2024 Block Island Maritime Institute (BIMI) Internship

Full-time Seasonal Marine Science and Maritime Activities Educator

Position Announcement

Approximately June 16, 2024 – August 31, 2024

Primary Responsibilities

• Providing a welcoming environment for visitors, both adults and children.
• Engaging with visitors at our aquarium exhibits, providing education about the species on display. Further educating visitors about BIMI, Block Island, its local flora and fauna, sustainable marine systems, and various other marine science and maritime activities.
• Actively encouraging guests to visit the aquariums and participate in programs, providing ongoing education as to opportunities that are available.
• Participating in the creation of social media content on at least a weekly basis for the duration of the internship.
• Assist and provide oversight to volunteers.
• Documenting daily activities, observations, and research.
• Under direction of the Aquarium Manager, providing maintenance of the aquarium tanks and Institute facilities.
• Distributing posters, brochures, and other program information electronically and at locations around the Island.
• Participating in other island activities and coordinating with staff from other environmental education and community support programs on the island.
• Assisting with visiting school groups and clubs as needed.
• Sales of merchandise and programs. Encouraging donations.
• Other duties as assigned.

Specific Qualifications

• Working knowledge of marine science, ecology, or marine environmental education, preferably with a Bachelor of Science degree.
• Experience working with children in an educational or recreational setting preferred.
• HIGHLY motivated and self-driven – must be an independent thinker and accomplish tasks independently.
• Effective communication skills – must have the ability to clearly communicate with supervisors, coworkers, and visitors of all ages.
• Ability to interact appropriately with children, adults, and peers.
• Familiarity with various social media formats and ability to post on BIMI’s behalf preferred.
• Must be able to work effectively in a team structure. BIMI staff live and work on the same premises requiring that interns be able to communicate effectively with the BIMI team, seeking out support from co-workers and/or the Director when needed.
• Must be able to provide evidence of a criminal background check completed by the local police.
• Must be able to complete First Aid and CPR training prior to employment. (BIMI will reimburse this expense as needed).
• Lifeguard experience preferred.
• Experience in water sports preferred.
• Bilingual preferred.

Compensation

• $16.00 to $17.00 per hour.
• The internship will average 35 hours per week at regular pay from about June 19^th to about September 3^rd.
• Unscheduled overtime (over 40 hours) may be needed.

Other

• Interns are supervised directly by the Director with oversight in specific duties by the Aquarist and/or Public Outreach Coordinator.
• Housing may be provided, typically shared with other interns. Given the needs of running an aquarium and a non-traditional schedule of employment, BIMI is dependent upon its employees to be flexible. BIMI provides housing including utilities only for employees that can provide that flexibility. If the BIMI employee chooses to work for another entity or commit themselves to any project that disallows flexibility in the employee’s schedule, the employee will have to pay their fair share of rent and utilities for the apartment.
• A rent credit may be available for full-time employees if housing is not needed.
• Transportation, such as bringing your own bicycle, is recommended.

 How to Apply

• Applications will be accepted until positions are filled. To be considered in the first round of interviews, full application packet must be submitted via e-mail to bimi02807@gmail.com by no later than January 24, 2024. For more information, email or call Valerie Blansfield, Director at 401-500-3501.

Packet must include:

• Current Resume including any specialized certifications and/or skills including full name, mail address, e-mail address, and phone number where you can be reached.
• College Transcripts.
• Cover Letter (in 500 words or less) detailing your career goals, what you hope to gain from an internship; and what sets you apart from other candidates.
• Two (2) Reference Letters from a non-family member sent to bimi02807@gmail.com .

Full-time Seasonal Marine Science and Maritime Activities Educator

Position Announcement

Approximately June 16, 2024 – August 31, 2024

Primary Responsibilities

• Providing a welcoming environment for visitors, both adults and children.
• Engaging with visitors at our aquarium exhibits, providing education about the species on display. Further educating visitors about BIMI, Block Island, its local flora and fauna, sustainable marine systems, and various other marine science and maritime activities.
• Actively encouraging guests to visit the aquariums and participate in programs, providing ongoing education as to opportunities that are available.
• Participating in the creation of social media content on at least a weekly basis for the duration of the internship.
• Assist and provide oversight to volunteers.
• Documenting daily activities, observations, and research.
• Under direction of the Aquarium Manager, providing maintenance of the aquarium tanks and Institute facilities.
• Distributing posters, brochures, and other program information electronically and at locations around the Island.
• Participating in other island activities and coordinating with staff from other environmental education and community support programs on the island.
• Assisting with visiting school groups and clubs as needed.
• Sales of merchandise and programs. Encouraging donations.
• Other duties as assigned.

Specific Qualifications

• Working knowledge of marine science, ecology, or marine environmental education, preferably with a Bachelor of Science degree.
• Experience working with children in an educational or recreational setting preferred.
• HIGHLY motivated and self-driven – must be an independent thinker and accomplish tasks independently.
• Effective communication skills – must have the ability to clearly communicate with supervisors, coworkers, and visitors of all ages.
• Ability to interact appropriately with children, adults, and peers.
• Familiarity with various social media formats and ability to post on BIMI’s behalf preferred.
• Must be able to work effectively in a team structure. BIMI staff live and work on the same premises requiring that interns be able to communicate effectively with the BIMI team, seeking out support from co-workers and/or the Director when needed.
• Must be able to provide evidence of a criminal background check completed by the local police.
• Must be able to complete First Aid and CPR training prior to employment. (BIMI will reimburse this expense as needed).
• Lifeguard experience preferred.
• Experience in water sports preferred.
• Bilingual preferred.

Compensation

• $16.00 to $17.00 per hour.
• The internship will average 35 hours per week at regular pay from about June 19^th to about September 3^rd.
• Unscheduled overtime (over 40 hours) may be needed.

Other

• Interns are supervised directly by the Director with oversight in specific duties by the Aquarist and/or Public Outreach Coordinator.
• Housing may be provided, typically shared with other interns. Given the needs of running an aquarium and a non-traditional schedule of employment, BIMI is dependent upon its employees to be flexible. BIMI provides housing including utilities only for employees that can provide that flexibility. If the BIMI employee chooses to work for another entity or commit themselves to any project that disallows flexibility in the employee’s schedule, the employee will have to pay their fair share of rent and utilities for the apartment.
• A rent credit may be available for full-time employees if housing is not needed.
• Transportation, such as bringing your own bicycle, is recommended.

 How to Apply

• Applications will be accepted until positions are filled. To be considered in the first round of interviews, full application packet must be submitted via e-mail to bimi02807@gmail.com by no later than January 24, 2024. For more information, email or call Valerie Blansfield, Director at 401-500-3501.

Packet must include:

• Current Resume including any specialized certifications and/or skills including full name, mail address, e-mail address, and phone number where you can be reached.
• College Transcripts.
• Cover Letter (in 500 words or less) detailing your career goals, what you hope to gain from an internship; and what sets you apart from other candidates.
• Two (2) Reference Letters from a non-family member sent to bimi02807@gmail.com.