Job Opening

Image 1 Credit: Clint Graves. Image 2: Greater Farallones Offices on Crissy Field. Image 3: Aerial of GFNMS.

LiMPETS Marine Science Program Associate

Desired start date December 2023

Greater Farallones Association (GFA) seeks a Marine Science Program Associate for LiMPETS, a joint program between GFA and Greater Farallones and Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary.

Background

Greater Farallones Association is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization working in partnership with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to conserve the ecosystems of Greater Farallones and Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary. 

LiMPETS, which stands for Long-term Monitoring Program and Experiential Training for Students, is an experiential program that engages students to collect data in both rocky intertidal and sandy shore habitats within California’s national marine sanctuaries. This program is geared to expose students to environmental field science, helping inspire an interest in ocean sciences and promoting a sense of belonging and safety in coastal public spaces. 

LiMPETS serves middle, high schools, and colleges in the greater San Francisco Bay Area. The LiMPETS program is critical to our mission to advance equity and foster inclusivity in marine science education by engaging students, regardless of ability or background in community science. LiMPETS prioritizes underserved communities in program scheduling and removing financial barriers for low-income schools. In striving to inspire the next generation of marine scientists, we acknowledge the significant barriers Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) students face in accessing careers in marine science. 

Scope of Work

The Marine Science Program Associate will provide instructional and administrative program support for the LiMPETS program, both in the classroom and on data-collecting field trips. This is a full-time position through the Greater Farallones Association and requires a commitment of 40 hours per week, Monday-Friday with occasional weekend, early morning, or evening work. The selected candidate will be given the opportunity to build data management skills, learn to develop marine science curriculum, and have exposure to NOAA Sanctuary programs and activities.

Primary Responsibilities

The Marine Science Program Associate position will have a range of responsibilities including:

      • Lead LiMPETS coastal science education experiences, both in the classroom (in-person or virtual learning) and in the field
      • Maintain a safe and inclusive environment for all students during class and beach lessons and in the workplace where all staff feel they can bring their authentic selves
      • Ensure consistency and accuracy of student-generated monitoring data in accordance with the LiMPETS quality assurance plan
      • Schedule LiMPETS programming with the guidance of the Program Coordinator
      • Assist in the mentoring of the Marine Science Education Fellow. 
      • Manage and distribute the quarterly LiMPETS Newsletter to teachers and community partners
      • Create social media content for LiMPETS and support other communications
      • Assist in planning and implementation of teacher trainings and workshops
      • Edit, evaluate, and revise LiMPETS curriculum and online educational resources
      • Manage program equipment and supplies
      • Attend virtual monthly statewide LiMPETS Network Meetings
      • May have the opportunity to assist with data analysis, grant applications, and other program tasks, depending on candidate interest and skill level
      • Engage in organizational and professional development activities
      • Participate in meetings and in Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion training and evaluation efforts

Preferred Qualifications

      • Good classroom and field management skills to successfully and safely engage youth of all aptitudes and learning styles while fostering an inclusive learning environment
      • Experience teaching science or related fields to students from various backgrounds between 6th through 12th grades
      • Knowledge of marine and ocean science (for example, important marine invertebrate species, coastal ecosystems, and/or ocean stewardship)
      • Ability to work as a team member and communicate effectively. 
      • Willingness to adjust quickly to changing priorities and manage tasks in a sometimes stressful environment
      • Strong computer skills with experience in Google Suite, Excel or other statistical software, Zoom, etc.
      • Any field monitoring or data collection experience
      • Any experience managing and analyzing data 
      • Flexible willingness to work occasional weekends, early mornings, or evenings

Required Qualifications

      • Pass mandatory federal background check and defensive driving course
      • Have a valid driver license, a clean driving record and access to reliable transportation to and from the Sanctuary office in the Presidio, San Francisco and occasionally to field sites. This position requires transporting monitoring equipment.
      • Ability to safely move over uneven rocky and sandy terrain 
      • All GFA employees must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, as defined by the Centers for Disease Control, and provide proof prior to beginning work
      • Negative TB test for the last 3 years

How to Apply

Please send your resume, cover letter, and three references – all in a single PDF – to limpetsjobs@farallones.org. Your cover letter should address your commitment to being an effective educator, demonstrate a passion for marine science, and share your commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion. References should be familiar with the candidate’s capacity as an educator, particularly in fostering diverse and inclusive learning spaces.

Applications are due November 15th, but we will continue accepting applications until the position is filled.

Employment Status and Benefits

This position with Greater Farallones Association is conditioned on passing the federal background check and reports to GFA’s LiMPETS Coordinator and Intertidal Ecologist. This is a non-exempt full-time, benefitted, position with GFA and located in San Francisco, with starting pay of $28 – $30 per hour, depending on experience. Greater Farallones Association offers excellent benefits including fully paid Health Insurance, Dental, Vision, Group Term Life Insurance, and the option to participate in a 403(b) retirement plan.

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.