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Marine Science Instructor
Western Flyer Foundation
Contractor
Santa Cruz, CA, USA
USD 23-25 / hour
Posted on Aug 22, 2025
Title: Marine Science Instructor
Reports to: Education Manager
Employee Classification: Temporary/Seasonal, Non-Exempt, Hourly
Hours: 20-30 hours/ week, flexible schedule with some weekends and evenings
Location: Monterey Bay Region (Moss Landing, Monterey, Salinas, Santa Cruz)
Term: September 2025 – December 2025 (ideal start date September 10th)
Wage: $23-25/hour based on experience, 20-30 hours per week
Deadline: Open until filled; seeking to fill ASAP.
About the Western Flyer Foundation
In 1940, writer John Steinbeck and marine biologist Ed Ricke s chartered the sardine fishing boat Western Flyer for a six-week trip to Mexico’s Gulf of California. Their journey inspired Sea of Cortez (1941) and later The Log from the Sea of Cortez (1951), cemen ng the boat as a symbol of science, storytelling, and friendship.
Decades later, a er the Western Flyer was nearly lost to me, marine geologist John Gregg purchased and restored the vessel. Today, the Western Flyer serves a new purpose as a floa ng classroom and research pla orm operated by the Western Flyer Founda on, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with a mission: “To s r curiosity through marine research, educa on, and a blend of science and art inspired by John Steinbeck, Ed Ricke s, and their journey on the Western Flyer.”
Our hands-on oceanography programs pair classroom lessons with day trips at sea, introducing students to marine science, research technologies, and the rich literary and ecological heritage of Monterey Bay. Onboard, students collect and analyze data using tools like a CTD profiler, ROV, echosounder, and plankton nets—all while immersed in the story of the Western Flyer. For more informa on about the Western Flyer Founda on, visit www.westernflyer.org.
Position Summary
We’re seeking a part-me Marine Science Instructor to support our Fall 2025 educa on programs. You’ll lead engaging marine science lessons in classrooms and aboard the Western Flyer, help facilitate logis cs, and be part of a small, mission-driven team. Expect dynamic and fast-paced days on the water (1–3 day trips per week), engaging work with college, high school, and middle school students, and a highly collabora ve environment.
The ideal candidate has experience teaching, a strong grounding in marine science, and is confident working on a boat. You’re passionate about educa on and science communica on, adaptable, and enthusias c about connec ng people to the ocean through science and the arts.
Responsibilities and Scope:
• Facilitate dynamic interdisciplinary marine science programs for groups of 15–30 students (middle school through college)
• Contribute to docked and at-sea programs as well as special events and outreach
• Supervise rota ons and instruc on of small groups (5–15 students) in the use of scien fic equipment aboard the Western Flyer, facilita ng basic analysis and data interpreta on
• Assist with program logis cs including but not limited to setup/cleanup of teaching materials and data entry
• Priori ze safety aboard the vessel by following and enforcing protocols and working closely with program and vessel staff
• Support the Educa on Manager with scheduling, prep, and communica on with partner organiza ons
• Jump in where needed—as part of a small team, flexibility, problem-solving, and a “cando” a tude are essen al
Qualifications
Required
• Bachelor’s degree in marine or environmental science, a related field, or educa on with a science focus; or equivalent experience
• Experience teaching or leading groups in a science, outdoor educa on, or interdisciplinary (science-art) setting
• Demonstrated understanding of and ability to teach and/or interpret basic marine, environmental, and atmospheric science concepts, with openness to integra ng humani es and the arts to deepen learning and engagement
• Knowledge and familiarity with best practices in teaching inquiry-based science
• Effective reading, verbal, and wri en communica on and presenta on skills
• Strong organiza onal and classroom management skills
• Ability to take initiative and work with appropriate supervision to reliably meet goals and objectives
• Comfortable working on boats and in outdoor conditions
• Ability to lift 30 lbs, stand for 3 hours, and move safely up and down vessel ladders
• Flexible availability, including some weekends and variable weekly schedules
• Commitment to safety, equity, diversity and accessibility in educa on
Preferred:
• Spanish language fluency
• Experience opera ng or assis ng with scien fic instruments (ROVs, plankton nets, etc.)
• Prior experience with community college or high school students
• Familiarity with Monterey Bay marine ecosystems and oceanography
Salary and Benefits
$23-25 per hour, depending on experience. Part-time (20-30 hours per week) and seasonal (September-December) with a flexible schedule. Occasional weekend work will be required. No benefits (seasonal/ temporary position)
How to Apply
Please email a resume and brief cover letter to rials@westernflyer.org with the subject line “Marine Science Instructor.” We’re reviewing applica ons on a rolling basis and hope to fill the posi on quickly. No phone calls, please.
Diversity and Inclusion
The Western Flyer Founda on is commi ed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace that reflects the communi es we serve. We strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, veterans, and individuals with disabili es to apply. We value the unique perspec ves and lived experiences that each team member brings to our mission and are commi ed to crea ng a welcoming and equitable environment where all individuals can thrive.
Western Flyer Foundation is an equal opportunity employer.