Application Deadline: September 4, 2025 | Desired start date: late-September 2025
The Greater Farallones Association (GFA), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization working in partnership with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), is excited to announce the continuation of the Marine Science Education Fellowship. This position is designed for individuals interested in pursuing a career in ocean education and gaining hands-on experience with two national marine sanctuaries.
This is an in-person position based at the headquarters of the Greater Farallones and Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuaries, located at Crissy Field in San Francisco.
The selected Fellow will gain valuable experience in environmental education, marine science curricula, and public engagement while developing teaching skills and confidence working with students. Fellows will also have access to sanctuary resources and professional development opportunities. GFA is committed to cultivating the next generation of marine scientists and educators from all backgrounds and advancing public awareness and stewardship of the Greater Farallones and Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuaries.
Sanctuary Visitor Center Field Trip Fellow
This year, the Marine Science Education Fellow will provide instructional and administrative program support for the Sanctuary Visitor Center Field Trip program. Through this program, K–12 students experience interactive, hands-on learning in the Visitor Center, the adjacent Pier Classroom, the new Ocean Learning Laboratory, and at nearby Crissy Field Beach.
This is a part-time position with a commitment of 25 hours per week: Wednesdays 9am – 3pm, Thursdays 9am-3pm, Fridays 9am – 3pm, Saturdays 9:30am – 4:30 pm, and 2-5 hours of additional time each week. Depending on the candidate’s availability, the position can be up to 28 hours per week. The Fellow will have opportunities to participate in sanctuary programs, attend team meetings, collaborate with Visitor Center staff on special projects, and participate in online outreach. Professional development is an important part of the fellowship, ensuring a breadth of valuable skills and experiences. The position runs from September 2025 through the end of May 2026.
Job Duties
- Assist with the delivery of 90-minute Kindergarten-University Visitor Center field trips Wednesday through Friday (9am – 3pm).
- Maintain a safe and inclusive environment for all students during lessons.
- Assist with field trip introductions and conclusions, collecting emails from chaperones interested in weekend family workshops, and collecting teacher evaluations.
- Assist with field trip program set-up and clean-up.
- Staff the Greater Farallones and Cordell Bank Visitor Center on Saturdays from 9:30 am – 4:30 pm and occasionally at other times, greeting and engaging guests in the exhibits and sharing sanctuary messages
- Assist with Visitor Center aquarium maintenance and animal care.
- Support the sanctuaries’ 360 video Virtual Reality program by leading group showings of films like the “Cordell Bank 360 Adventure” and 360 video clips of the Farallon Islands. Additionally, collect 360 videos from coastal locations using an Insta360 x4 camera. Assist with charging and periodically updating system software for our collection of 35 virtual reality headsets.
- Support and engage with both new and experienced Visitor Center volunteers who staff the sanctuary Visitor Center, ensuring they feel welcome and valued.
- Contribute to online outreach efforts by taking photos and drafting social media posts.
- May contribute to other program-specific tasks.
Required Qualifications
- An interest in gaining experience in marine science education as a field trip instructor
- An interest in contributing to a thriving National Marine Sanctuaries Visitor Center.
- Willingness to learn teaching skills to effectively instruct K-University students, ages 5 through 25, from diverse backgrounds
- General knowledge or willingness to learn about concepts, including key ocean organisms, coastal ecosystems, ocean acidification, and sanctuary stewardship
- Ability to work as a team member and be an effective communicator
- General computer skills and experience
- An interest in virtual reality programming
- Ability to adjust quickly to changing priorities and manage tasks in a sometimes busy environment
- Ability to lift and carry 35 lbs, as this position requires transporting educational materials
- Ability to move over uneven surfaces along the coast or in the city
- Pass a mandatory background check and defensive driving course
- Complete Child Mandated Reporter Training as part of the onboarding process
- Have access to reliable transportation to the Visitor Center on Crissy Field
- Negative TB test for the last 3 years.
Employee Status and Benefits
This is an 8.5-month (mid-September 2025 – end of May 2026) non-exempt, hourly position with GFA, and it is paid at $27/hour. This position is eligible for holidays and sick time accruals on a pro-rated basis. This position is not eligible for other health benefits offered at GFA.
Application Instructions
To apply, please send your resume, cover letter, and three references to VCFellowship@farallones.org. Your cover letter should address your commitment to being an effective educator and demonstrate your enthusiasm for marine science. Applications will be reviewed starting on September 5th.
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.