Discover Cayuga Lake, Inc. (“DCL”) is a nonprofit corporation based in Ithaca, NY, offering interactive lake cruises and educational programming for Finger Lakes residents and visitors. Our programs emphasize equitable access, engagement and literacy by putting people in touch with the human and natural history of the region.
[NOTE] The Education Program Coordinator position is offered as an extension of DCL’s Crew Member position. This employee, therefore, must fulfill the requirements and attend to the responsibilities described separately in the DCL Crew Member position description.
The Coordinator will assist in developing and delivering STEM-oriented enrichment programs associated with Floating Classroom “eco-cruises”, classroom-based “Trout in the Classroom” aquarium systems, and educational field trip programs. Collaboration with regional watershed, sustainability and education organizations will be a priority for this position. Core Responsibilities/Education Coordinator (Year-Round, 20 hours/week):
1. Program Implementation: The Coordinator will assist the Director in delivery of DCL’s educational programs. Responsibilities will include:
o Presentation: Coordinator will lead class activities and outdoor lessons associated with Trout in the Classroom and Floating Classroom programs throughout the year.
o Supervision: Coordinator will supervise up to 6 instructors during some programs.
o Support: Coordinator will assist teachers in planning for classes and field trip.
o Evaluation: Coordinator will assist in annual and ongoing program evaluations.
o Equipment/Materials Management: Coordinator will be responsible for maintaining field educational equipment in good working order.
2. Program Coordination: DCL pursues programming that is consistent with regional efforts and educational standards. Coordinator responsibilities will include:
o Internal Coordination: Coordinator will work with staff to ensure that DCL Crew, Interns and Youth Crew are trained on educational activities, and basic water quality data.
o Outreach: The Coordinator will communicate with partner organizations in the Finger Lakes to maximize cross-pollination and consistency in educational programming.
o Educational Standards Alignment: Coordinator will become familiar with relevant science and other standards, and assist Director in aligning DCL programs with those standards.
3. Program Development: The Coordinator will lead in developing one or more new educational program elements annually. These projects may include inter-organizational coordination, environmental datasets, or other timely topics. The Coordinator also assists the Director in preparing grant proposals and reports in support of these efforts.
General Responsibilities:
Completion of training and availability to work as ship’s crew, onboard Teal, May-October.
Represent DCL at science fairs and public outreach events in the region.
Provide monthly content contributions to DCL newsletter and social media sites.
Represent DCL at all times in a courteous, professional and community-centered manner
Experience: Academic training or an experiential background in public education, and a comfort with public speaking, are required for this position. A general knowledge of NYS Educational Standards, aquatic ecology, natural history and/or regional history is a plus. Candidates need not have expertise, but a strong interest is important. Candidates will have opportunities to focus on areas of strength.
Requirements: Applicants must be ready and able to work outdoors in physically demanding conditions and locations, such as streams and on a commercial passenger vessel.
Must participate in random drug testing program required by US Coast Guard, when working as Teal crew.
Must be 18 or older.
Must be able to provide own transportation, and travel to schools and locations within 50 miles.
Equal Employment Opportunity: Discover Cayuga Lake is an equal opportunity, living wage employer committed to maintaining and increasing diversity within our organization and throughout our professional community. Employees are hired based on their merit, ability, experience, and training without regard to race, national or ethnic origin, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, or disability.