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Post date: Jan 30, 2017 11:17:49 PM
Pennington Marine Science Center 2017 Summer Internship Santa Catalina Island, CA
Position Title: Marine Science Education and Aquarist Intern
Company/Organization: Pennington Marine Science Center, Western Los Angeles County Council- Boy Scouts of America
Location: Camp Emerald Bay, Santa Catalina Island, CA. 33° 28' 08" N, 118° 31' 52" W
Duration: 3 months
Summer Internships: May 23 – August 15, 2017; Application deadline February 22, 2017
Position Summary:
Marine Science Education and Aquarist Interns report to the Director of Marine Science. Interns play a key role in teaching marine science to a diverse group of scouts and students, the husbandry of temperate marine fish and invertebrates, maintaining the appearance of exhibits as well as the accessions and deaccessions of animals in the collection. Like other camp counselors, interns are expected to participate in camp wide duties such as flag ceremonies, serving meals in the dining hall, attendance and participation in campfire skits and other camp duties as assigned. Staff uniforms are Boy Scout specific including the traditional Class A shirt, green shorts and socks.
The Pennington Marine Science Center supports the mission of Camp Emerald Bay through the use of its exhibits, classrooms and proximity to the ocean to teach the Oceanography Merit Badge, BSA Aquarist and BSA Oceanographer classes. These courses are designed to teach scouts and other students the fundamental concepts of Oceanography, marine fauna and flora, geology as well as conservation and stewardship of the ocean and its inhabitants. Our facilities and programs provide interns with experience in animal husbandry following AZA guidelines and the opportunity to teach marine science education to students of a variety of ages and socioeconomic backgrounds. The skills acquired during the internship prove to be invaluable in a number of careers involving public aquariums, informal science education, marine labs and aquaculture.
The Pennington Marine Science Center is a part of the Western Los Angeles County Council’s Camp at Emerald Bay located near the West end of Santa Catalina Island. Camp Emerald Bay serves more than 7,000 boy and girl scouts, YMCA groups and other students on an annual basis. In addition to the marine science center, the camp offers environmental education, ceramics, archery, shooting sports, mountain biking, sailing, kayaking, canoeing, scuba and snorkeling facilities which are used to support our mission to teach leadership, ethics and stewardship to participants through the use of Merit Badges and experiential outdoor education.
A far cry from the bustling tourist destination of Avalon, the West End offers camp staff unparalleled opportunities for diving, hiking, trail running, swimming, snorkeling, mountain biking, kayaking, camping, and many other activities that add to the allure of working on the west end of the island. The nearest town is Two Harbors, with about 100 year round residents, and is a 30-minute drive on dirt roads. Because of our isolated location, applicants must consider this since it’s very difficult to “run into town” for anything and while there is one general store, the emphasis must be placed on “general”. Creature comforts may not be readily accessible, but the island’s spectacular beauty and atmosphere more than make up for any lack of modern conveniences.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
● Teaching Marine Science Education Classes
● Husbandry of temperate marine fish and invertebrates ● Maintaining the appearance of exhibits
● Animal diet preparation and feeding ● Water Quality monitoring and testing
● Assist the Director in collecting specimens for exhibits using S.C.U.B.A, hook and line and other methods
● Life Support system monitoring and maintenance ● Record keeping
● Public engagement and the facilitation of group tours ● Public Speaking
● Other duties as assigned such as:
○ Flag ceremonies
○ Serving meals to scouts in the dining hall
○ Participation in skits
○ Campsite hosting
○ Staff activities such dodgeball, assassin and broomball
Qualifications:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Education and/or Experience:
● BS/BA in Marine Biology, Biology, Zoology, Environmental Science, Education or other related discipline or be working towards the aforementioned degrees at an accredited 4 year university
● Professional animal husbandry experience in an aquarium or zoo a plus ● Experience teaching science or outdoor education
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
● Current S.C.U.B.A certification from a nationally recognized agency such as PADI, SSI or NAUI
● ReefCheck/AAUS scientific diver certification a plus ● First Aid and CPR preferred but not required
● Oxygen First Aid and Hazardous Marine Life Response training a plus ● Familiar with Google docs
● Strong organizational and writing skills
● Ability to work effectively with co-workers
● Familiarity with use of plumbing, hand and power tools, ● Ability to climb up and down stairs
● Ability to lift 50 lbs
Language Skills:
Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to speak effectively to groups or individuals.
Physical Demands & Work Environment:
The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, sit, walk, and reach with hands and arms, and talk or hear. Must be able to perform repetitive motions 75% of the time. Must be able to lift 50 lbs.
Pay Rate: $195.29/ week. In addition, room and board provided for the duration of the internship in camp style housing and dining facilities. Travel stipend for transportation to and from the island available.
Application Instructions:
If interested, please send Cover Letter, Resume and unofficial transcript to the Director of the Pennington Marine Science Center. Questions regarding the position should be directed to David Chan using the contact information listed below.
Contact Information:
David Chan, Director
Pennington Marine Science Center 1 Cove Road
Avalon, CA 90704
1-310-510-1795 ext 36 penningtonmsc@gmail.com
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