Desired start date: August 2025
The Greater Farallones Association, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, seeks a Program Coordinator to manage and deliver LiMPETS – a community science program that engages middle and high school students in ecological monitoring of intertidal areas. This includes coordinating student and teacher trainings, leading field monitoring field trips, maintaining program data, and supporting curriculum development and educator engagement. The ideal candidate is a dynamic science communicator, skilled educator, and organized program manager who thrives in both classroom and outdoor settings.
Greater Farallones Association (GFA) is the nonprofit partner of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Greater Farallones and Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuaries. GFA conducts joint research, conservation, and education to support healthy ecosystems in the Sanctuaries, which comprise one of the most diverse and bountiful marine environments in the world, an area of 4,581 square miles off the northern and central California coast. With approximately 30 staff members, GFA is supported by a diverse mix of government grants, program fees, private philanthropy, and donated services. GFA has an operating budget of approximately $5 million and is co-located in the National Marine Sanctuary office, situated in a beautiful historic building on Crissy Field, with an additional field office at Bodega Marine Lab.
LiMPETS (Long-term Monitoring Program and Experiential Training for Students) is a community science and education program that engages middle school, high school, and college students, as well as educators and volunteers, in collecting real scientific data from coastal ecosystems. The program promotes ocean literacy, fosters scientific inquiry, and contributes to the long-term monitoring of California’s marine protected areas.
Job Duties
- Lead LiMPETS science education experiences, both in the classroom (in-person or virtual) and in the field, maintaining a safe and inclusive environment for all students
- Teach and assist students and teachers with scientific protocols and taxa identification
- Recruit new teachers to the program and foster relationships with existing teachers
- Develop and monitor program and grant budgets
- Manage program research permits, equipment, and supplies
- Collaborate with program partners, including other organizations delivering LiMPETS
- Maintain program monitoring database; manage contractors implementing changes to database design, conversion, and programming.
- Ensure consistency and accuracy of student-generated monitoring data, analyze data, and share results.
- Direct the LiMPETS evaluation program, developing tools, analyzing and interpreting data, and reporting results. At times, work with an independent evaluator.
- Support fundraising efforts through grant writing, funder visits, donor communication, engagement events, and other opportunities.
- Manage LiMPETS outreach and communication efforts
- Develop curriculum and educational resources as needed
- Use CRM (Salesforce) to track program metrics, and set up program registrations
- Manage LiMPETS staff, fostering a collaborative and productive work environment
- Other duties as assigned
Required Qualifications
- At least two years of experience in project management, with a proven track record of successfully delivering projects on time and within budget.
- Education in marine science, environmental education, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
- Basic data analysis capabilities
- Familiarity with California’s marine ecosystems, especially intertidal habitats.
- Strong organizational and planning abilities, with a proactive approach to problem-solving.
- Ability to effectively supervise, mentor, and lead staff.
- Excellent classroom management skills, engaging students from all backgrounds
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Proficiency in Google Workspace (or equivalent software).
- Prior experience or willingness to learn using a CRM (e.g., Salesforce)
- Pass a mandatory federal background check and defensive driving course
- Have a valid driver’s license, proof of automobile insurance, a clean driving record, and access to reliable transportation.
- Negative TB test for the last 3 years.
- Ability to work at a computer for up to eight hours per day (with breaks), lift up to 20 pounds, and walk up two flights of stairs. This position also requires the ability to walk across rocky (and sometimes slippery) terrain while carrying equipment.
Preferred Qualifications
- Proficiency with the identification of California algae and invertebrate species.
- Experience and skills in database management and data analysis of large datasets
- Experience implementing monitoring protocols and quality assurance plans.
- Spanish language skills.
- Experience with community science or youth development.
- Previous work with
- Experience in grant writing.
Employee Status and Benefits
This full-time, exempt position is based in San Francisco with a hybrid work schedule (in-office, remote, and field-based). Occasional weekend work is required, specifically for teacher workshops and strategic low tides. The starting salary is $70,000 – $75,000, depending on experience. The Greater Farallones Association offers excellent benefits, including fully paid Health, Dental, Vision, and Group Term Life Insurance, as well as the option to participate in a 403(b) retirement plan.
Application Instructions
To apply, please send your resume, cover letter, and three references – all in a single PDF – to jobs@farallones.org. Your cover letter should address your experience in program/project management, education, and marine science. Professional references should include immediate supervisors familiar with your work performance and capacity to succeed. Applications are due July 15, 2025.
GFA is committed to providing opportunities to marine scientists from all backgrounds and is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age (over 40), pregnancy or family status, protected veteran status, or any other protected status.