Closing Date: March 5, 2018

Location: Sedge Island Natural Resource Education Center, Seaside Park, Ocean County

Job Duration: April through mid-October, with occasional staff meetings November - March

Background: Sedge Island Natural Resource Education Center is a historic duck hunting lodge that was renovated for use as a residential education facility on Sedge Island in Barnegat Bay. Program participants meet at the Fish and Wildlife dock located at Island Beach State Park where they board a pontoon boat for a 15-minute transit to the island. Up to 16 participants sleep in the seven bunkroom center. The center is completely off the grid with solar power providing electricity. A shallow greywater system provides water for dish washing. Two Clivus Multrum composting toilets handle human waste. The kitchen stove and the water heater are powered by propane. There are no shower facilities.

Middle and high school groups as well as adult groups stay at Sedge from 1 to 5 days. A typical program is 3 days. Groups bring enough food to feed them plus the staff while staying on the island. Staff is with the group from the time they meet the group at the dock until the time they are say goodbye on the last day.

The goal of the education program is to instill an appreciation of natural systems and resources through living a conservation lifestyle, hands-on activities, and consuming at least one meal they have harvested from the bay.

This position is ideal for science teachers seeking part-time summer employment, or recently retired educators.

Job Description: This dual position is both as a Licensed Captain and a Program Director. As a Licensed Captain, the position requires transporting scheduled groups to the island, and working alongside other staff captains to ensure all boats are in safe operating condition, in addition to performing regular maintenance to the boats. Work schedule will be shared with three other program directors, and will vary throughout the months.

Program Directors are responsible for teaching, facilitating activities, supervising interns, assisting with daily operations and facility upkeep, guiding participants in kitchen tasks, and coordinating the program with group leaders. The following is a partial list of responsibilities and duties:

• Teach participants about conservation and salt marsh ecology through marsh exploration by kayak, clamming, fishing, crabbing, microscopes, water quality, trawl net, sein net, snorkeling and more.
• Communicate with group leaders prior to the programs regarding: program goals, arrival and departure times, special needs, etc.
• Provide a safe learning environment for groups.
• Stay overnight at the Sedge House with groups.

• United States Coast Guard Captain's License (Master or OUPV "6-pack")
• Knowledge and experience navigating Barnegat Bay (preferred)
• Formal or non-formal teaching experience
• Salt marsh ecology knowledge
• Able to identify flora and fauna of the estuarine environment
• Experienced kayaker
• Fishing and clamming experience
• Able to live in a hot, humid, buggy environment
• First Aid and CPR certified
• Valid driver license
• Able to supervise and train interns and volunteers
• Able to live with little to no privacy while sharing a staff room with up to 2 interns

Compensation: $14.00/hour (up to 900 hours/fiscal year), free wi-fi

Questions: E-mail Karen Byrne at karen.byrne@dep.nj.gov or call 609-748-4347.

To Apply: Submit a letter of interest and resume with 3 references to:

karen.byrne@dep.nj.gov