[POSITION FILLED] Marine Science Instructor

Title: Marine Science Instructor

Reports to: Education Director

Employee Classification: Temporary/Seasonal Hourly

Hours: Flexible schedule with some weekends/evenings

Location: Monterey Bay Region (Moss Landing, Monterey, Salinas, Santa Cruz)

Term: September 2024 – December 2024 (ideal start date September 3rd)

Wage: $22-25/hour based on experience, 20-30 hours per week

Deadline: Open until filled; seeking to fill ASAP.

About the Western Flyer Foundation

In 1940, writer John Steinbeck and marine biologist Edward F. Ricketts chartered the sardine fishing boat the Western Flyer for a six-week trip to Mexico's Gulf of California, resulting in the co-authored text Sea of Cortez (1941) and, ten years later, the narrative portion of the work, Steinbeck's The Log from the Sea of Cortez (1951). Their story of intertidal collecting, philosophical rumination, and travel made the Western Flyer an icon, a symbol of a creative and enduring bond between writer and scientist. 

After the expedition, the Western Flyer spent years as a fishing vessel, changed names and owners, sank, and was almost beyond repair when marine geologist John Gregg purchased it in 2015. Inspired by the legacy of Steinbeck and Ricketts, he launched the Western Flyer Foundation (WFF) to restore the iconic boat and return it to service as a platform for research and education. 

The Western Flyer Foundation is a 501(c)(3) with the mission “To stir curiosity through marine research, education, and a blend of science and art inspired by John Steinbeck, Ed Ricketts, and their journey on the Western Flyer.” The restored Western Flyer is outfitted for oceanographic research and serves as the platform for marine science education programs. 

Our at-sea oceanography program brings hands-on marine science research experiences to community college and university classes. We pair in-classroom lessons with day trips at sea to expose students to the exciting fields of marine science research and maritime technologies. During these trips, students collect data using a profiling CTD, flow-through surface seawater sampling system, echosounder, ROV, meteorological array, and plankton tows. Aboard the Western Flyer, students are immersed in the rich literary and cultural history of the vessel and the amazing biodiversity of Monterey Bay.

For more information about the Western Flyer Foundation, visit www.westernflyer.org.

Position Summary

The Western Flyer Foundation seeks a part-time seasonal Marine Science Instructor to support our at-sea marine science program in the Fall of 2024. The Instructor will teach marine science lessons both in classrooms and aboard the Western Flyer, support the Education Director with program logistics, and work well with a small and dynamic team. Education programs occur during regular school hours, with occasional evening and weekend work. Shipboard work will include day trips (1-3 per week) in Monterey Bay.

The ideal candidate will be a strong communicator and have a versatile skillset in education, marine science, and boating. They will be able to independently lead marine science lessons at a high school and college level and comfortably teach in various settings. They will have a passion for teaching, love engaging with students, inspiring curiosity, and making complex topics accessible. They will have a demonstrated ability to adapt teaching methods to suit various learning styles and experience working with people of diverse backgrounds. They will have some experience with boating and be comfortable teaching in a marine environment. As a member of a small team, they will excel at communication and flexibility and share an enthusiasm for the mission and goals of the Western Flyer Foundation.

Responsibilities and Scope:

• Lead college and high school classes of between 15 and 30 students through introductory marine science lessons.
• Teach and supervise groups of 5-15 students to safely operate hand-deployed instruments (ROV, plankton tow, Secchi disk, etc.) from the Western Flyer.
• Instruct students on data interpretation and analysis, both aboard the Western Flyer and in classrooms.
• Enter data and facilitate basic setup and cleanup of teaching materials.
• Work with a team of program and boat staff to ensure student safety aboard the Western Flyer by adhering to safety protocols and following all safety directives. 
• Support the Education Director with group scheduling, lesson plan preparation, and group leader communication. 
• Participate in public outreach as needed, including preparing social media posts, attending tabling events, and working with volunteers. 
• As a member of a small and dynamic team, assist with other programs and projects as assigned.

Desired Qualifications

• Spanish fluency preferred.
• Background in outdoor education, science education, or similar.
• Boating experience.
• Degree in marine science, education, or other relevant field OR equivalent experience.
• Ability to follow safety protocols and adapt teaching to student needs in a changing environment. 
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including some weekends.

• Ability to work comfortably on a moving vessel, work outdoors in various weather conditions, stand for 3 hours, lift 30 lbs, and move safely up and down ladders.

   

Salary and Benefits

$22-25 per hour, depending on experience. Part-time (20-30 hours per week) and seasonal (September-December) with a flexible schedule. Occasional weekend work will be required.

Application Process

Interested candidates should send a cover letter and resume to rebecca (at) westernflyer.org with "Marine Science Instructor" in the subject line. The position will be open until filled and we are looking to fill the role as soon as possilbe. No phone calls, please. 

The Western Flyer Foundation is an equal-opportunity employer. We welcome people from all walks of life into our team and strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, veterans, and people with disabilities to apply.