Eco-Art Educator (Visual Arts Emphasis)

Essential Function: Primary duty is to interpret habitats, ecosystems, science, and the environment through the disciplines of art and science for people of all ages while engaging in Eco-Art experiences with Artist Boat. Educator must be able to clearly and enthusiastically use the arts and sciences as the primary discipline to convey knowledge and engage participants in outdoor education, service learning, and in-class workshops or artist residencies. Educator must be flexible and willing to learn multiple components of conservation and education skills. Strong visual art skills (drawing,  sketching, watercolor/acrylic painting) and a background or experience with nature education is required.
 

Key Responsibilities:
•       Strong visual art skills (drawing,  sketching, watercolor/acrylic painting) and a background or experience with nature education is required;
•       Present high level art skills in classroom and field contexts to co-workers and participants required; obtain high level biology skills preferred;
•       Be able to design and deliver hands-on art activities for Eco-Art Workshops, Adventures, Residencies, Restoration events and other programs;
•       Learn and properly present art skills and science knowledge to students and adults in order to facilitate the creation of works of art interpreting the coastal margins and marine ecosystems of the Gulf of Mexico. This can be done in outdoor classrooms via kayak and vessel, on walking tours, on campus habitats, and in the classroom;
•       Possess or develop a deep understanding of watercolor painting techniques, and the region’s natural history, its flora and fauna;
•       Maintain 1st aid and CPR certification and American Canoe Association Kayak Instructor Certification that is acquired after hire;
•       Interact with persons of all ages in a positive, professional, encouraging, and informative manner, inlcuding at outreach events in the community.
•       Lift 60 pounds, load and unload a kayak trailer, drive a standard transmission, trailer vehicles, spend 8 hours outside on a regular basis;
•       Be able to lead kayak trips, service learning events, and other outdoor experiences with 10-15 participants as a solo guide, and trips of up to 27 participants with one other Artist Boat Educator.
•       Clean, disinfect and maintain all materials and equipment used for programs;
•       Must frequently enter data from programs and maintain basic microsoft excel knowledge and skills;
•       Be able to lead in design & installation of large scale public works and restored habitats or nativescaping;
•       Be willing and able to drive to destinations throughout the Galveston Bay region to deliver programming, be willing to work weekends, and be willing to fully commit to the mission of Artist Boat;
•       Fully understand the different benefits and challenges associated with non-profit work including conservation land management efforts on a 800+ acre preserve requiring regular management.
•       Must pass background check and be fingerprinted to serve the 7,500 youth that Artist Boat works with annually;
•       Be able to take on duties and tasks as assigned and/or further implement processes that improve the work environment.
 
Requirements: BFA or BFA with Fine Arts Minor; 1-2 years’ experience in arts education (preferred). Preference also given to American Canoe Association Certified Instructors, Certified National Association of Interpreters, and 1st Aid and CPR Certified Providers. All Eco-Art Educators have the potential to become program coordinators within two to three years. Salary or hourly rate is commensurate with qualifications. Benefits include long/short-term disability insurance Simple IRA for all employees; Full-time permanent employees are provided a health insurance benefit after a probationary period; and Paid Time Off is accrued based on tenure.
 
Application due by December 21, 2023. Interviews will be scheduled upon receipt of application package. Please send cover letter, resume, and three professional references to Sarah Frantz, Education Program Manager, via email at education.manager@artistboat.org. Copy of transcript (unofficial or official) must be presented at interview.
 
Artist Boat is a small and growing non-profit organization that needs dedicated and contributing employees who are personally committed to the environment and seek growth and leadership opportunities and challenges in order to pursue a lifelong career in environmental education and conservation.
 
Each applicant will be emailed a notification that his or her full application has been received. Applications not containing all requested documents will not be reviewed or notified of receipt.