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On-Water Educator

Lake Champlain Maritime Museum
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Job Title: On-Water Educator

Reports To: Sailing Programs Manager

Schedule: Seasonal, late May thru mid-August: 40 hours/week, flexible schedule with start and end dates based on candidate’s availability. Some weekend and holiday time required.  

Status: Non-Exempt

Salary: $20 per hour

 

Job Description

Lake Champlain Maritime Museum is looking for an On-Water Educator to lead meaningful experiences on Lake Champlain with Museum visitors. The On-Water Educator will be responsible for creating an inclusive, safe, and welcoming environment for boaters of all experience levels and helping the public to make memorable and lasting connections with the Lake.  

Funding from Lake Champlain Basin Program will support a seasonal On-Water Educator in 2026 who will help develop and lead a regular series of on-water experiences for the general public, using the Museum’s fleet of canoes, kayaks, sailing dinghies, and rowing gigs. The On-Water Educator will be responsible for making sure weather and environmental conditions are safe for scheduled outings and keeping the boats in good condition in North Harbor. Public programs involve a range of programming including beginner level canoeing on Otter Creek, birdwatching, introductions to rowing, and other programs depending on the experience of the candidate. The On-Water Educator will also be responsible for providing additional support to other Museum programs such as Shipwreck tours and sailing programming. In all programs, this role will also be responsible for engaging with the public on topics of best practice for sustainable recreation on Lake Champlain, particularly critical lake issues for the long-term sustainability of the lake including clean, drain and dry, cyanobacteria blooms, and identification of aquatic invasive species.  

Whether it’s a visitor’s 50th or first time on the lake, we want to make sure that all people have access to a meaningful, direct experience on Lake Champlain! 

 

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Leading weekly on-water experiences for the public in the Museum’s fleet of canoes, kayaks, rowing gigs, and sailing dinghies, including during some weeknight evening hours.  
  • Assessing weather conditions, visitors’ prior experience and needs, and boat capacity to maintain a safe environment.  
  • Coordinating with Museum staff to keep track of registrations and attendance for programs, and to determine program locations  
  • Communicating best boating practices for sustainable recreation.  
  • Organizing and maintaining the boats on the docks at North Harbor. Maintenance may include painting, varnishing, and use of hand tools.
  • Keeping track of program data throughout the season, including visitor and participant counts, surveys, and visitor feedback.
  • Loading boats on a trailer and transporting to local regions as needed. 
  • Operation of motorized safety boat at LCMM dock during summer programming.
  • Keeping a welcoming and inclusive attitude for all visitors. 
  • Coordinating and collaborating with Museum staff with good communication skills.  
  • Assisting with other Museum programs as time allows, including but not limited to public interpretation, summer camps, expeditions, and boat shop work.

 

Basic Qualifications

  • CPR/First Aid certification are required. Lifeguard certification is a recommended by not required.
  • Interest and enthusiasm for engaging with the public and connecting with diverse audiences and varying experience levels.  
  • Experience leading the public on the water in small watercraft and supporting youth and adults, especially with canoes and kayaks. 
    • Prior experience sailing, rowing, or operating motorized vessels a plus but not a requirement.  
  • Understanding of safety issues and weather conditions in order to provide a safe and supportive environment for visitors.  
  • Vermont (or other state's) boating safety qualification is a plus, but an experienced candidate will earn the qualification in pre-season.
  • Ability to organize and prioritize tasks, including strong communication skills.  
  • A commitment to diversity, inclusion, accessibility, and equity.
  • Strong interpersonal and collaborative team skills. 
  • A commitment to collaboration and an enthusiasm for Lake Champlain, its history, and its future. 

 

Work Conditions

This position will include onsite, offsite, and on-water work. Work outside will occur in all weather conditions.

 

How To Apply

Please submit a resume, cover letter, and three references to the Director of Visitor Experience and Learning, Katharine Noiva, at katharine@lcmm.org with the subject line “On-Water Educator Application.” Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the position has been filled.

 

Equal Opportunity Employment

Lake Champlain Maritime Museum provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.