Marine Education Assistant​/Associate

Overview

LUMCON, a program of the Board of Regents, as a consortium is a statewide academic endeavor to focus and strengthen the effectiveness of foundational marine science needed to address the environmental and socioeconomic challenges facing Louisiana and the nation. LUMCON has provided unparalleled opportunities in marine science and education to the research community and public alike. Anchored by a first-rate marine laboratory, the DeFelice Marine Center, LUMCON is embedded in Louisiana’s dynamic wetland environment and conveniently located on a gateway to the open waters of the Gulf.

From this facility, LUMCON operates a world-class fleet of research vessels unmatched in the Gulf. Since 2023, LUMCON has been expanding its programs through the opening of a maritime research and outreach facility in Houma.

POSITION OVERVIEW:

LUMCON is seeking candidates to fill various educator positions in the education and outreach program. We are currently looking for educators for the programs based at the Marine Center in Cocodrie, LA and at the new Maritime Campus in Houma, LA. The role of LUMCON Marine Educators is to support, facilitate, and ensure high quality experiences for all visitors of the LUMCON Marine Education & Outreach Program.

This includes leading field, lab, and classroom activities for a wide variety of audiences that visit the Marine Center (Cocodrie) and the Maritime Campus facility (Houma). Marine Educators are also responsible for some travel to classrooms, festivals, and other community events to educate people about the goals and mission of LUMCON, marine science, and other STEM related content. All education activities are designed to fulfill the LUMCON Education Mission Statement.

LUMCON’s Marine Education Program invests in communities through enriching and relevant place- and skill-based experiences on the coast for all learners among Louisiana’s citizenry. The Program’s purpose is to support and empower current and future marine scientists and ocean-literate citizens.

LUMCON educators must often work outside of the normal business hours to serve our community of users. Educators therefore work weekends, evenings, long days, and occasionally holidays. This position also requires extensive fieldwork in various locations including the LUMCON vessels, grounds, surrounding salt marshes, and barrier islands.

• B.S. with teaching experience or M.S. with an environmental focus.
• Good communication skills (written and oral).
• Ability to work in field, lab, and classroom situations with large groups of people.
• Must be able to pass an initial background check and maintain a valid driver’s license.
• Good people skills and classroom management.
• Ability to lift 50 pounds.
• Good teamwork and project management skills.

• 1-5 years of experience working in a service industry.
• Experience in data management and report writing.
• First Aid/CPR certification.
• Have proficiency in swimming, boat handling, and paddling.
• Basic computer skills and experience with Microsoft Office programs, and Google Workspace apps and tools.
• Social media and digital content design experience.
• Skills in scheduling, designing, and facilitating video virtual meetings on platforms like Zoom, Goto Meetings, and Goto Webinar.
• Experience in basic animal husbandry, engineering skills, plumbing, or carpentry.

Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Deliver in-depth and hands-on marine science and STEM activities in a professional and level-appropriate way for a broad variety of audiences.
• Create lessons and activities which may need to be aligned with current state science education standards and that ensure accessibility features and functionalities that allow persons with disabilities to use materials effectively.
• Ensure the safety of all visitors to LUMCON facilities.
• Maintain a positive learning environment that supports learner engagement, and promotes mutual respect, and provides supportive learning opportunities.
• Enforce all LUMCON rules and policies.
• Make sure that all classroom and lab spaces are…