The GCC Citizen Science Educator will support the Gowanus Canal Conservancy (GCC) Citizen Science Water Quality Testing program. Serving as the lead instructor for school groups, the Educator works primarily with the GCC Education Coordinator and Education Director to carry out the program. GCC is participating in this program in partnership with the New York City Department of Education’s (DOE) Office of STEM Curriculum.

Citizen Science Program Description
Students from 5-6 partner schools visit GCC in Fall 2018 at the 2nd Ave Salt Lot to conduct water quality testing on samples from the Gowanus Canal. In 90 minute sessions, each school’s Citizen Science club will visit twice to test water samples with parameters that may include salinity, temperature, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, biological oxygen demand, enterococcus and phosphate. Students learn what each parameter means; how to use test equipment; collect data and read results using the Gowanus Canal as a field site. Students learn about NY Harbor water quality and how Combined Sewage Overflow (CSO) affects water quality. Students also learn how green infrastructure can lessen CSO and the role of citizen scientists in advocating for waterways.

Responsibilities

• Participate in program training, orientation and end of season evaluation meeting
• Lead and plan a 1-day professional development session for 10-12 participating middle school teachers on October 16, 2018 focused on water quality testing methods and NY Harbor Water Quality issues.
• Lead instruction for 90 minute outdoor sessions at the Gowanus Canal (10-12 total visits for 20-30 students each on Tuesdays and Thursdays)
• Train and manage assistant educators and volunteers on site
• Plan lessons and materials (curriculum already developed)
•  Participate in additional NYC DOE-led meetings with teachers on October 4 and December 14

Qualifications

• Experienced educator and scientific practitioner with experience teaching in field work settings
• Competency with basic water quality testing parameters, methods, data and equipment is essential
• A background in Marine Ecology or Marine Biology is helpful but not required
• Ability to teach both students and teachers effectively
• Passion for cultivating environmental stewardship among youth
• Ability to train and manage less experienced staff and volunteers in the field

Schedule
Program takes place September-December 2018, with potential for contract renewal in Spring 2019. Program delivery with partner schools takes place on Tuesdays and Thursdays during the school day, October 25-December 6 (some dates may not be scheduled depending on schools). Staff training and program planning takes place in September with a full day teacher training on October 16.

Compensation
This is a part-time, seasonal contract, $25-$35 an hour, contingent on demonstrated experience. Approximately 100 total contract hours (~60 hours program delivery and ~40 hours of planning and admin).