Science Instructor

The Annis Water Resource Institute (AWRI) seeks passionate and energetic environmental educators to engage students in hands-on, place-based learning experiences onboard its research vessels that traverse Lake Michigan and adjoining inland waters. Instructors are assigned to either the W. G. Jackson (docks in Muskegon) or the D. J. Angus (docks in Grand Haven), or may serve on both vessels. 

AWRI is a multidisciplinary research organization within Grand Valley State University’s (GVSU) College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, with a mission to integrate research, education, and outreach to enhance and preserve freshwater resources. The Water Resources Outreach Education Program delivers hands-on, investigative education about water to the public, with special emphasis on youth. Our floating learning laboratories connect people in West Michigan with local water resources through experiential learning about water chemistry, lake food webs, human impacts on water quality, and more. Participants aboard an educational cruise have an opportunity to serve as freshwater scientists, collecting data and observations about the water bodies they sail through. Since 1986, thousands of students and others have experienced hands-on science on Lake Michigan and adjoining waters through these programs. 

Position Summary:

• Science Instructors are responsible for conducting educational programs in the Water Resources Outreach Education Program, including seasonal programs aboard the research vessels as well as special events. 
• The program on the vessels is delivered by two Science Instructors that team-teach. Instructors guide participants through water quality tests and other observations to compare the physical, biological, and chemical characteristics of Lake Michigan and smaller inland lakes. Along the way, the Science Instructors also share place-based information about the history and current conditions of the lakes and their watersheds, as well as related research of AWRI scientists. 
• The vessel season is from mid-April through mid-October. These are part-time, seasonal positions and Instructors cannot work more than 29 hours per week. Work hours will vary depending on the vessel schedule and instructor preferences. A typical schedule is 2-3 days a week during the spring and fall seasons, with fewer days during the summer. There are generally two trips per day lasting 2.5 hours each. Typically, cruises run during normal business hours on weekdays, with occasional evening and weekend cruises. Training for the 2022 season commences in mid-March to early April 2022.

Detailed duties, qualifications, and working conditions are available on GVSU's jobs site: https://jobs.gvsu.edu/cw/en-us/job/493937/temporary-hourly-science-instructor-annis-water-resources-...

How to apply:

Apply online at https://jobs.gvsu.edu/

Applications received outside this portal will not be accepted. Please include 1) a cover letter describing the applicant’s interest in and qualifications for the position, 2) resume, and 3) three professional references (with names, phone numbers, and email addresses). The online application will allow you to attach these documents electronically. If you need assistance with the application, call Human Resources at 616-331-2215.

If you have questions regarding AWRI or the position responsibilities, please contact Christina Catanese, AWRI Education Specialist (catanesc@gvsu.edu).