The Institute includes state-of-the-art teaching labs, the spectacular Maddie James Seaside Learning Center, a historic tall ship, and an oceanographic research vessel. Immersion-based field trips range from one-hour science labs to multi-day programs at sea. All programs are designed to maximize immersion, spark curiosity, and inspire a deep commitment to learning.

Job Overview

JOB SUMMARY

The Maritime Instructor teaches students and the public about maritime history utilizing Ocean Institute’s facilities including labs, docks, and ships. Maritime Instructors will engage students in our school experiences, summer camp programming, public programs, and private events. This position requires Instructors to be in character and role-play to engage the students and to dress in period-specific costumes to recreate the lives of those who worked aboard ships such as ours in the 1700’s and 1800’s. Ocean Institute’s ideal candidate possesses or is in pursuit of a degree in education, history, theater, related fields, and/or equivalent experience. Applicants must be willing to work overnight and day shifts. Most programs take place either dockside at Ocean Institute, or on our Historic Tall Ship, Spirit of Dana Point. Sailing experience is not necessary but is a plus!

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• This position requires educators to work as a team to provide an educational experience for students, public programs, and private programs.
• Uses teaching techniques to dynamically present the facts and underlying principles of California/ US cultural histories to students of a wide range of ages and abilities.
• Demonstrates the ability to utilize the program’s characters in role-play to engage the students while meeting the goals and objectives of the program as outlined staff training manual.
• Shows the ability to positively maintain a focused learning environment in various situations and settings.
• Dresses in period-specific costumes to recreate the lives of those who worked aboard ships such as ours in the 1700’s and 1800’s.
• Display and maintain knowledge of California and US history.
• Convey knowledge of and demonstrate safety procedures to participants in educational activities and effectively enforces safety guidelines.
• Works with supervisors to resolve participant behavioral problems.
• Understands and maintains safety and conduct expectations outlined in the Ocean Institute Employee Handbook and other Ocean Institute documents.
• Assists in the maintenance of equipment and supplies.
• Must be committed to excellence and furthering the educational and environmental mission of the Ocean Institute.

OTHER DUTIES required by this position may include:

• Participates in Ocean Institute staff meetings, training and enhancement activities.
• Willingness to train and mentor new Maritime Instructors
• Interacts professionally with colleagues, other departments at the Ocean Institute, and the public.
• Strives to be a constant and continuous student and thrive when facing challenges and adversity.
• Works as part of a team with other Ocean Institute staff members and uses interpersonal communication techniques to ensure the success of the programs and positive work environment.
• Maintains a positive and professional attitude/ appearance in a vigorous working environment.
• Assists the Maritime Manager in developing/ implementing new curriculum.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Must possess or actively be in pursuit of a degree of higher education in history, theatre, education, or a related field.
• Equivalent experience and/or informal education will also be considered.
• Must maintain certifications in First Aid and CPR. Certification can be completed after hiring.
• Ability to work overnight programs and weekends.
• Demonstrated experience working with children in an organized educational or recreational setting.
• Must have demonstrated excellence in leadership in an educational setting.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office suite and various internet programs.
• Must have the ability to communicate effectively and establish a good rapport with staff, as well as with visiting teachers, students, and chaperones.
• Must be self-motivated and able to work independently in an unsupervised environment.
• Must exhibit a positive attitude, enthusiasm, and passion for maritime history education!
• Sailing experience is not necessary but is a plus.
• Committed to excellence and furthering the educational mission of the organization.
• Upon job offer, completes a fingerprint and background check.
• Upon hire, participates in United States Department of Transportation and Coast Guard required drug-testing program

PHYSICAL & MENTAL 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. The Company will provide reasonable accommodations to permit individuals with qualified disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position as may be required by law.

Reasoning & Mental Abilities:  Uses critical thinking skills to interpret information furnished in written, verbal or schedule form.  Makes sound decisions and sets goals based on available information and evaluates situations and requirements to plan and adjust work accordingly.

Projects accurate future occurrences based on current or historic data.  Must be able to work independently and without direct supervision; able to make decisions about the severity of variable situations and evaluate the most appropriate response; able to make appropriate decisions related to customer requests.

Work Environment & Exposures:  The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job.  The Company will provide reasonable accommodations to permit individuals with qualified disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position as may be required by law.  While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts. The employee is exposed to wet conditions; heights, indoor/outdoor moderate conditions on a regular basis.  The noise level is usually moderate to loud.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Ocean Institute provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Ocean Institute complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Ocean Institute expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of Ocean Institute’s employees to perform their job duties may result in discipline up to and including discharge.

TO APPLY

Email your resume and cover letter to [email protected]