Marine Science / STEM Instructor

Under the supervision of the Youth Programs and Events Supervisor, Marine Science/STEM Instructors will lead hands-on, experiential learning including marine science and STEM opportunities in an outdoor setting for campers and participants at The Watersports Camp and Mission Bay Aquatic Center. Activities may include snorkeling, kayaking, bodyboarding, field trips, and other various indoor and outdoor activities. Must be available to work June through August with possible flexible work opportunities throughout the school year.

College students studying marine science, environmental studies, or oceanography who are interested in teaching and passionate about their field of study are highly encouraged to apply.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Primary Functions

Supervise and ensure the safety of participants in MBAC Marine Science/STEM activities
Teach various hands-on, experiential learning activities through inquiry-based instructional best practices including but not limited to:

Week-long marine science camp curriculum consisting of the principles of ocean literacy, build your own ROV activities, think like a scientist activities, environmental literacy activities, and daily water quality data collection/study activities
Snorkeling and dissection activities
US Sailing Reach modules using watersports as a vehicle to inspire youth interest in STEM
Outdoor hands-on experiential learning activities for outside groups
Classroom to Coast programming

Set-up and clean-up of equipment
Maintain attendance records
Other duties as assigned

Customer Service and Collaboration

Understands their role in providing high quality MBAC experiences to all participants
Works to provide a friendly, welcoming, and supportive environment for all
Assures that customer needs are addressed and met to the highest standards
Strives to actively engage students in meaningful learning, skill-building, and structured discussion opportunities

Safety

Ensures all operations are conducted with safety of staff and customers as first priority, and in accordance with the Injury and Illness Prevention Plan and other safety policies
Ensures adequate supervision of participants at all times and under all conditions
Ensures camp activities are appropriate and meet MBAC safety standards
Adheres to the MBAC/AS Code of Safe Practices
Adheres to the MBAC Abuse Prevention Policy and communicates issues or concerns promptly
Reports accidents to supervisor and reviews changes required to avoid reoccurrence Ensures completion proper documentation is completed for each accident (employee and/or non-employee) and forwards to supervisor
Reports maintenance problems and/or broken and unsafe equipment to the appropriate party immediately

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum & Preferred Requirements

Education:

High School Diploma
One or more years of college coursework in marine science, environment studies, or other STEM related fields

Experience:

Teaching experience with kids aged 6-17 preferred
Experience with outdoor hands-on education or STEM related activities preferred
Bilingual Spanish skills are highly desirable

Licenses & Certifications:

Red Cross Waterfront Lifeguarding (must be obtained within the first month of employment and is offered by MBAC)
NASBLA approved safe powerboat certification (must be obtained within the first month of employment and is offered by MBAC)
PADI diving certification preferred
US Sailing Reach Educator certification (offered by MBAC)
FBI, DOJ, and LiveScan fingerprint clearance
Current valid driver’s license

Trainings:

Must participate in all Mission Bay Aquatic Center mandatory meetings and trainings:

Sexual Harassment Policy Training
MBAC Abuse Prevention Policy Training
MBAC EAP Training
All Staff Training
Area Trainings

US Sailing Reach Educator Course (if not certified at hire)
Red Cross Waterfront Lifeguarding (if not certified at hire)
US Powerboating Safe Powerboat Handling (if not certified at hire)

PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS

Must prioritize the safety of MBAC participants and staff as well as other water users
Must be available to work during the busy summer months of June, July, and August
Must be passionate about teaching, the ocean, environmental stewardship, or other related topics and have a desire to share that passion with others
Must serve as a role model to inspire the next generation of scientists, advocates, and policy makers
Ability to scale lesson plans to be age, time, and condition appropriate
Continually work toward improving technical skills and teaching abilities
Capable of maintaining positive working relationships with other staff and customers
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and as a team player
Ability to interact effectively with a wide diversity of people and support San Diego State University Associated Students’ values and mission

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES

Must possess experience and skills in one of the following areas: STEM, marine science, ocean literacy, and/or environmental literacy
Knowledge of inquiry-based instruction, NGSS three dimension learning, or other STEM based educational best practices
Must be able to follow oral and written directions and follow projects through to completion
Must have good interpersonal skills and a desire to provide excellent customer service
Must have strong English language skills and the ability to read, write, and verbally communicate at a level appropriate to the duties of the position

SCHEDULE & WORKING CONDITIONS

This is a part-time position. Applicants must be available to work June through August. Flexibility and a willingness to work long hours including weekends with high demand during summer.

WORK ENVIRONMENT The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The work environment will involve exposure to salt water, cold water, sun, wind, rain, weather, sand, seaweed, sea grass, ocean currents, sea creatures, breaking waves, and other outdoor elements.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS 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. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical requirements include but are not limited to: swimming, swimming in rough and deep water, walking, running, walking or running over rough or uneven surfaces, bending, stooping, lifting, pushing, pulling, and carrying loads. Must be able to swim at least 550 yards, dive at least 10 feet deep, swim with a 10 pound object for at least 20 yards, and tread water for at least 2 minutes. Must be able to watch and supervise groups of students in the ocean and/or bay while coaching technique and supervising safety. Must be able to recognize and respond to emergencies and prevent injuries or drowning.

RELATIONSHIPS

Inside the Organization:

Reports to Youth Camp Program Assistant, Marine Science Program Assistant, and Youth Programs and Events Supervisor
Collaborates with Youth Camp Counselor Leads

Outside the Organization:

Collaborates with group leaders and instructors who bring groups to MBAC for Marine Science/STEM activities

A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate can be offered a position with Associated Students. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the application status of applicants or continued employment of current Associated Students employees who apply for the position. Fingerprinting is required for all employee and volunteer positions that have direct contact with minor children.