Lab Steward

Who We Are:

NatureBridge provides best-in-class environmental science education experiences for more than 30,000 students and their teachers every year in the world’s best classrooms: our National Parks. Our mission is to connect young people to the science and wonder of the natural world, igniting self-discovery and inspiring stewardship of the planet. Through our programs, students explore the outdoors, connect with their peers, discover themselves and develop a lasting relationship with science and the environment around them.

What You Will Do:

The Lab Steward will maintain each of our campus’s learning labs: Intertidal Lab, Microscope Lab, Skins and Skulls Labs, and the Climate Solutions Lab at our locations in the Marin Headlands. The Intertidal Lab houses a 700 gallon saltwater touch tank aquarium system and management of the system and its intertidal animals is a key focus of the Lab Steward position. In addition to general maintenance of lab spaces, the Lab Steward collaborates with internal and external collaborators to complete the summer 2024 renovation of the Intertidal Lab and the development of installations and activities for the new Climate Solutions Lab. 

This position takes place at our campus in the Marin Headlands outside of Sausalito, CA, and cannot be performed remotely.

Your primary job will be to:

• Manage each of the four lab spaces and perform curatorial duties with particular focus in the Intertidal Lab; ensure that lab maintenance practice are up to date
  • Manage the life support systems, water quality, and animal husbandry in the saltwater aquarium tanks and perform the associated daily, weekly, and monthly assessments and upkeep
  • Obtain live specimens under permit on collection trips; organize, inform, and manage staff on collecting trips, and perform additional collections as needed
  • Oversee the inventory and maintenance of all equipment
  • Develop and maintain educational resources associated with each lab space
  • Collaborate with the Education Manager - Science Lead to develop installations and activities/curriculum for the Climate Solutions lab; beta-test new activities with groups of students and facilitate feedback from students, chaperones/teachers and educators
• Maintain communication with educators regarding updates, best practices, and understanding of lab-related topics 
• Maintain positive relationships and communication with staff, partner organizations, and Golden Gate Board members
• Arrange for purchase of additional scientific equipment and track the lab budget
• Train and support Evening Support staff in lab maintenance and facilitate weekly meetings
• Maintain and update permits and submit associated paperwork as needed; communicate with staff on permit requirements
• Support grant proposals and annual reports
• Coordinate with external contractors to organize renovations of the floor and touch tank to take place summer 2024 and help track the renovation budget

Compensation:

• $20-22/hour
• Medical, dental and vision insurance
• Option for a 403b retirement plan with employer match after six months
• Generous paid vacation, training days and sick leave
• Other benefits include Employee Assistance Plan (EAP), Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and more

Who You Are:

We are looking for candidates who have:

• Minimum of 1 year experience teaching students in formal and/or informal settings
• Familiarity with scientific and technological aspects of science labs and equipment, and ability to independently expand or acquire that knowledge; Able to independently problem-solve lab-related issues
• Understanding of aquarium systems & experience working with life support systems, water quality management and marine animal husbandry, and/or interest and ability to learn
• Strong organization skills with regards to inventory, maintenance, permits, grants, and budgets
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, and in both office and field settings; 
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with colleagues, participants and funders/granting organizations; presentation skills required
• Ability to inspire others about inquiry, hands-on science education, and its impact on environmental stewardship; 
• Comfort in handling living and dead organisms and communicating about specimen mortality with staff as needed;
• Experience curating taxidermy and articulated specimen collections and/or interest and ability to learn;
• Understanding of environmental science with particular focus on climate change.
• Demonstrated commitment to equity and inclusion in the workplace. We especially encourage you to apply if you are a member of (or have extensive experience working with people from) any communities that are impacted by the historic and current system of oppression that has limited access to environmental education, or the outdoors in general.

If you are interested in the role and do not meet every requirement listed, please still apply! We are interested in applicants with unique lived experience and skill sets.

*All NatureBridge Employees are required to complete a background check in order to be eligible for employment.

Why should you join the NatureBridge team?

• We are a mission-driven organization that values your contributions and supports you in making a positive impact on young people and the environment
• You will get to work in a beautiful natural setting with other dedicated staff who are passionate about the environment
• We are invested in supporting our staff through professional development & mentorship.

NatureBridge is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and does not discriminate based on any protected category, including, but not limited to, race, color, religion, gender, gender expression (including transgender expression or pregnancy), political affiliation, age, immigration status or disability. We encourage qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply. Please let us know if you require any accommodation. 

How To Apply:

Submit your resume and cover letter to our Online Career Portal. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.