Deckhand Educator - Living Classrooms Foundation

Job Description 

Maritime Educator/Deckhand

 

The Living Classrooms Foundation is a nonprofit organization that provides hands-on education and job training, with a special emphasis on groups from diverse backgrounds. Utilizing maritime settings, the Foundation provides experience-based educational programs emphasizing the applied learning of math, science, language arts, history, economics, and ecology. The Living Classrooms Foundation has the goal of offering hands-on experience-based education programs that are of the highest quality and excellence. The Foundation’s history and future focuses on hands-on education programs that motivate student through “learning by doing”.   

Summary: The Educator/Deckhand assists in the implementation of Living Classrooms Foundation’s Maritime Education programs, including day trips on vessels, land/sea programs, charters, and virtual programs. On-water programs are aboard one of the Foundation’s vessels, Lady Maryland, Sigsbee, or Mildred Belle. High energy, dedication, enthusiasm, flexibility, organization, professionalism, and strong work ethic are required to lead these programs.  

All crewmembers are expected to help with vessel maintenance. There are times during the season where you may be expected to help during annual yard periods, when the boats are hauled out of the water. Maintaining wooden boats in top condition is hard work and these yard periods are often full of long, dirty, physically taxing days. 

Essential Functions: Responsibilities of the Educator/Deckhand for assisting the education department with its objectives include, but are not limited to: 

• Conduct and supervise safe and successful educational programs with assistance from onboard staff and other Living Classrooms employees. 

• Become familiar with Living Classrooms’ safety and emergency protocol and procedures.  

• Work with staff in a professional and cohesive manner 

• Work with the Maritime Education administration to address any conflicts with staff/or students in a timely fashion. 

• Assist the Educational Coordinator with planning.  

• Assist with land-based portion of programs (land/sea, shoreside camping, virtual programs) 

• Become familiar with the responsibilities of the role of Educational Coordinator to substitute when necessary. 

• Assist with the ship’s operations including (but not limited to) line/sail handling, navigation and manning the helm. 

• Assist with ship’s maintenance when needed 

• Become familiar with instructing groups with different needs and learning abilities. 

• Encourage volunteers, interns and crew to participate in all aspects of presenting the education program 

• Welcome, communicate with, and encourage participation of teachers in programs.  

• Maintain and/or calibrate equipment. 

• Maintain, monitor, and care for education supplies to keep in good condition and supply 

• Maintain professionalism at all times as an important representative of the Living Classrooms Foundation 

• Maintain a neat, orderly, presentable appearance while working, whether in or out of uniform 

• Such other duties as are necessary for the operation of the programs or the Foundation or as assigned by the Maritime Education leadership.  

Minimum Requirements/Experience: 

• Excellent communication and public speaking skills. 

• A passion for nature and working with children in an informal setting. 

• Must have received or be willing to receive the COVID-19 vaccination by date of hire to be considered.  Proof of vaccination will be required. 

• Must be willing to submit to pre-employment drug testing and background check, with negative results. All crewmembers will be enrolled in a random drug testing program for the duration of employment. 

Desired Qualifications: 

• Preferred background in environmental science, education, or related field. 

• Experience working on or around boats, or a willingness to be trained. 

• Previous experience working with youth and implementing group management techniques. 

Additional Information: 

• This is a seasonal position that runs March - November 2023. 

• Responsible for working ten day-programs and two evening programs during the two week pay period, including occasional weekends and/or evenings.  Additional programs may be required for additional pay. 

• Housing is available for interested parties. 

• Lunch is provided during programs. 

• Will be expected to lift moderately heavy objects and work outside in a variety of weather conditions, including light to moderate rain and warm and cool weather. 

• It is essential that crewmembers understand that shipboard life is demanding of both one’s energy and time and that it may often be necessary to work extra hours until a project is completed or until a reasonable stopping point is reached. 

Position Start Date: March 3, 2025

Job Duration: Seasonal Full-Time 

Salary: $1200/bi-weekly ($15/hour)

Living Classrooms Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Minorities, Women, Handicapped Persons are encouraged to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, handicap status, Vietnam era or disabled Veterans status. 

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by personnel assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time as needed.