Are you interested in doing a year of paid service with purpose?

Do you love the ocean and want to share the love with others?

If you answered yes, joining the NESS SEA AmeriCorps Program might be an excellent opportunity for you!

NESS AmeriCorps STEM Educators:

ENGAGE students in learning by seeing and doing.

TEACH NESS standards-based programs.

PROVIDE student support in and out of the classroom.

EMPOWER students to discover their personal best by facing new challenges.

SHARE enjoyment of the ocean and teach its science to students from all backgrounds.

ENCOURAGE students to be positive stewards of their community and environment.

Duties and responsibilities:

• Serve in Connecticut schools for academic day or after-school programming providing classroom support and mentoring.
• Develop NESS STEM-based lesson plans aligned to state and national standards.
• Lead and assist in the delivery of NESS experiential education programs.
• Lead and assist in the creation and delivery of field-based programs using kayaks, sailboats, marine science, powerboats, fishing, and more.
• Participate in community events to educate local students and families.
• Help implement NESS's safety plan by always maintaining campus and offsite safety.
• Serve as a team with other AmeriCorps members and staff from NESS and host sites.
• Participate in orientation training at the beginning of the term and regular training throughout the service term.
• Travel to multiple locations each day may be required.

Requirements:

• Passion for working with underserved students.
• A minimum of two years of post-secondary education required; Bachelors or Associates Degree preferred OR service with the US Armed Forces.
• Valid Driver's License.
• Successful passage of the three-part National Service Criminal History Check.
• Positions will abide by AmeriCorps Prohibited Activities as referred to in the member contract.
• Commit to 12-month, full time assignment (38-40 hours/week), beginning September 9th, 2024, through August 17th, 2025.
• Complete a minimum of 1700 hours of service.

Physical Requirements:

• The 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 is frequently 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 50 pounds.

Desired Skills:

• Commitment to the AmeriCorps mission of service.
• Understanding of underserved communities.
• Interest in teaching, curriculum development, organization, and positive youth development.
• Interest in marine science, sailing, and kayaking instruction in an experiential learning setting.
• A strong team player and an excellent motivator.
• Initiative and the ability to work independently and as a teammate
• Effective skills in interpersonal relationships, written and verbal communications, problem-solving, decision-making, group dynamics, and public speaking.
• Bilingual speakers, especially in Spanish, are encouraged to apply.

Benefits of Service:

• AmeriCorps living allowance of approximately $22,000 over a 12-month term of service.
  • Paid in weekly installments.
  • Subject to all applicable local, state and federal income taxes.
• Eli Segal Education Award of up to $7,395  from the National Service Trust for qualifying education expenses or loans upon successful completion of the term of service.
• Comprehensive Health, Dental, and Vision insurance benefits at no cost.
• Extensive training and certifications.
• 8 days off for holidays each calendar year.
• Childcare assistance for those who qualify.
• Positions are eligible for student loan forbearance (available for qualified loans).

Training and certifications provided include:

• Waterfront Lifeguarding (American Red Cross certification)
• First Aid & CPR for the Professional Rescuer (American Red Cross certification)
• Kayaking Instruction (American Canoe Association certification)
• Powerboat instruction and practice
• Sailing instruction and practice
• Introduction to experiential-based teaching practices
• Career Development Mentorship 

ABOUT NEW ENGLAND SCIENCE & SAILING

New England Science & Sailing is a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization that uses sailing, marine science, powerboating, and ocean adventure sports as experiential learning platforms to increase K-12 academic outcomes. NESS educators teach in classrooms and on the water, using over 100 proprietary lesson plans tied to school standards, including the Next Generation Science Standards, Ocean Literacy Principles, and Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning standards. NESS is the only school partner program accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.

For more information, visit www.nessf.org.