Job Opening

Marine Science Education Fellowship
with Greater Farallones & Cordell Bank Visitor Center Field Trip Program

Desired start date: November 1, 2024 or until filled

Greater Farallones Association (GFA), a 501c3 nonprofit organization working in partnership with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to conserve the ecosystems of Greater Farallones and Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuaries, is excited to continue the Marine Science Education Fellowship program with a position that supports candidates interested in pursuing a career in educating others about the ocean regardless of ability or background. This is an on-site position at the Greater Farallones and Cordell Bank Visitor Center located on Crissy Field in the Presidio of San Francisco, CA.

The selected candidate will have the opportunity to build teaching skills and comfort working with students, learn marine science curriculum, and have access to marine sanctuary resources. GFA is committed to providing opportunities to the next generation of marine scientists and educators from all backgrounds, including candidates with little or no professional experience, and is dedicated to raising awareness and stewardship of Greater Farallones and Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuaries just off the San Francisco coast.

Greater Farallones and Cordell Bank Visitor Center Field Trip Program fellow position:

The Marine Science Education Fellow will provide instructional and administrative program support for the Greater Farallones and Cordell Bank Visitor Center Field Trip program. The fellow will be part-time staff with the Greater Farallones Association and will require a commitment of 12-16 hours per week: Wednesdays 9am – 2pm, Fridays 9am – 2pm, and 2-6 hours of additional time each week to participate in other school and public programs, attend team meetings, and collaborate with the Visitor Center Manager and Visitor Center Naturalist on special Visitor Center projects and professional development to gain a variety of valuable experiences and skills. The position runs from November 2024 through the end of April 2025, with a potential extension through June 2025. 

Marine Science Education Fellow Responsibilities

• Assist with the delivery of 90-minute Kindergarten-University Visitor Center field trips on Wednesdays and Fridays (9am – 2pm) at the Greater Farallones and Cordell Bank National National Marine Sanctuaries headquarters located to the east of the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. Field trips are taught in the Visitor Center, adjacent Pier Classroom, and on the beach adjacent to the Visitor Center.
• Maintain a safe and inclusive environment for all students during lessons and in the workplace where all staff feel they can bring their authentic selves.
• 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.
• Occasionally staff the Greater Farallones and Cordell Bank Visitor Center, greeting and engaging guests in the exhibits.
• If interested, assist with Visitor Center aquarium maintenance.
• If interested, support sanctuary 360 video Virtual Reality program, including leading group showings of films such as the “Cordell Bank 360 Adventure” and collecting 360 videos from coastal locations using an Insta360 x4 camera.
• May contribute to other program-specific tasks.

Preferred Qualifications

• At least 18 years of age.
• Seeking entry-level experience in marine science education as a field trip instructor and an interest in contributing to a thriving National Marine Sanctuary Visitor Center.
• Willingness to learn teaching skills to effectively instruct K-12 students, ages 6 through 17, from diverse backgrounds.
• General knowledge or willingness to learn about concepts including key ocean organisms, coastal ecosystems, climate change, and sanctuary stewardship.
• Ability to work as a team member and be an effective communicator.
• General computer skills and experience or an interest in virtual reality programming.
• Ability to adjust quickly to changing priorities and manage tasks in a sometimes stressful environment.
• Ability to lift and carry 35 lbs as this position requires transporting education 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.
• Vaccinated against COVID-19 prior to beginning work.
• Negative TB test for the last 3 years.

Employee Status and Benefits

This is a six-month (November 2024 – April 2025) non-exempt hourly position with GFA, and it is paid at $25/hour. A commitment of 12-16 hours per week makes the position eligible for holidays and sick time accruals on a pro-rated basis. Due to the part-time status, this position is not eligible for other health benefits offered at GFA. 

Application Instructions

We encourage those interested in marine science to apply, regardless of previous marine science experience. 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, as well as your commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion. Applications will be reviewed starting on October 15th, and we will continue accepting submissions until the position is filled.