Marine Science Education Fellow

Start date: September 9, 2026. Application deadline: 9am, August 24, 2026.

About the role

The Greater Farallones Association (GFA), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization working in partnership with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), offers the Marine Science Education Fellowship for individuals interested in pursuing a career in ocean education and gaining hands-on experience with two national marine sanctuaries. This in-person position is based at the headquarters of the Greater Farallones and Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuaries at Crissy Field in San Francisco.

The selected Fellow will gain experience in environmental education, marine science curricula, and public engagement while developing teaching skills and confidence working with students. Fellows will also have access to sanctuary resources and professional development opportunities. GFA is committed to cultivating the next generation of marine scientists and educators from all backgrounds and advancing public awareness and stewardship of the Greater Farallones and Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuaries.

This year, the Marine Science Education Fellow will provide instructional and administrative program support for the Sanctuary Visitor Center Field Trip program. Through this program, K–12 students experience interactive, hands-on learning in the Visitor Center, the adjacent Pier Classroom, the new Ocean Learning Laboratory, and at nearby Crissy Field Beach.

Schedule

This is a part-time position requiring a commitment of 25 hours per week, including scheduled in-person hours on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm and Saturdays from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Depending on the candidate’s availability, the position can be up to 28 hours per week. The position runs from September 9, 2026 through June 11, 2027.

Responsibilities

• Assist with the delivery of 90-minute Kindergarten-University Visitor Center field trips Wednesday through Friday (9am - 3pm).
• Maintain a safe and inclusive environment for all students during lessons.
• Assist with field trip introductions and conclusions, collecting emails from chaperones interested in weekend family workshops, and collecting teacher evaluations.
• Assist with field trip program set-up and clean-up.
• Staff the Greater Farallones and Cordell Bank Visitor Center on Saturdays from 10am-4pm and occasionally at other times, greeting and engaging guests in the exhibits and sharing sanctuary messages.
• Assist with Visitor Center aquarium maintenance and animal care.
• Assist daily with exhibit maintenance and cleaning.
• Support the sanctuaries’ 360 video Virtual Reality program by leading group showings of films like the “Cordell Bank 360 Adventure” and 360 video clips of the Farallon Islands. Additionally, collect 360 videos from coastal locations using an Insta360 x4 camera. Assist with charging and periodically updating system software for our collection of virtual reality headsets including our two loaner kits of headsets.
• Support and engage with both new and experienced Visitor Center volunteers who staff the sanctuary Visitor Center, ensuring they feel welcome and valued.
• Contribute to social media campaigns centered on visitor center programs.
• May contribute to other visitor center related program-specific tasks.

Qualifications

• An interest in gaining experience in marine science education as a field trip instructor.
• An interest in contributing to a thriving National Marine Sanctuaries Visitor Center.
• Willingness to learn teaching skills to effectively instruct K-12 students, ages 6 through 17, from diverse backgrounds.
• General knowledge or willingness to learn about concepts including key ocean organisms, coastal ecosystems, ocean acidification, and sanctuary stewardship.
• Ability to work as a team member and be an effective communicator.
• General computer skills and experience.
• An interest in virtual reality programming.
• Ability to adjust quickly to changing priorities and manage tasks in a sometimes busy environment.
• Ability to lift and carry 35 lbs, as this position requires transporting educational materials.
• Ability to move over uneven surfaces along the coast or in the city.
• Pass a mandatory background check and defensive driving course.
• Complete Child Mandated Reporter Training as part of the onboarding process.
• Have access to reliable transportation to the Visitor Center on Crissy Field.
• Negative TB test within the last 3 years.

Pay

This is a 9-month (September 9, 2026 - June 11, 2027) non-exempt hourly position paid at $27/hour. This position is eligible for holidays and sick time accruals on a pro-rated basis.