Position Summary
The NESS Educator helps New England Science & Sailing Foundation (NESS) achieve its goal of world class instruction through innovative programming and partnerships. As part of NESS's team of program staff, NESS Educators use inquiry-based learning to guide students on their personal journeys of discovery. This position's main goal is to implement NESS's high-quality programs, while maintaining NESS's strong culture of safety. This is a great opportunity for a passionate, motivated individual to be an integral part of this vibrant organization. Programs include academic year classes and summer programs for students on and off the water. The Educator must have proven skills working with students, be motivated, self-starting, and able to work within a team as well as on their own. This full-time, year-round, non-exempt position reports to the NESS Director of Sailing.
The NESS Educator:
- Provides students with engaging hands-on lessons that are unique and aligned with the NESS education philosophy and principles
- Promotes NESS's four core values in all aspects of programming; inclusiveness, experiential learning, personal growth, and stewardship
- Serves as an ambassador for NESS when dealing with NESS's constituents and exhibits customer service skills
- Exhibits a strong culture of safety as it pertains to on-the-water safety, medical trainings, and emotional safety
- Develops innovative and engaging lessons for students of varying ages
- Comfortable working with all age groups and abilities and is open to learning how to better serve all students
- Can operate with a high degree of awareness and knowledge related to assigned responsibilities
Program Development:
- Work closely with NESS Program Directors and other NESS staff to develop NESS lesson plans for academic year programs for Pre-K-12 students
- Develop summer programs for youth in marine science/adventure sports and/or sailing, primarily for ages 4-17
- Professional development programs for teachers and administrators
- Academic programs for non-school organizations (e.g. scouts, after-school enrichment, students with special needs)
- Align lesson plans to the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), CASEL Learning Framework, and Ocean Literacy Principles (OLP)
- Bring innovative concepts to lesson plan development efforts
- Promote NESS as a leading provider of STEM and inquiry-based education in the classroom, with NESS constituents and with peer organizations/groups in professional education and informal education
- Implement programs
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- Teach academic year, summer, and professional development programs, following NESS curricula on and off the water
- Undergo periodic Program Quality Assessments to continuously improve inquiry-based teaching skills
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Implement NESS's Safety Plan and Emergency Action Plan, as needed
- Maintain campus and offsite safety at all times
- Assist NESS's outcome measurement efforts as it pertains to student growth
- Assist in maintaining inventory of program and watersports equipment and supplies, including routine maintenance on sailboats, powerboats, kayaks, surfboards, SUPs, fishing gear, masks & snorkels, wetsuits, boogie boards, etc.
- Assist in maintaining lab inventory and cleanliness as well as classroom/program supplies, including specimens and scientific equipment
- Assist in overseeing the NESS aquariums, including keeping records of animals on site, performing routine maintenance, maintaining feeding schedules, and managing aquarium volunteers
- Assist in maintaining NESS technology, including the Eno interactive whiteboards, microscopes, cameras, iPads, augmented reality sandbox, and any future technology additions
Education/Certifications
- BA or BS in Marine Science, Biology, Oceanography, Education or a related science desirable
- US Sailing Level 1 Instructor Certification, equivalent, or more advanced certification
- Strong background in dinghy sailing and small keelboat sailing
- Scholastic sailboat racing experience preferred (college/high school sailing)
- Powerboating License – NASBLA endorsed
- ARC Waterfront Lifeguarding, First Aid and CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer (Youth and Adults) (may be able to obtain at NESS)
- Instructor certifications or experience in kayaking, sailing, and surfing a plus
- Valid Driver's License & your own reliable transportation
Skills/Knowledge/Experience
- Skills and experience in leading inquiry-based learning programs
- Skills and instructional experience in swimming, kayaking, powerboating, sailing (dinghies and keelboats), surfing
- Ability to drive and teach from a powerboat preferred
- Effective skills in written and verbal communications, problem solving, decision making, group dynamics, public speaking, and task organization
- Proven field and classroom management skills to effectively manage and organize students while maintaining NESS classroom culture and implementing NESS curriculum
- Strong team player and excellent motivator
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- Ability to forge effective working relationships with NESS program staff, operations staff, administrative staff, directors, volunteers, students, and parents
- Working knowledge of and experience with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint)
Physical Job 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 hear. 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 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
Perks & Benefits
Comprehensive benefits package for full-time / year-round staff:
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
- Optional 401(k) Retirement Plan with Company Match
- Generous Paid Time Off, Including Company Holidays
- Company-Paid Basic Life Insurance
The anticipated compensation range for this position is $21.63 - $24.04 per hour. Actual compensation will be determined based on factors including, but not limited to, experience, qualifications, skills, internal equity, and market considerations. In certain circumstances, compensation may fall outside of the posted range.
NESS is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer