Education Coordinator

~ The Nantucket Maria Mitchell Association is a private non-profit organization located on the island of Nantucket, Massachusetts. ~

The Maria Mitchell Association (MMA) was founded in 1902 to preserve the legacy of Nantucket native astronomer, naturalist, librarian, and, above all, educator, Maria Mitchell. After she discovered a comet in 1847, Mitchell’s international fame led to many achievements and awards, including an appointment as the first American Professor of Astronomy at Vassar College. Maria Mitchell believed in “learning by doing” and today that philosophy is reflected in MMA’s mission statement, programs, research projects, and other activities.

The Maria Mitchell Association operates two observatories, a natural science museum, an aquarium, and preserves the historic birthplace of Maria Mitchell. A wide variety of science and history-related programming is offered throughout the year for people of all ages.

Position Overview

The MMA, a science and history-based nonprofit organization on Nantucket Island, Massachusetts, seeks a full-time, year round Education Coordinator to help manage our Award Winning Summer Discovery Programs and to assist with the development and implementation of other educational initiatives throughout the school year. This position reports to the MMA’s Director of Education.

The MMA’s Summer Discovery Programs are science-based, outdoor adventure and environmental learning experiences for Nantucket residents and visitors ages 3.5 – 16 years.

Responsibilities

• Oversee hiring and training of education interns with help from the Director of Education
• Stay up to date and ensure compliance with state and local regulations for camp programs
• Serve as the immediate supervisor for education interns , plan schedules, and ensure they are providing fun, educational and safe outdoor experiences for children
• Maintain and/or complete all required weekly paperwork including medical forms, sign-in sheets, etc
• Visit program sites around the island at least twice per week to check in on interns and campers
• Serve as emergency fill-in for education interns and aquatics supervisor as needed
• Review weekly lessons plans and submit requested changes to interns with help from the Director of Education
• Ensure interns are using and maintaining equipment properly, report any broken equipment and reorder supplies as needed
• Assist parents and guardians with program registration as needed
• Design new and/or improve existing educational resources for interns and staff
• Help plan and maintain the MMA Giving Garden between May and September
• Plan and design activities and represent MMA at the annual Red Tie Soiree , Nantucket Science Festival, and other special events
• Work with Education Director to imagine and develop new educational opportunities for preschools, kindergarten classes, nursing homes, afterschool programs, and more
• Assist in all Afterschool Discovery Programs, Winter and Spring Camps and other drop off programs

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in environmental education, natural sciences, or related field
• Per state regulations for camp programs, you must be at least 25 years of age
• Have at least two seasons of previous experience as part of an administrative staff of an educational/recreational camp for children
• Possess demonstrated proof of experience leading camp programs for children in outdoor activities including kayaking, snorkeling, hiking, etc.
• Management experience and comfortable supervising college-aged adults
• Strong naturalist skills, knowledge of basic scientific and ecological concepts, and the ability to apply this knowledge to creative lessons, games, activities, etc
• Commitment to teaching and sharing an appreciation for the natural world
• Experience and passion for teaching to a wide range of ages
• Ability to manage conflict situations effectively
• Ability to manage emergency situations calmly and appropriately
• Willingness to learn about Nantucket ecosystems, species diversity, basic astronomy, current STEAM programs, and island-based scientific research
• Excellent group communication, writing and computer skills
• Self-motivated and self-directed person capable of seeing a job that needs doing and completing it with a minimum of supervision
• First Aid, CPR, and Lifeguard Certified or willingness to be certified

Compensation

• Salary with generous benefit package and potential housing opportunity.

To Apply

• Please click "Apply" below to upload your application, cover letter and resume by February 1st, 2019.
• Visit our website to learn more about the Discovery Programs, see the full details of these positions, and download an application.