Field Activity Program Leader Intern

~ The Gulf Coast Family of Charter Schools are located in Hernando County, Florida on Florida's Nature Coast. ~

Our unique 6-8 middle school program provides an opportunity for students to experience their lessons through a variety of "Field Activities" that provide safe, organized, interactive, experiential learning opportunities that directly and indirectly support the academic curriculum, foster positive self growth, and instill community service morals.

Examples of Such Activities Include:

Ecology:

• Fresh Water Spring and River Habitat (Snorkeling / Kayaking)
• Tannic Acid River Exploration (Kayaking)
• Fresh Water River Water Quality Explorations and Riparian Zone Cleanup (Kayaking / Canoeing)

Geology:

• Fossil Dig (Limestone Quarry)
• Florida Limestone Geology (Cave Exploration / Snorkeling)
• Cavern Exploration (Snorkeling)
• First Magnitude Spring Exploration (Snorkeling)

Marine Science:

• Intertidal Zone (Gulf Coast, Hernando Beach)
• Tides, Salinity and Currents (Gulf Coast, Crystal River)
• Coral Reef Exploration (Florida Keys, Snorkeling and Kayaking)
• Plankton Lab / Drag Net Lab (Gulf Coast, Crystal River)
• Aquaculture Project (Tilapia)

Botany:

• Container Gardening Organic vs. Inorganic Methodology (Farm)
• Backyard Agriculture Vegetable Garden (Farm)
• Hydroponics and Controlled Water Consumption Agriculture (Farm)

Biology:

• Sponge Lab (Tarpon Springs)
• Mollusk Lab (Shell Island)
• Sea Turtle Activity (Honeymoon Island)

Physical Science/Sports Activities:

• Golf, Hockey, Volleyball, High/Low Ropes Challenge, Climbing, Archery, Bowling, Flag Football, Softball, and Basketball

Position Overview

Starting date: Qualified Candidate may be hired immediately.

A six-month minimum internship commitment with the possibility to grow into a multi-year teaching opportunity. You may also request a science teaching position at full salary upon completing a two-year internship.

Responsibilities

• This is an intense, demanding job that requires physical and physiological stamina, outstanding organization, technological savvy, extreme initiative, and a nice-sized helping of common sense.
• You need to be a "rare combination of teacher, lawyer, philosopher, and Native American chief" as you routinely leave the campus with a group of twenty-two students destined for a learning activity which you painstakingly prepared well in advance.
• Many of the activities have a science focus and are integrated with the core classes (language arts, science, mathematics, technology, social studies) therefore a bachelor's degree in biology, marine science, geology, or ecology is preferred.
• You would be expected to prepare lessons for each of the activities (most are already prepared and just need to be revised or adapted), assess student performance, record assessment data, organize and maintain gear, manage student movement and behavior and keep a photo record of each day's events.
• (If you're still reading this description, you're probably a good candidate!)
• Now, the good news, you would not be doing this alone. You would be working alongside a capable and friendly Field Activity Program Coordinator. This person will help in all aspects of the educational program so that you can provide a quality lesson.

Qualifications

• BA/BS in biology, ecology, or a related field.
• Must be enthusiastic and demonstrate excellent speaking/ presentation ability with the ability to establish a rapport with students aged 11 - 15.
• Flexibility, a good sense of humor, passion for learning, and a willingness to work long, hard hours are essential.
• Summer camp counselor experience is definitely a plus! We will provide the training necessary for you to obtain certifications in First Aid, CPR, Lifeguarding, and Florida Safe Boating as well as make the arrangements and pay for you to obtain a school bus operator CDL-Class B license.

Compensation: Intern salaries start at $30K+ annually. A supplement is paid for additional duties, supplemental academic instruction, and extended school days, all making your take home salary significantly higher. We also offer a group health insurance contribution, and a matching contribution to a 403(b) retirement account.