Field Station Educator

Chincoteague Bay Field Station (CBFS) has the goal to provide hands on, feet wet education to learners of all ages and from all backgrounds. Every day is a new adventure when working with CBFS, from kayaking through cypress swamps to plunging into the salt marsh and exploring the intertidal zone. Learn all about this unique coastal ecosystem while leading school groups, summer camps, Road Scholar programs, family camps, and more!

Job Overview

Contract Dates: February 13 through November 17, 2023

Position Description

Educators are trained to work with all programs (school, university, adult and family, custom, Road Scholar, and
summer camp programs) and will work with learners of all levels, including K-12 students, college students, and
adult learners. Field Station Educators work primarily with education programs (summer camp, school programs,
family & special programs, Road Scholar) but will have the opportunity to assist with outreach and University &
Research programming. 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, Road Scholar, and special programs. Will also assist with college programs and outreach programs.
• Function as primary educator on our boat programs with Daisey’s Charters.
• Work with learners of all ages, Kindergarten through Adult
• 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, biking excursions, 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.

To Apply

Send resume, cover letter, and three references to [email protected] with the subject line “Field Station Educator Position”

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until all positions are filled. Interviews will begin November 28.

To learn more about CBFS and to review the full job description, please visit http://www.cbfieldstation.org/employment.html

Special Benefits

Benefits

• $850 bi-weekly
• On-site housing: fully furnished, 800sf, 2 bed, 1 bath apartment; all utilities included; central A/C and heat; full kitchen and living room; shared with max. one roommate
• Meals when programs are in session
• Free laundry facility attached to housing
• Opportunities for continued professional development and networking

Minimum Requirements

Requirements

• Minimum BA or BS
• Comfortable working long hours outdoors and on boats with learners of all ages
• Comfortable working in extreme conditions (hot, cold, mosquitoes)
• Teaching and/or leadership experience
• Ability to pass background check and obtain NASA security clearance
• Valid driver's license with 2 or fewer moving violations in the past 2 years and no DUI/DWI charges
• Willing and able to obtain a VA Commercial Driver's License as part of training
• Current CPR/First Aid

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift 50lbs repeatedly
• Ability to lead kayaking and biking programs
  • Kayaking up to 10 miles a day
  • Biking up to 30 miles a day
• Ability to walk a mile on uneven terrain
• Ability to stand and work for long periods of time
• Ability to work long days and weekends

Preferred Qualifications

• Teaching and/or leadership experience in formal or informal education
• Experience teaching multiple age groups
• Previous experience working on boats, kayaking, and biking
• Experience with summer camps and/or outdoor adventure programs
• Degree in Education, Outdoor Recreation, Biology, Marine Biology, Environmental Science, or other related field