Shad in the Classroom Coordinator, NC

Shad in the Classroom ProgramSpecialist

This is a part-time position (20 hours/week) with estimated start date in late January. The position will run from late January 2013 through early May 2013.

Job Description: This positionis a grant-funded position.The main responsibility is coordinating the Shad in the Classroom program for 25 schools across the state. Through a hands-on experience raising American Shad from egg to releasable fry, the Shad in the Classroom program connects teachers and students to American Shad restoration efforts and their local river basins, exposes students to careers in biology and ecology, and increases teachers and students’ environmental awareness.The Shad in the Classroom program includes a teacher orientation and training session, a week of raising American Shad in the classroom culminating in a field trip to the Neuse or Roanoke River for fry release, a field experience for teachers on the Roanoke River, and all supporting materials and curriculum. The ProgramSpecialist will work with teachers, students, researchers, wildlife managers, and Museum staff to ensure the successfulimplementation of the Shad in the Classroom program.

Pay: $13 per hour

Job Duties:

• Plan and implement teacher training session for Shad in the Classroom program, scheduled for Saturday, February 23, 2013.
• Coordinate retrieval, refurbishment and construction of classroom shad tanks with Museum exhibits staff. Includes inventorying and purchasing supplies and materials for program and helping with minor construction.
• Communicate clearly and effectively with 25 teachers participating in the program regarding program logistics. Answer questions pertaining to the program and troubleshoot problems.
• Communicate with fisheries biologists regarding program logistics.
• Coordinate schedule with schools and fish hatchery for obtaining, raising, and releasing shad. Timing depends on spawning of shad but will likely be the second, third, and fourth week of April.
• Update and enhance curriculum-correlated materials for program.
• Travel to participating schools to provide programming for students on American Shad, deliver eggs, troubleshoot major tank problems, and provide any additional support for the program.
• Transport, set up, and present programs on American Shad in the Geodome, the Museum’s inflatable presentation theater, as programs are requested.
• Plan and implement overnight field experience for teachers on the Roanoke River scheduled for April 29-30, 2013.
• Monitor program expenditures.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in natural sciences or related field required
• Knowledge of migratory fish and North Carolina ecosystems preferred
• Experience preparing and presenting programs on natural science topics both in the classroom and in the field preferred
• Strong interpersonal and communications skills
• Good mechanical aptitude (ability to work with basic hand tools)
• Ability to work independently and troubleshoot problems
• Valid driver’s license, clean driving record, and ability to pass a background check
• Must have a vehicle in good working order (mileage is covered if personal vehicle use is necessary)
• Must be 21 years of age to drive rental vehicle; must have proof of liability insurance
• Ability to work some nights/weekends and a flexible weekly schedule

Complete Application includes:
Friends of the Museum application
Resume
Cover letter
Three professional references (please provide names, phone numbers, and email addresses)

Send completed application to Melissa Dowland at 11 West Jones Street, Raleigh, NC 27601 or to melissa.dowland@naturalsciences.org
Deadline to turn in applications is 5pm on Thursday, December 13.