ORCA is currently accepting applications for a full-time Education Specialist. The Education Specialist will work with ORCA staff, community volunteers, local schools, and external partners to coordinate and conduct two large-scale citizen science/ education projects, A Day in the Life of the Indian River Lagoon and Data Jam.
The candidate will be responsible for managing the A Day in the Life of the IRL and ORCA Citizen Science Data Jam by recruiting and training citizen scientists, overseeing proper data collection and analyses, securing funding to support and expand projects, and effectively communicating findings to the public. The candidate will also be responsible for providing supporting citizen science curriculum to local students in the classroom. This position involves considerable public speaking and therefore, the successful candidate must have high-level communication skills, both oral and written, a strong work ethic, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
The Education Specialist is supervised by the Director of Citizen Science & Education.
Position Responsibilities:
- Coordinate and execute large-scale, annual citizen science/ education projects, including A Day in the Life of the IRL (ADIL) and ORCA’s Citizen Science Data Jam.
- Recruit, train and facilitate community volunteers (schools and environmental partners) in procedures and protocols specific to A Day in the Life of the IRL in all counties along the Indian River Lagoon.
- Organize and analyze data collected for research and restoration
- Administer and assess high caliber, dynamic in-classroom or virtual classroom lessons for upper elementary, middle, and high school students surrounding ADIL and the ORCA Data Jam, as well as, lessons specific to our citizen science program.
- Assist in dissemination of protocols and project results through reports and public
- Assist in securing funding for sustainability and growth of citizen science projects through grant writing, identifying, and soliciting sponsors and participating in fundraising events.
- Assist Applied Science Research team with community-based outreach, education, and research projects and programs, which may require travel and working weekends.
- Maintain a professional relationship with staff, guests, and
- Assist in basic cleaning and laboratory
- Help train and supervise volunteers and
- Take on other duties as assigned by the Director of Citizen Science & Education or Research Scientists
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in science education or related field (environmental science, environmental education, marine biology) with at least two years of relevant experience.
- Comfortable teaching people of all ages, elementary, middle, and high school students, as well as, adults.
- Experience in scientific and educational curriculum creation, implementation, and
- Evidence of successful planning, organizing, and coordination of large-scale education projects and initiatives.
- Proactively establish and maintain effective working relationships with various school and community partners, environmental agencies, and important stakeholders.
- Ability to work independently, to take initiative and work creatively, as well as be able to collaborate and work cooperatively with others.
- Exceptionally strong communication skills- both orally and
- Demonstrates abilities to work independently and in a fast paced, team-oriented
- Strong interpersonal
- Hardworking, dedicated, prompt, and
- Strong desire for personal growth and increased
- Desire to want to see things through to completion and takes pride in quality of
- Strong organizational skills, including ability to prioritize and consistently meet
- Ability to trailer, launch, and operate small boats preferred, willingness to learn
- Current driver’s license
