Mariners' Lake Program Assistant - Seasonal Part-Time

The Mariners’ Museum and Park’s mission is to connect people to the world’s waters, because through the water-through our shared maritime heritage- we are connected to one another. One key component of that connection to the water and our maritime heritage is experiential outdoor programs- specifically on-water (e.g., kayaking, canoeing, and fishing) and land-based programs (e.g., hiking, navigation, and mindfulness). Experiential programs in the Park and on the Lake represent a convergence of our core operational tenets: Conservation, Research, Access, and Value. The Park Department is committed to providing equitable access to a unique, engaging Museum and Park experience that enriches and provides value to the community.

Additionally, Mariners’ Park and Lake execute a living collection-based, community-focused strategy centered on creating sustainable landscapes, engaging educational programming, and accessible recreational and wellness opportunities.

The Mariners’ Lake Program Assistant is a professional charged with working under the general supervision of the Mariners’ Lake Program Manager to support the Mariners’ educational and interpretive mission to provide community-focused programming through recreation and wellness. While the focus of this position will be to assist with and support outdoor programs, the Mariners’ Lake Program Assistant will also aid the Park team in the conservation and maintenance of the living collection.

This seasonal, part-time, non-exempt position runs from April to October 2025 and offers an hourly wage of $15.00.

No phone calls, please – only applicants being considered for interviews will be contacted.

Duties:

• Maintain a strong commitment to welcoming, encouraging, educating, and enriching community members of all ages, identities, and learning styles.
• Help participants find their connection to our shared maritime heritage and see themselves as a valued part of The Mariners’ Museum and Park community.
• Effectively assess and manage risk to ensure participant and staff safety
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Ability to paddle with confidence and perform rescues safely and quickly.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills are required.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Ability to prioritize work assignments.
• Ability to connect and engage with program participants
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Must be flexible, patient, resourceful, and accountable.

On-Water Skills Requirements:

• Breathe independently (i.e., do not require medical devices to sustain breathing)
• Independently maintain sealed airway passages while underwater
• Independently hold head upright without neck/head support
• Manage personal mobility independently
• Follow instructions and effectively communicate
• Independently turn from face-down to face-up and remain floating face-up while wearing a properly fitted life jacket
• Get on/off or in/out of a paddle craft independently or with a reasonable amount of assistance
• Independently get out and from under a capsized paddlecraft
• Remount or reenter the paddlecraft following deep water capsize independently or with a reasonable amount of assistance
• Maintain a safe body position while attempting skills, activities, and rescues, and have the ability to recognize and identify to others when such efforts would be unsafe given your personal situation
• Swim 100 Meters non-stop without a floatation aid
• Actively tread water for five minutes without a floatation aid or back-floating

Education and Experience:

• Must be able to swim and meet on-water skills requirements.
• First Aid CPR Required (may be acquired immediately upon hiring)
• Experience in education, therapeutic adventure or recreational programming preferred.
• American Canoe Association Level II or higher in Coastal or Whitewater Kayak or Canoe preferred.
• Challenge course facilitation experience preferred.
• Volunteer or internship experience in a museum or educational setting is preferred.

Conditions of Employment:

• Must be available to work between 9:00 AM and 1:30 PM Monday-Friday
• Must be available to work some evenings, weekends, and special events.
• Must be able to pass a background check and possess a clear Motor Vehicle Record prior to employment.
• Must have reliable transportation