Position Summary
The NESS USCG Licensed Captain - Marine Science & Adventure Sports (MSAS) Educator helps New England Science & Sailing Foundation (NESS) implement high quality programming with an active, hands-on, experientially oriented marine science-based lessons. Programs are for students ages 11-17 in subjects such as powerboating, fishing, surfing, and adventure sports. Qualified applicants will hold at minimum an OUPV 6-Pack license issued by the US Coast Guard. They will be passionate, motivated, able to work within a team as well as on their own and have proven skills working with children of all ages. MSAS Educators will be assigned to support NESS programs based on educational background and previous experience.
This full-time seasonal position is employed at NESS for a maximum of 14 weeks from June 2-September 5 2025. NESS runs a Lifeguard certification course from June 2-June 6, an incumbent employee's participation would be determined by the Director of Programs. A mandatory training week for all staff runs from June 9-June 13, and summer programming begins on June 16 and runs through September 5. This is a hourly 40-hour per week position with occasional evening and weekend work. Schedules and end dates are flexible at the discretion of the Director of Programs.
The Captain MSAS Educator:
- Implements engaging hands-on NESS lessons throughout the Long Island Sound area, accessing areas via powerboat.
- Is knowledgeable about NESS programs and serves as an ambassador for NESS when dealing with NESS’s constituents
- Exhibits a strong culture of safety, environmental stewardship, and customer service
- Can operate with a high degree of awareness and knowledge related to assigned responsibilities
- Works closely with other members of the NESS Education team to implement lessons on and off the water
- Provides leadership to students and assists in overseeing junior instructors
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Maintains campus and offsite safety at all times
- Implements NESS’s Emergency Action Plan, as needed
- Assists in inventory and maintenance of watercraft, watersports equipment and gear, including powerboats, kayaks, surfboards, SUPs, fishing gear, masks & snorkels, wetsuits, boogie boards, etc.
- Assists in classroom inventory, maintenance and cleanliness
Minimum Requirements
Education/Certifications
- USCG OUPV 6-Pack License or higher
- BA or BS in Marine Science, Biology, Oceanography or a related science desirable
- Teaching certification desirable
- ARC Waterfront Lifeguarding, First Aid and CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer (Youth and Adults) (may be able to obtain at NESS)
- Instructor certifications in kayaking, surfing, and powerboating (may be able to obtain at NESS)
- Valid Driver’s License & your own reliable source of transportation
- Skills/Knowledge/Experience
- Experience driving watercraft in Stonington Harbor area desirable
- Experience in leading student-centered and inquiry-based programming
- Skills and instructional experience in fishing, kayaking, powerboating, marine science, and/or surfing
- Effective skills in written and verbal communications, problem solving, and decision making
- Strong team player and excellent motivator
- Ability to forge effective working relationships with NESS Educators, operations staff, administrative staff, students, and parents
Physical Demands: 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 frequently is 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 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
Compensation commensurate with experience.
NESS is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer
About NESS: New England Science & Sailing Foundation (NESS) offers a unique education model that empowers students with leadership, teamwork, confidence, and problem-solving skills to ensure academic success. It is NESS’s mission to empower students with a love of learning through ocean-based experiential programs that serve schools, teachers, and families. Our goal is to advance academic opportunities for K-12 students of all backgrounds in both urban and suburban markets. We hope you will play a role in helping us continue this important educational mission—in person, online, or on the water! This STEM-based curriculum includes marine science, sailing, power boating, and adventure sports. NESS is the first, and only, program of its kind to be accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). For more information, visit www.nessf.org