Director, Fishing & Outdoor Education Programs

The Maritime Aquarium; Norwalk (CT); On-site; USD 52,000 - 57,000; Full time

Job summary

The Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk, CT, seeks a Manager of Fishing and Outdoor Experiences to lead our vessel education programs and two new initiatives: youth fishing instruction and a teen fellowship designed to foster leadership and environmental stewardship.

This full-time, exempt role requires extensive fishing and boating experience, plus proven ability to teach children in outdoor settings, supervise staff, manage gear and budgets, and coordinate with partners.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree from a 4-year institution.
• Extensive fishing experience, ideally working as a mate or deckhand on a group/party fishing boat; proficient with knot tying.
• Experience teaching or working with children, especially in outdoor settings.
• Experience camping, kayaking and/or other relevant nature-based activities.
• Safety mindset and general knowledge of first aid.
• Proactive, with positive attitude and enthusiasm.
• Love of nature and the outdoors, patience, ability to multitask.
• Excellent interpersonal and public speaking skills, and an interest in environmental education.
• Experience working with a team and developing staff.
• Able to work weekends and some evenings, as well as in an outdoor setting in various weather conditions.
• Must be able to lift/carry in excess of 30 pounds of gear and other equipment.

Responsibilities

• Lead fishing programs for children, students and families
• Provide novice fishers with instruction in safe fishing techniques that emphasize sustainability and environmental stewardship
• Prep fishing gear; cut and prep bait and tackle
• Maintain records of catches and enter into relevant databases
• Know, understand and stay current on laws and regulations related to fishing in local waters, fishing permits, catch sizes and allowances, etc.
• Participate in drug screening program per USCG regulations and safety trainings
• In collaboration with other staff, play a lead role in creating annual teen fellowship programs designed to build leadership skills and foster love of nature and environmental stewardship
• Lead teen fellowship program, including fishing, camping and other outdoor/wilderness experiences
• Serve as a mentor and role model for participating teens
• Create and oversee application process for fellowship
• Maintain effective communications with participating teens and their parents/guardians
• Maintain a safe environment at all times; Prepare for and respond appropriately in emergency situations
• Create collaborative relationships and maintain effective communications with relevant program partners
• Procure, organize and maintain related gear, making sure it is in excellent working order; manage vessel education supplies
• Recruit, train, and supervise educators and vessel crew in related programming and operations
• Maintain program budget and records, produce reports as needed and collaborate with Monitoring and Evaluation staff for program evaluation
• Schedule vessel crew in appropriate combinations based on their experience
• Update vessel program outlines and materials

Skills

Public speaking

Interpersonal skills

Outdoor education

Multitasking

Staff leadership

Weekend/evening availability

Safety mindset

Physical fitness

Education

Undergraduate degree

Job description

The Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk, CT, seeks a Manager of Fishing and Outdoor Experiences to lead our vessel education programs and two new initiatives: youth fishing instruction and a teen fellowship designed to foster leadership and environmental stewardship.

This full-time, exempt role requires extensive fishing and boating experience, plus proven ability to teach children in outdoor settings, supervise staff, manage gear and budgets, and coordinate with partners.