Discover Cayuga Lake, Inc. (“DCL”) is a nonprofit organization based in Ithaca, NY, offering interactive lake cruises and educational programming for Finger Lakes residents and visitors. Our programs emphasize equitable access, engagement and education by putting people in touch with the human and natural history of the region.
Position Overview: The DCL Youth Program Coordinator will work with the Director for Educational Programs and other DCL staff to create and maintain a well-coordinated suite of youth education and development experiences offered by DCL. Strong written communication and classroom presentation skills are a must. Interest in outdoor science education, social and environmental equity are desirable.
Core Responsibilities:
Educational Programming: (Up to 20 hrs/wk) Assist the Director of Educational Programming, and take on increasing responsibility with experience. Responsibilities include:
○ Management of the Finger Lakes Trout in the Classroom program, during the winter season (Oct. – May) including presentation of prepared classroom lessons, program logistics and communication with teachers at participating schools. (20 hrs/wk)
○ Presentation of boat based Floating Classroom programs for students, grades 5 to college, May to October. (Up to 10 hours/week)
○ Maintenance of lake monitoring equipment and classroom aquarium systems, and assistance with training of DCL crew and volunteers in the use of equipment, as needed;
○ Research and development of new curriculum elements.
Youth Crew Program: (Up to 20 hrs/week.) YPC will manage the implementation of DCL’s Youth Crew program for early teens, June-August. Responsibilities will include the following:
○ Coordination with regional Youth Employment Services programs in recruitment.
○ Design and implementation of and annual youth crew program plan and budget, addressing training and development plans, and staff mentoring processes.
○ Youth Crew direct supervision during summer months, and integration of youth crew into DCL schedule.
○ Collaboration with other regional organizations when appropriate.
Administrative Elements:
○ Oversee development of annual budgets and assessments for Trout in the Classroom and Youth Crew programs,
○ Prepare annual funding requests and information to regional sponsors.
○ Work with Fundraising Committee of DCL to develop a strong sponsorship community in support of the Trout in the Classroom and Youth Guide programs.
Secondary Responsibilities: The Coordinator will work with DLC’s internship program lead to coordinate interactions between DCL’s Youth Crew & Internship programs. The Coordinator will also provide images and content for social media, and assist with customer service as needed.
Supplementary Hours: The Coordinator may complete training and take on hours as a DCL Crew Member, May-October. Information is available in a separate “Crew Member” Position Description.
Experience: A general knowledge of boating and regional ecology, and comfort with public speaking, are needed. Additionally, a background in aquatic ecology, natural resources, education or ecotourism is a plus. However, candidates need not have expertise in all areas, and will have opportunities to focus on areas of strength.
● Training will be provided as needed.
● First Aid certification will be offered; pre-existing CPR/1st Aid or lifeguard certification a plus.
Requirements: Applicants must be ready and able to work outdoors in physically demanding conditions and locations, such as streams and on a commercial passenger vessel.
● If serving as crew, this individual must adhere to drug-free certification and random testing programs required by US Coast Guard, and all other crew training and dispositional requirements, when working as Teal crew.
● Must be 21 or older.
● Must be able to provide own transportation.
Terms of Employment: This is a year-round, part-time position with seasonal variation. A minimum of 20 hours/week is anticipated. Additional hours as MV Teal Crew will be available during the cruise season, May to October, up to 40 hours/week total. The Program Coordinator will also have the opportunity to increase their range of responsibility and year round employment level as DCL grows.
● Compensation: Starting at $23/hr, commensurate with experience.
● Benefits: Paid vacation, paid holidays, insurance options (pending), consistent with DCL employment policies. (Documents to be provided.)
● This employee will be covered by and will adhere to established DCL employment policies.
● The Program Assistant is supervised by the Executive Director/Director of Educational Programming, or a designate.
● This individual may work independently from a remote location, when appropriate, but must be available during business hours at least three weekdays on a regular basis. Weekly staff meetings expected. Some weekend/evening availability is expected.
● Individual works at the will of DCL, and is subject to annual performance evaluations.
DCL is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to being an inclusive organization.
