Organization: New England Aquarium
(AZA Member)
Location: Boston, Massachusetts, United States
Job or Internship: Job
Commitment: June 17, 2013 - August 23, 2013 M – F 8:00 am – 6:00 pm plus Thurs overnights. One weekend overnight commitment: June 29 & June 30.
Instructors of Advanced Camp will have 2 full-week (M – F), overnight commitments.
JOB SUMMARY: A Harbor Discoveries Instructor will lead a group of participants in one of two levels; Junior (36 campers, grades 4 & 5), Senior (36 campers, grades 6 & 7), or Advanced* (10 – 23 campers, grades 8, 9 & 10). Junior and Senior levels are taught on separate dates and will be taught by the same staff. Program details at: www.neaq.org/camps
PRIMARY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Responsible for the safety of all participants, interns and volunteers.
• Lead groups in field study and activity in the Aquarium, on boat trips, during night hikes and on all day excursions.
• Contribute to the development of weekly theme-based science projects and activities
• Implement objectives effectively with thought provoking, engaging, and creative teaching methods.
• Teach participants to observe, discover, and appreciate the natural world and Aquarium galleries and exhibits.
• Promote appropriate behavior and serve as a positive role model for participants and other staff.
• Present behind-the-scenes tours, Giant Ocean Tank talks or Live Animal presentations.
• Oversee all aspects of preparation and clean up of all program-related activities and equipment both on and offsite.
• Supervise other staff roles in supporting the program, including college interns and teenage Counselors in Training.
* Advanced instructor will lead groups on week- long offsite experiences, with a partnering institution like Oceans Classroom onboard a schooner, and/or a weeklong stay at the marine science institute, Project Oceanology.
JOB QUALIFICATIONS:
Education: Bachelors degree in education, natural sciences or a related field, or equivalent experience required.
Experience:
• Minimum of 2 - 4 years experience teaching /coordinating environmental education science-based programs either outdoors or in an informal classroom situation.
• Minimum of 1 - 2 years experience creating curriculum, activities or other environmental education related development.
• Proven experience working with and mentoring teenagers.
• Strong background in marine biology, freshwater ecology, geology and other related sciences OR strong familiarity with the Aquarium (greater than 250 hours experience as staff, volunteer, or intern).
• Hold current certification as a lifeguard and first aid and CPR, or higher by the start of Camp training.
• Significant experience working with diverse racial/socio-economic populations required.
• Exceptional organizational, leadership, and communication skills required.
• Demonstrates reliability, responsibility and enthusiasm.
• Public speaking and/or competence in a second language helpful.
• Must be at least 21 years old (25 for Advanced Camp Instructor role).
• Must have a valid driver’s license and a minimum of two years driving experience.
• Experience driving a large 15 passenger van preferred.
• Experience and/or working knowledge of GIS technology a plus.
*Advanced Instructor will lead groups on one or two, one-week offsite experiences and will be responsible for the group round the clock. Hiking, camping and outdoor living experience required.
*** Employment is contingent upon the results of an Expanded Criminal Offender Record (CORI) and Sexual Offender Record (SORI) review. ***
New England Aquarium is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer committed to diversity in the workplace.