Title: Seasonal Marine Science Educator

Type: Full Time; Temporary - Seasonal

Department: Sanibel Sea School

Reports to: Director of Youth Education

Location: Sanibel, Captiva, North Captiva, Fort Myers, and Cape Coral

Duration: February through August 2025

Hourly Rate: $15/hr

BASIC SUMMARY

Sanibel Sea School is part of the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) family. The mission of SCCF is to protect and care for Southwest Florida's coastal ecosystems. Reinforcing this organizational purpose is the mission of Sanibel Sea School; to improve the ocean’s future, one person at a time. We are one organization with the united mission of improving, protecting, and caring for nature.

 

Our campus is located on the east end of Sanibel Island, on the southwest coast of Florida. Experiential educational offerings include day classes, non-residential summer and winter camps, paddling and outdoor education activities, after-school, homeschooling, private excursions, and outreach programs for the local community. Sanibel Sea School works with all ages, but the primary audience is 6 to 13.

 

We are a small staff, extremely passionate about the ocean and our work; we strive to offer exceptional customer service and education to each client. We are dedicated to the growth of our students and strongly believe in the value of experiential education in nature. Learning outdoors builds self-confidence, encourages trust, and ignites curiosity and wonder. Our goal is simple: through exploration and discovery, we want to help children fall in love with the ocean and become lifelong advocates for the environment. We are also committed to a diverse workplace and strongly encourage applications from underrepresented groups in marine and environmental sciences.

 

Sanibel Sea School hires seasonal staff during the busy spring and summer months to support more programs. Marine Science Educators are vital in delivering experiential educational programs to diverse age groups, from 4-year-olds to adults, both in the field and classroom. Their passion for marine conservation, love for the ocean, and expertise in marine science will inspire our students to connect with the natural world and become advocates for its protection. If you are an energetic, passionate educator with a love for marine science and a commitment to fostering a deeper connection between children and the ocean, we would love to hear from you. Join our dedicated team, and let's inspire future ocean stewards together!

 

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Note: This job description is intended to outline the primary duties and responsibilities of the Marine Science Educator. It is not in order of priority or an exhaustive list. Other duties may be assigned as required.

  • Ensure the safety of children and adults during programs, especially during outdoor and marine-based activities.
  • Share your extensive knowledge of marine science and passion for the natural environment to captivate and engage students.
  • Foster an appreciation for marine ecosystems and instill good ocean stewardship practices, setting an example for our students.
  • Deliver exceptional and high-quality field programs, maintaining the standard of excellence for which Sanibel Sea School is known.
  • Stay informed about marine and local biota and significant developments and trends in marine science, coastal ecology, and marine conservation, focusing on Southwest Florida.
  • Act as a representative of Sanibel Sea School, promoting our programs within the local, regional, and national communities.
  • Assist with the upkeep of facilities and equipment, ensuring a safe and efficient learning environment.
  • Provide support for various Sanibel Sea School projects as needed.
  • Collaborate with the Director of Youth Education to design and develop curricula that align with our mission, values, and age groups. Ensure the programs are educational, fun, and inclusive to cater to diverse interests and abilities.
  • Oversee the logistical aspects of their courses, including scheduling activities, gathering supplies, setting up the classroom, coordinating transportation, and gathering all necessary paperwork for participants.
  • Facilitate check-in and check-out procedures for assigned programs. Address inquiries from clients and provide timely and helpful responses during programs.
  • Ensure that the Client Services Coordinator or Director of Youth Education know your plan for each program and intended locations and that they have up-to-date information for your participants.
  • Follow safety protocols and emergency procedures to ensure the well-being of clients and staff. Conduct regular safety checks and maintain a safe environment. Review safety training independently to stay confident in your life-saving skills.
  • Maintain clear and effective communication with parents or guardians regarding course details, updates, and any concerns that may arise during the session.
  • Reflect on each program led to evaluate its success and identify improvement areas. Use feedback from students, parents, and staff to enhance the experience continuously.
  • Maintain organized shared folders in Egnyte and ensure all documents are updated and stored in the shared drive.
  • Communicate incidents, altercations, or other work-related issues effectively with the Director of Youth Education. 
  • Track and record attendance for all programs.
  • In the summer months, this position may serve as a Summer Camp Counselor for Island Skills, specialty teen camps, and overnight travel camps.

QUALIFICATIONS

Note: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements below represent the required knowledge, skill, and/or ability. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions of the job.

 

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE

  • Bachelor's degree in Environmental Education, Biology, Marine Biology, Early Childhood Education, Elementary/Secondary Education, or a related field.
  • Prior experience working with children in an educational setting, ideally involving outdoor and marine activities.
  • A strong desire to promote marine conservation by sharing your passion and knowledge of the natural world with students.
  • An appreciation and enthusiasm for SCCFs and Sanibel Sea School’s missions.
  • Proven organizational and multitasking skills, with keen attention to detail.
  • Detail-oriented with strong record-keeping skills
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities to work effectively with clients and staff.
  • Ability to act as part of a safety team and respond effectively during emergencies.
  • Be an example of sustainability and mindful choices to staff and clients. Single-use plastics are not allowed on Sanibel Sea School’s campuses.  

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

  • Certifications (or the ability to obtain them) in CPR, First Aid, and Lifeguarding.
  • A valid US driver’s license
  • Preferred completion of (or willingness to complete) the following training:
    • Child Abuse Prevention.
    • Project WET: Water Education Today.
    • Project WILD.
    • Florida Master Naturalist.
    • Environmental Education workshops.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Proficient swimmer, comfortable leading groups of children in various natural environments.
  • The role requires physical activity, including walking, standing, swimming, and participating in hands-on activities.
  • Reaching above shoulder heights, below the waist, or lifting to forty (40) pounds, as required throughout the work day; proper lifting techniques are required.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

  • SCCF is a drug-free workplace, and the successful applicant will pass a drug screening test within two weeks of starting the position.
  • Ability to pass a level 2 federal background check and submit fingerprints to a national database.
  • Strong computer skills, including basic knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and database management, with the ability to learn new software. Familiarity with Active Network is a plus.
  • Proficiency in email management, especially Gmail.
  • Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules and operating and procedural manuals.
  • Experience using the equipment required for the job (seine, dip, and cast nets; plankton tows; microscopes; camping equipment; paddleboard, kayak, and canoe equipment; dissection tools; hand lenses; snorkel equipment; etc.)
  • Trailering experience preferred.
  • Intermediate knowledge of boating, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding.
  • Experience camping in tents in remote environments preferred.
  • Intermediate knowledge of snorkeling and free diving techniques, experience leading groups preferred.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

  • The role primarily involves working in outdoor subtropical settings, with some indoor classroom-based activities.

TRAVEL, WORK HOURS, SUPERVISION

  • The position may involve working irregular hours, including weekends and evenings.
  • Some travel between field locations, satellite campuses, main campus, and SCCF offices is required.

 

COMPENSATION
• 40 – 45 hours/week
• $15/hour
• SCCF may be able to offer housing on Sanibel Island if needed.