
• Ability to pass background check in order to obtain NASA security clearance.
• Valid driver’s license with 2 or fewer moving violations in the past 2 years and no DUI or DWI charges
• Must be willing and able to obtain a VA Commercial Driver’s License and drive full-size school buses and 15 passenger vans after starting position
• Current CPR/First Aid certification

Preferred Experience:

• Teaching experience and/or leadership experience in informal education
• Experience teaching multiple groups from young learners to adults
• Previous experience working on boats, kayaking, and biking
• Experience with summer camps and/or outdoor adventure programs
• A degree in Education, Outdoor Recreation, Biology, Marine Biology, Environmental Sciences or other relevant fields.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift 50 lbs repeatedly
• Ability to walk a mile on uneven terrain
• Ability to stand and work for long periods of time
• Ability to work long days and on weekends
• Ability to learn how to handle and work with equipment on vessels
• Ability to work in extreme conditions (heat, cold, mosquitoes)

Benefits:

• Competitive salary: $660/bi-weekly
• On-site staff housing provided: furnished 800 sq. ft. two bedroom apt, one bathroom, kitchen and living room, central heat and A/C, shared with max. one roommate.
• On-station meals when programs in session
• Free laundry facility attached to housing
• Opportunities for continued professional development and networking

To Apply

Please send resume, cover letter, and three references to

Anne Self – Education Director

employment@cbfieldstation.org

34001 Mill Dam Road

Wallops Island, VA 23337

757-824-5636 x110

Email is preferred but paper applications will be accepted. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until all positions are filled. Interviews will begin December 7.