Our campus is located on the east end of Sanibel Island, on the Southwest coast of Florida. Experiential educational offerings include day classes, non-residential summer and winter camps, paddling and outdoor education activities, after-school, homeschooling, private excursions, and outreach programs for the local community. Sanibel Sea School works with all ages, but the primary audience is 6 to 13.
We are a small staff, extremely passionate about the ocean and our work; we strive to offer exceptional customer service and education to each client. We are dedicated to the growth of our students and staff and strongly believe in the value of experiential education in nature. Learning outdoors builds self-confidence, encourages trust, and ignites curiosity and wonder. Our goal is simple: through exploration and discovery, we want to help children fall in love with the ocean and become lifelong advocates for the environment. We are also committed to being a diverse workplace and strongly encourage applications from underrepresented groups in marine and environmental sciences.
Marine Science Educators are vital in delivering experiential educational programs to diverse age groups, from 4-year-olds to adults, both in the field and classroom. Their passion for marine conservation, love for the ocean, and expertise in marine science will inspire our students to connect with the natural world and become advocates for its protection. If you are an energetic, passionate educator with a love for marine science and a commitment to fostering a deeper connection between children and the ocean, we would love to hear from you. Join our dedicated team, and let’s inspire future ocean stewards together!
PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Ensure the safety of children and adults during programs, especially during outdoor and marine-based activities.
- Share your extensive knowledge of marine science and passion for the natural environment to captivate and engage students.
- Foster an appreciation for marine ecosystems and instill good ocean stewardship practices, setting an example for our students.
- Deliver exceptional and high-quality field programs, maintaining the standard of excellence for which Sanibel Sea School is known.
- Stay informed about marine and local biota and significant developments and trends in marine science, coastal ecology, and marine conservation, focusing on Southwest Florida.
- Act as a representative of Sanibel Sea School, promoting our programs within the local, regional, and national communities.
- Assist with the upkeep of facilities and equipment, ensuring a safe and efficient learning environment.
- Provide support for various Sanibel Sea School projects as needed.
- Collaborate with the Director of Youth Education to design and develop curricula that align with our mission, values, and age groups. Ensure the programs are educational, fun, and inclusive to cater to diverse interests and abilities.
- Oversee the logistical aspects of their courses, including scheduling activities, gathering supplies, setting up the classroom, coordinating transportation, and gathering all necessary paperwork for participants.
- Facilitate check-in and check-out procedures for assigned programs. Address inquiries from clients and provide timely and helpful responses during programs.
- Ensure that the Client Services Coordinator or Director of Youth Education knows your plan for each program and intended locations, and that they have up-to-date information for your participants.
- Follow safety protocols and emergency procedures to ensure the well-being of clients and staff. Conduct regular safety checks and maintain a safe environment. Review safety training independently to stay confident in your life-saving skills.
- Maintain clear and effective communication with parents or guardians regarding course details, updates, and any concerns that may arise during the session.
- Reflect on each program led to assess its success and identify areas for improvement. Use feedback from students, parents, and staff to continuously enhance the experience.
- Maintain organized shared folders in Egnyte and ensure all documents are updated and stored in the shared drive.
- Communicate incidents, altercations, or other work-related issues effectively with the Director of Youth Education.
- Track and record attendance for all programs.
QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE
- Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Education, Biology, Marine Biology, Early Childhood Education, Elementary/Secondary Education, or a related field.
- Prior experience working with children in an educational setting, ideally involving outdoor and marine activities.
- A strong desire to promote marine conservation by sharing your passion and knowledge of the natural world with students.
- An appreciation and enthusiasm for SCCFs and Sanibel Sea School’s missions.
- Proven organizational and multitasking skills, with keen attention to detail.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities to work effectively with clients and staff.
- Ability to act as part of a safety team and respond effectively during emergencies.
- Be an example of sustainability and mindful choices to staff and clients. Single-use plastics are not allowed on Sanibel Sea School’s campuses.
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS
- Certifications (or the ability to obtain them) in CPR, First Aid, and Lifeguarding.
- A valid US driver’s license
- Preferred completion of (or willingness to complete) the following training:
- Child Abuse Recognition, Prevention, and Reporting.
- Project WET: Water Education Today.
- Project WILD.
- Florida Master Naturalist.
Starting salary: $38,000
