The Chesapeake Bay Foundation seeks a Captain/Educator for the Karen Noonan Environmental Education Center in Crocheron, MD. This position is residential and the Captain/Educator must stay on site for all field programs during our education season from March through December. This is a fulltime position that is exempt from overtime.
Context of Position:
The Karen Noonan Education Center is located at Bishops Head, a 20-acre site on a peninsula in Dorchester County, south of Cambridge, MD. The site is part of a 2,278-acre parcel of land owned by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. A renovated hunting lodge and separate staff house comprise the buildings on the property. Similar to CBF’s other island centers, the Karen Noonan Center has access to the open waters of the Bay as well as to the smaller marsh inlets. Participants can set crab pots, dredge for oysters, and scrape the nearby underwater grass meadows. Using a 40-ft. workboat, canoes, and the extensive surrounding marshes, the participants explore various ecosystems, examine plant and animal species, analyze water quality, and discuss the socio-economic issues facing residents of the Bay watershed and the local watermen communities.
The full-time, on-site staff consists of a Captain, Program Manager, and seasonal educator. All staff serve as co-educators who plan and facilitate the field experiences for students. During the fall and spring seasons, the Karen Noonan Center staff typically lead 3-day field programs for students traveling from within the watershed. In the summer, the center hosts a variety of trip participants including adult groups, teacher groups, and student leadership programs. Housing is provided and the captain must live on-site for the duration of Spring, Summer, and Fall field program seasons. The centers are winterized from December – February and no housing is provided during that time.
Education Program Essential Functions:
- Safely & professionally serve as Captain and Educator
- Maintain a 40-ft USCG inspected work boat. Ensure safe operation of the boat. Inform passengers of safety precautions
- Maintain/repair the education programs 6-pack Carolina Skiff, equipment, center buildings, and educational gear
- Participate & manage regular inspections and safety checklists
- Communicate the following items to all participants: safety review, rudimentary boating skills, ecosystem & watershed concepts, wildlife observation, biological sampling, water quality sampling, and other educational activities as appropriate
- Continually adapt program content based upon grade/age level of participants, weather, and group dynamics and feedback/evaluations from teachers and supervisors
- Assist in running summer courses for Chesapeake Classrooms Teacher Professional Learning program and/or Student Leadership Program
- Program staff are responsible and accountable for performing maintenance to keep all education related equipment (buildings, boats, grounds, and/or gear) in proper working order
- Program staff are responsible for the safety of all field participants, ensure that all safety protocols are rigorously followed, and are required to respond to medical emergencies that may arise
- Complete/submit timesheets, personal expense reports, credit card reports, and all other relevant administrative tasks in a timely manner
- Develop and implement one-year program plan that is in alignment with CBF’s strategic plan
- Provide timely communication and updates about the program to supervisors and other CBF departments
- Attend all safety training and professional development offerings
- This physically-demanding position involves frequent weekend work and year-round exposure to the elements
- Perform other duties as assigned
- Housing is provided, and the captain must live on-site during education programming in Spring, Summer, and Fall field program seasons. The centers are winterized from December – February and no housing is provided during that time
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS
Successful Candidate should possess the following:
- Minimum 25-ton Master of Inland Waters USCG Captain license with a FCC certification
- 3-6 years’ experience operating & maintaining a USCG inspected passenger carrying vessel
- Experience with boat maintenance and small repairs
- 1-3 years’ experience teaching in either a formal or non-formal setting
- A strong desire to teach in the field/outdoors (under all weather conditions) and work with students daily
- Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills
- Collaborative work style
- Energy, enthusiasm, and passion for students and the environment
- Creativity, humor and self-confidence
- Desire and ability to relate to people of all ages and backgrounds
- Knowledge of environmental issues facing the Bay
- Knowledge of fishing/crabbing/oystering, a plus
- Knowledge of Chesapeake Bay Foundation & the Education Department mission, strategic plans & goals, a plus
- Strong commitment to safety and maintenance
Physical Requirements:
- Physical ability to lift and carry heavy objects-at least 45 pounds (canoes and other equipment)
- This physically demanding position involves year-round exposure to the elements
- Ability to live on-site at the Karen Noonan Center from end of February through December
- Ability to work evenings and weekends
- Ability to travel to attend trainings & meetings
- Ability to have reliable transportation to travel to other CBF field programs & locations as needed
Other:
- Must pass a criminal background check
- Must possess a valid driver’s license and a review of current driving record is required
- All education staff participate in a pre-employment & random drug screening program per the requirements of the US Coast Guard
To apply, please send application through job posting on CBF website. This position will remain open until filled by a suitable candidate.
No Phone Calls please.
CBF offers a comprehensive benefits package to include: 20 vacation days, 10 sick days, health, vision, dental, life insurance, and a tax deferred annuity plan. The Chesapeake Bay Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
