Education Associate

JOB TITLE: Education Associate

SALARY RANGE: $38,000 - $40,000
SUPERVISOR: Education Program Manager, CRF™
 

ABOUT THE CORAL RESTORATION FOUNDATION™

CRF™ is a United States (US) 501(c)3 tax-exempt non-profit ocean conservation organization. The core mission of CRF™ is to restore coral reefs, to educate others on the importance of our oceans, and to use science to further coral research and coral reef monitoring techniques.

CRF™ does not believe that the plight of coral reefs in the 21st century is hopeless. In fact, CRF™ has developed a strategy for coral reef restoration that exists at the intersection of three core CRF™ programs: (1) restoration, (2) science, and (3) education. Total CRF™ contributions and other financial support were approximately $1.4 million in 2016, $2.1 million in 2017, $2.2 million in 2018, $3.2 million in 2019 and $3.5 million in 2020. This growth in public and private support is proportionately reflected in growing staff activities such as nursery maintenance, coral transplantation, data collection, boat and warehouse operations, contract negotiation and compliance, and other administrative activities. Funding has been a mix of public grants and foundation donations. 

CORE VALUES

The chosen candidate should embody the core values of CRF™. This includes the ability to be team-oriented, and able to work with a diverse group of staff, interns, volunteers, donors and community members.

CRF™ Values Statement: CRF™ is driven by action and results. CRF™ believes that through education and innovation, we provide hope for coral reefs and future generations. We act withhonesty, respect, and integrity at all times as representatives of the organization. CRF™ promotes a positive working environment that values teamwork, education, and financial stewardship of the resources entrusted to us.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The Education Associate position is for the purpose of growing and maintaining our partnerships with local schools and Educational organizations, as well as supporting all programs within the Education Department, reporting to the Education Program Manager. The current Education Program exists to inspire and train others to take action in order to improve the health of the world's reefs, using our work as an example. This is done by (1) execute training programs, externally and internally, whereby participants can actively participate in the restoration of coral reefs, either as part of existing projects or through the development of their own projects, and (2) the development and dissemination educational materials so that students of all ages (nationality and language) can better appreciate the world's coral reefs, understand their current plight, and learn how they can make a difference in protecting and restoring coral reef ecosystems.

The Education Associate is responsible for the facilitation and promotion of our “Edutainment” curriculum, including but not limited to a) in-classwork workshops; b) after school clubs; c) summer camps, d) online academy; and e) Girl Scout of Tropical Florida badge progression. The Education Associate is also responsible for working collaboratively with all staff to facilitate the success of the Education Department programs.

Job Responsibilities (including, but not limited to):

• Support logistical and educational aspects of CRF™ Educational Outreach Program both locally and globally: including but not limited to education workshops, after school programs, summer camps, Girl Scout badge progression, and online academy.
• Work collaboratively with the Education Program Manager to mentor, supervise, evaluate, and train seasonal interns and volunteers to become instructors of CRF™ educational curriculum
• Ensure the delivery of quality programs to meet constituents’ expectations.

• Manage communications with constituents before, during, and after programs.

• Perform field checks to provide feedback and ensure program quality

• Interact with communities, partnerships, and any organization (in any method) thatengages youth.

• Inventory equipment needed for programs and ensure proper equipment use byinstructors

• Assist in the expansion of educational curriculum in which focuses on coral restoration but meets both local and national science standards for K-12 students.

• Teach education programs as needed

Other Duties

• Support CRF™ staff and departments in all aspects of CRF’s annual Coralpalooza event.
• Assist with maintenance of Exploration Center as requested or directed.
• Assist in special projects with other departments as requested or directed

Required Skills, Knowledge and Personal Characteristics

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental education or related field.
• Experience in environmental education
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word with a strong understanding of general computer technology
• Agent of change – anxious to improve self, business process, data quality and business performance
• Deep integrity, with an unwavering commitment to ethical behavior and safety
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to work on multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written.
• Ability to work creatively and constructively with others and contribute to a team environment.
• Ability to work nights and/or weekends often with little prior notice.
• Valid driver’s license.

Desirable Skills and Knowledge

• Excellent presenting / performance skills
• Some administrative and supervisory experience
• Experience in grant writing and /or meeting grant obligations
• Advanced or greater dive qualification through an internationally recognized certification agency
• Current CPR, First Aid and Oxygen Administration Instructor.
• Current dive insurance

TEAMWORK AND EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATIONS

CRF™ operates with a small staff of 18 people and relies on our seasonal interns as well as local volunteers to accomplish our mission and work effectively on the water. We are a lean operation, and teamwork is crucial to our success. Being an effective team member means not only having the ability to work with your fellow staff members but also to be a positive example to our interns and volunteers (both on the water and off). Interested candidates should be able to work well with and communicate with a diverse group of people including fellow staff, interns, volunteers, the public, donors and partners. CRF™ requires Covid Vaccination (subject to applicable federal/state guidelines) to join our team.

Interested candidates should be able to:

• Work with a diverse public group
• Clearly articulate tasks by explanation and demonstration
• Consistently demonstrate professional, positive, and approachable attitude/demeanor and discretion

Coral Restoration Foundation™ is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

How to apply:

SUBMISSION: Email applications to: derek@coralrestoration.org

APPLICATION MATERIALS

1. Cover Letter that speaks to your interest in being a part of CRF™ conservation mission and what you can bring to this dynamic team (limit 1 page).

2. Resume presenting related experience concisely and directly addresses items in this position description (limit 2 pages).

3. Contact information and relationship to applicant for two references. Please note, if applicants are formerly associated with CRF™, referees should come from outside the current CRF™ Team.