Marine Science Educator Aboard 80’ Schooner SoundWaters

SoundWaters, a nonprofit education organization based in Stamford, CT, is accepting applications for Educator/Deckhand aboard the 80’ Schooner SoundWaters for the 2023 sailing season. 

Founded in 1989, SoundWaters works towards a sustainable environment where people share a passion for Long Island Sound, students succeed, and our community thrives. We enrich our community and protect our environment through teaching, training, sailing and study on Long Island Sound. Annually SoundWaters offers marine science programs for over 30,000 students, aboard our Schooner, at our Coastal Education and Harbor Centers and along the coast. We provide high-level study opportunities, aboard our research vessel and in our labs, to give local school students a path towards college success. We provide stewardship programs where the local environment is a springboard for personal growth and, finally, we offer a range of public programs and experiences to develop sustainable practices and engage the wider community in our region’s greatest natural resource: Long Island Sound.  

Schooner SoundWaters offers STEM programs designed for schools, community organizations, and the opportunity for the general public to learn about the Long Island Sound. Educators are responsible for preparing the vessel to sail; delivering education programs; monitoring passenger safety; following the direction of the captain while tending docklines and sail handling; guest relations; sharing information about the Long Island Sound; and general vessel maintenance. The Educators provides high customer service to all passengers. All crew live aboard. 

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE: 

• Delivering SoundWaters marine science curriculum to students of all ages and from a variety of backgrounds. 
• Providing an outstanding, educational and fun experiences to all guests. 
• Preparing the schooner for public sails and educational programs. 
• Assisting with the sailing, mooring, anchoring, and docking of the schooner. 
• Knowing and following all policies and procedures, and especially emergency protocols. 
• Assisting with various maintenance projects throughout the season and maintaining education equipment.  
• Sharing in daily chores. (i.e., cleaning, and custodial tasks of the vessel) 
• Maintaining and adhering to a safe and drug-free environment. 

QUALIFICATIONS: NO PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE REQUIRED  

• Bachelors or higher degree in a relevant discipline. 
• Must be over 21 years of age.  
• Must be authorized to work in the United States. 
• Must be comfortable working in a variety of outdoor weather conditions. 
• Must be a positive shipmate and capable of living in close quarters with little personal space. 
• Must enjoy working with people and be able to effectively interact with the passengers and fellow crew.  
• Must possess strong verbal communication skills and lots of ENTHUSIASM! 
• Must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 at time of employment. 
• Must be able to pass a pre-employment drug screening and be willing to be subject to random and post-incident drug screenings for the duration of employment. 

Note: Heavy hiring preference will be given to those with degrees in marine-related disciplines. 

START DATE: March 20, 2023                                                                                         END DATE: November 17, 2023 

COMPENSATION: $400 per week, plus room and board aboard the schooner SoundWaters. $200 travel stipend, with half paid after the first two weeks and balance paid with final paycheck. Access to fitness center, pool facilities and other first-class amenities. Memories to last a lifetime. 

Please send cover letter and resume to: Capt. Virgilio Gonzalez at [email protected]