Science Instructor - AWRI Temp Hourly
Science Instructor - AWRI Temp Hourly
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Job Description
AWRI is a multidisciplinary research organization within Grand Valley State Universitys (GVSU) College of Liberal Arts and Sciences with a mission to integrate research education and outreach to enhance and preserve freshwater resources. AWRIs outreach program delivers handson investigative education about water to the public with special emphasis on youth. Our floating learning laboratories and landside programming connect people in West Michigan with local water resources through experiential learning about water chemistry lake food webs human impacts on water quality and more. Participants aboard an educational cruise have an opportunity to serve as freshwater scientists collecting data and observations about the water bodies they sail through. Since 1986 nearly 200000 people have experienced handson science on Lake Michigan and adjoining waters through these programs.
Position Summary
Science Instructors are responsible for conducting educational programs in the outreach program including seasonal programs aboard the research vessels as well as landside programming and special events.
The program on the vessels is delivered by two Science Instructors that teamteach. Instructors guide participants through water quality tests and other observations to compare the physical biological and chemical characteristics of Lake Michigan and smaller inland lakes. Along the way the Science Instructors also share placebased information about the history and current conditions of the lakes and their watersheds as well as related research of AWRI scientists.
We also offer a landbased complement to the onboard cruises which engages students in placebased learning on AWRIs grounds about a variety of related water topics. The landside curriculum includes activities developed by AWRI staff as well as draws from programs such as Project WET Michigan Environmental Education Curriculum Support (MEECS) Healthy Water Healthy People and the Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment (GLOBE) program.
The outreach season is from midApril through midOctober. Training for the 2025 season commences in midMarch to early April 2025 with programs beginning in midApril.
These are parttime seasonal positions. Work hours will vary depending on the program schedule and instructor preferences. A typical schedule is 23 days a week during the spring and fall seasons with fewer days during the summer. There are generally two cruises per day lasting 2.5 hours each. Typically programs run during normal business hours on weekdays with occasional evening and Saturday programs. Instructors cannot work more than 29 hours per week.
Primary Duties
Provide instruction during onboard aquatic science cruises on the W.G. Jackson and/or D.J. Angus for grades 412 college and adult; and/or indoor/outdoor landbased programming.
Deliver AWRIs established curriculum as well as offer responsive placebased/sitespecific commentary and learning opportunities.
Ensure that curriculum objectives are met and that participants have meaningful learning experiences.
Adapt the program to the needs of each group weather conditions and any special circumstances.
Foster a welcoming and accessible learning environment for all visitors and uphold GVSUs values of diversity equity and inclusion.
Work with the rest of the team of Science Instructors to set up instructional materials before a program reset educational spaces before the next program and maintain educational supplies and materials.
Complete onboard safety training assist in the safe and efficient operation of the vessel during education programs and be prepared to assist in an emergency.
Attend outreach team meetings including participating in preseason curriculum training and setup as well as postseason wrapup.
Contribute to the development of support materials and continually improving the outreach program.
Participate in other outreach efforts such as teacher workshops open houses and special events when possible.
Stay current on water issues and continue to enrich their aquatic science knowledge base.
Represent GVSU and AWRI in a professional manner.
Abide by all rules regulations and requirements for GVSU employees including COVID19 policies.
Perform other duties as required/assigned by supervisor.
Required Qualifications and Education
Passion for environmental education experiential learning and connecting people with local waters.
Broad knowledge of current water and environmental issues the natural world the Great Lakes and human impacts to aquatic ecosystems.
Demonstrated ability to work with students in a group setting and adapt curricula to a variety of age levels learning styles abilities and backgrounds.
Teaching experience in formal or informal contexts (e.g. environmental education outdoor recreation interpretation classroom teaching or related field).
Proficiency in best practices of outdoor education and placebased learning and demonstrated experience in maintaining safe learning environments.
Commitment to the mission of AWRI.
For teaching on the vessels: Instructors are required to participate in the Random Drug Testing Program during the vessel season as well as pass a preemployment drug test (per Coast Guard regulations).
Preferred Qualifications and Education
Bachelors degree or equivalent experience in a field related to aquatic science (such as environmental studies biology natural resources etc. or education (such as science education or teaching certificate).
Encouraged to complete CPR and First Aid certification (employerprovided).
Working Conditions
Work is primarily performed onboard AWRIs research vessels on site on the AWRI grounds and in the R.B. Annis Educational Foundation Classroom. Candidates should be able to:
Spend multiple hours outdoors in all types of weather (including heat cold rain snow and wind) and on variable waters.
Stand and walk for the duration of a typical 2.5 hour program and pre/post program prep. There is no seating on the vessels and most outdoor learning spaces; seating is available in the indoor classroom.
Stand and walk on occasionally uneven ground primarily asphalt and grass.
Lift up to 25 pounds and assist in emergency procedures.
Hear crew members and onboard participants that might be out of direct sightline.
Have 20:20 vision (with corrective lenses) to provide oversight during onboard activities.
Compensation: This position has a starting wage of $16/hour and is not benefitseligible.
Campus: Muskegon MI and/or Grand Haven MI
Application Deadline: Priority will be given to applications received by 11:59pm on February 9 2025. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis thereafter. The posting may be closed at any time at the discretion of the University.
How To Apply: Apply online at GVSU Careers (Workday). Applications received outside this portal will not be accepted.
Please include 1 a cover letter describing the applicants interest in and qualifications for the position 2 resume and 3 three professional references (with names phone numbers and email addresses). The online application will allow you to attach these documents electronically in the same file location.
Please note that successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the United States a lawful permanent resident a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without the need of an employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of appointment.
If you need assistance with the application call Human Resources at.
If you have questions regarding AWRI or the position responsibilities please contact Christina Catanese AWRI Education Specialist . Also see our website for more information about the program www.gvsu/wri/education.
To perform this job successfully an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Must have the physical stamina to work long hours and/or more than 5 days per week. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act as amended by the ADA Amendment Act 2008 Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and other applicable federal and state laws that prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability. GVSU will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.See www.gvsu/affirmative/. TDD Callers: Call Michigan Relay Center at 711 (in State) or(out of State).
Grand Valley State University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer which includes providing equal opportunity for racial and ethnic minorities women protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. University policy extends protections to additional identities.
Employment Type
Part-Time
