Save Our Seas Ongoing Recruitment

The Save Our Seas Foundation Shark Education Centre in Kalk Bay, South Africa, comprises a small group of dedicated educators who deliver experiential and place-based programmes that focus on marine science and conservation. Its primary objective is to create experiences for learners that nurture awareness of and appreciation for the local marine environment. The centre is also home to the Foundation’s communications team, who work to showcase the research, conservation and education projects that are funded by the Foundation.

The Save Our Seas seeks to appoint an Educator Coordinator, to be based in Cape Town.

Job Title: Education Coordinator
Location: Cape Town

Responsibilities:

• Lead the coordinate school/group bookings and organise logistics before a group’s arrival
• Filter all current and future programmes through the lens of the centre’s mission statement
• Contribute to the collection, consolidation, redevelopment and documentation of all current and future programmes
• Develop new education programming, with emphasis on continuous curriculum development with scope for change
• Coordinate with the Education Centre Manager on strategic planning for Shark Education Centre programming
• Work with the Education team to set up programme materials prior to a group’s arrival
• Work with the Education team to engage the students and chaperones by interpreting exhibits in the aquarium and biofacts (shark jaws, egg cases, etc.)
• Teach the majority of the Centre’s programmes, and co-teach with other educators as needed
• Mentor and support the Assistant Educator
• Lead the development and delivery of holiday programmes and camps in collaboration with the Assistant Educator
• Engage with students at the rock pools by using experiential and enquiry-based learning techniques
• Keep up to date with ongoing changes made to public school curricula that inform programme development
• Keep up to date with current educational philosophy, trans-disciplinary learning and pedagogies and other trends in the education field
• Contribute to the organisation and updating of data entry for demographics and evaluations
• Liaise with vendors as necessary for supplies, resources and services
• Interpret the aquarium and displays for visitors
• Answer the phone and fielding enquiries
• Create monthly programming schedule
• Coordinate staff meetings
• Update education programming and materials
• Contribute data to the Foundation’s annual report
• Participate in the annual peer review and goal setting
• Minor building maintenance and upkeep
• Maintain the aquarium and species’ collections
• Recruit and manage volunteers or interns
• Coordinate overnight guests at the centre
• Coordinate logistics (set-up and break down) for special events hosted at the centre
• Attend staff meetings and events (both away and at the centre) as necessary
• Interview, select and train additional staff, interns and volunteers
• Assist with duties to welcome and guide visitors in the centre when it is open to the public or during special functions, especially when the person in charge is busy, on leave or on sick leave
• Contribute to social media in collaboration with the communications team

Requirements:

• Preferred degree in Education, Science or similar
• Previous experience in environmental/experiential education programme development, coordination and delivery in either formal or informal learning environments
• Passion for teaching and learning
• Ability to work effectively and communicate effectively with a small team
• Strong initiative and imagination in the redevelopment and creation of programming
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work independently as well as to collaborate and contribute as an integral part of a small team
• Friendly, energetic and welcoming nature
• Working knowledge of current pedagogies and other education trends
• Working knowledge of marine habitats in the Western Cape
• Working knowledge of South Africa’s public education system
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Power Point)
• Fluency in English and fluency (preferred) or a working knowledge of one or a combination of: Afrikaans, Isixhosa, Isiswati, isindebele, Isizulu
• Must be available for some weekends, depending on programming needs
• South African citizen or permanent resident, or legally permitted to work in South Africa

To apply submit CV, a letter of motivation, and contact details of three referees to eleanor@saveourseas.

Enquiries: Dr Eleanor Yeld Hutchings at (021) 788 6694

Application Closing Date: 8th June, 2018