Kayaking Instructor Jobs in Connecticut (NOW HIRING)

The NESS Educator helps New England Science & Sailing Foundation (NESS) achieve its goal of world class instruction through innovative programming and partnerships. As part of NESS's team of program staff, NESS Educators use inquiry-based learning to guide students on their personal journeys of discovery. This position's main goal is to implements NESS's high quality programs, while maintaining NESS's strong culture of safety. This is a great opportunity for a passionate, motivated individual to be an integral part of this vibrant organization. Programs include academic year classes and summer programs for students on and off the water. The Educator must have proven skills working with students, be motivated, self-starting, and able to work within a team as well as on their own. This full-time, year-round, non-exempt position reports to the NESS Director of Sailing.

The NESS Educator:

Provides students with engaging hands-on lessons that are unique and aligned with the NESS education philosophy and principles

Promotes NESS's four core values in all aspects of programming; inclusiveness, experiential learning, personal growth, and stewardship

Serves as an ambassador for NESS when dealing with NESS's constituents and exhibits customer service skills

Exhibits a strong culture of safety as it pertains to on-the-water safety, medical trainings, and emotional safety

Develops innovative and engaging lessons for students of varying ages

Comfortable working with all age groups and abilities and is open to learning how to better serve all students

Can operate with a high degree of awareness and knowledge related to assigned responsibilities

Duties and Responsibilities

Program Development

Work closely with NESS Program Directors and other NESS staff to develop NESS lesson plans for:

Academic year programs for Pre-K-12 students

Summer programs for youth in marine science/adventure sports and/or sailing, primarily for ages 4-17

Professional development programs for teachers and administrators

Academic programs for non-school organizations (e.g. scouts, after-school enrichment, students with special needs)

Align lesson plans to the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), CASEL Learning Framework, and Ocean Literacy Principles (OLP)

Bring innovative concepts to lesson plan development efforts

Promote NESS as a leading provider of STEM and inquiry-based education in the classroom, with NESS constituents and with peer organizations/groups in professional education and informal education

Implement programs

oTeach academic year, summer, and professional development programs, following NESS curricula on and off the water

oUndergo periodic Program Quality Assessments to continuously improve inquiry-based teaching skills

oImplement NESS's Safety Plan and Emergency Action Plan, as needed

oMaintain campus and offsite safety at all times

oAssist NESS's outcome measurement efforts as it pertains to student growth

Assist in maintaining NESS equipment
oAssist in maintaining inventory of program and watersports equipment and supplies, including routine maintenance on sailboats, powerboats, kayaks, surfboards, SUPs, fishing gear, masks & snorkels, wetsuits, boogie boards, etc.

oAssist in maintaining lab inventory and cleanliness as well as classroom/program supplies, including specimens and scientific equipment

oAssist in overseeing the NESS aquariums, including keeping records of animals on site, performing routine maintenance, maintaining feeding schedules, and managing aquarium volunteers

oAssist in maintaining NESS technology, including the Eno interactive whiteboards, microscopes, cameras, iPads, augmented reality sandbox, and any future technology additions
Education/Certifications
oUS Sailing Level 1 Instructor Certification, equivalent, or more advanced certification
oStrong background in dinghy sailing and small keelboat sailing
oScholastic sailboat racing experience preferred (college/high school sailing)
oBA or BS in Marine Science, Biology, Oceanography, Education or a related science desirable
oPowerboating License NASBLA endorsed
oARC Waterfront Lifeguarding, First Aid and CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer (Youth and Adults) (may be able to obtain at NESS)
oInstructor certifications or experience in kayaking, sailing, and surfing a plus
oValid Driver's License & your own reliable transportation
Skills/Knowledge/Experience
oSkills and experience in leading inquiry-based learning programs
oSkills and instructional experience in swimming, kayaking, powerboating, sailing (dinghies and keelboats), surfing
oAbility to drive and teach from a powerboat preferred
oEffective skills in written and verbal communications, problem solving, decision making, group dynamics, public speaking, and task organization
oProven field and classroom management skills to effectively manage and organize students while maintaining NESS classroom culture and implementing NESS curriculum
oStrong team player and excellent motivator
oAbility to forge effective working relationships with NESS program staff, operations staff, administrative staff, directors, volunteers, students, and parents
oWorking knowledge of and experience with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint)
Physical Job Requirements
oThe physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands to handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
Compensation commensurate with experience and includes comprehensive benefits package.
NESS is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer