The Annis Water Resource Institute (AWRI) seeks passionate and energetic environmental educators to engage students in hands-on, place-based learning experiences onboard its research vessels and in its indoor/outdoor programming. Instructors are assigned to the W. G. Jackson (docks in Muskegon), the D. J. Angus (docks in Grand Haven), or the land-based program, or may serve in a combination of roles. AWRI anticipates hiring one or more instructors for the 2025 season, based on programming demand. These positions report to AWRI's Education Specialist.
AWRI is a multidisciplinary research organization within Grand Valley State University's (GVSU) College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, with a mission to integrate research, education, and outreach to enhance and preserve freshwater resources. AWRI's outreach program delivers hands-on, investigative education about water to the public, with special emphasis on youth. Our floating learning laboratories and landside programming connect people in West Michigan with local water resources through experiential learning about water chemistry, lake food webs, human impacts on water quality, and more. Participants aboard an educational cruise have an opportunity to serve as freshwater scientists, collecting data and observations about the water bodies they sail through. Since 1986, nearly 200,000 people have experienced hands-on science on Lake Michigan and adjoining waters through these programs.
Position Summary

• Science Instructors are responsible for conducting educational programs in the outreach program, including seasonal programs aboard the research vessels as well as landside programming and special events.
• The program on the vessels is delivered by two Science Instructors that team-teach. Instructors guide participants through water quality tests and other observations to compare the physical, biological, and chemical characteristics of Lake Michigan and smaller inland lakes. Along the way, the Science Instructors also share place-based information about the history and current conditions of the lakes and their watersheds, as well as related research of AWRI scientists.
• We also offer a land-based complement to the onboard cruises, which engages students in place-based learning on AWRI's grounds about a variety of related water topics. The landside curriculum includes activities developed by AWRI staff, as well as draws from programs such as Project WET, Michigan Environmental Education Curriculum Support (MEECS), Healthy Water Healthy People, and the Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment (GLOBE) program.
• The outreach season is from mid-April through mid-October. Training for the 2025 season commences in mid-March to early April 2025, with programs beginning in mid-April.
• These are part-time, seasonal positions. Work hours will vary depending on the program schedule and instructor preferences. A typical schedule is 2-3 days a week during the spring and fall seasons, with fewer days during the summer. There are generally two cruises per day lasting 2.5 hours each. Typically, programs run during normal business hours on weekdays, with occasional evening and Saturday programs. Instructors cannot work more than 29 hours per week.

Primary Duties

• Provide instruction during onboard aquatic science cruises on the W.G. Jackson and/or D.J. Angus for grades 4-12, college, and adult; and/or indoor/outdoor land-based programming.
• Deliver AWRI's established curriculum as well as offer responsive place-based/site-specific commentary and learning opportunities.
• Ensure that curriculum objectives are met and that participants have meaningful learning experiences.
• Adapt the program to the needs of each group, weather conditions, and any special circumstances.
• Foster a welcoming and accessible learning environment for all visitors, and uphold GVSU's values of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Work with the rest of the team of Science Instructors to set up instructional materials before a program, reset educational spaces before the next program, and maintain educational supplies and materials.
• Complete onboard safety training, assist in the safe and efficient operation of the vessel during education programs, and be prepared to assist in an emergency.
• Attend outreach team meetings, including participating in pre-season curriculum training and set-up, as well as post-season wrap-up.
• Contribute to the development of support materials and continually improving the outreach program.
• Participate in other outreach efforts such as teacher workshops, open houses, and special events when possible.
• Stay current on water issues and continue to enrich their aquatic science knowledge base.
• Represent GVSU and AWRI in a professional manner.
• Abide by all rules, regulations, and requirements for GVSU employees, including COVID-19 policies.
• Perform other duties as required/assigned by supervisor.

Required Qualifications and Education

• Passion for environmental education, experiential learning, and connecting people with local waters.
• Broad knowledge of current water and environmental issues, the natural world, the Great Lakes, and human impacts to aquatic ecosystems.
• Demonstrated ability to work with students in a group setting and adapt curricula to a variety of age levels, learning styles, abilities, and backgrounds.
• Teaching experience in formal or informal contexts (e.g. environmental education, outdoor recreation, interpretation, classroom teaching, or related field).
• Proficiency in best practices of outdoor education and place-based learning, and demonstrated experience in maintaining safe learning environments.
• Commitment to the mission of AWRI.
• For teaching on the vessels: Instructors are required to participate in the Random Drug Testing Program during the vessel season, as well as pass a pre-employment drug test (per Coast Guard regulations).

Preferred Qualifications and Education

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in a field related to aquatic science (such as environmental studies, biology, natural resources, etc.) or education (such as science education, or teaching certificate).
• Encouraged to complete CPR and First Aid certification (employer-provided).

Working Conditions
Work is primarily performed onboard AWRI's research vessels, on site on the AWRI grounds, and in the R.B. Annis Educational Foundation Classroom. Candidates should be able to:

• Spend multiple hours outdoors in all types of weather (including heat, cold, rain, snow, and wind) and on variable waters.
• Stand and walk for the duration of a typical 2.5 hour program and pre/post program prep. There is no seating on the vessels and most outdoor learning spaces; seating is available in the indoor classroom.
• Stand and walk on occasionally uneven ground, primarily asphalt and grass.
• Lift up to 25 pounds and assist in emergency procedures.
• Hear crew members and onboard participants that might be out of direct sight-line.
• Have 20:20 vision (with corrective lenses) to provide oversight during onboard activities.

Compensation: This position has a starting wage of $16/hour, and is not benefits-eligible.
Campus: Muskegon, MI and/or Grand Haven, MI
Application Deadline: Priority will be given to applications received by 11:59pm on February 9, 2025. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis thereafter. The posting may be closed at any time at the discretion of the University.
How To Apply: Apply online at GVSU Careers (Workday). Applications received outside this portal will not be accepted.
Please include 1) a cover letter describing the applicant's interest in and qualifications for the position, 2) resume, and 3) three professional references (with names, phone numbers, and email addresses). The online application will allow you to attach these documents electronically, in the same file location.
Please note that successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without the need of an employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of appointment.
If you need assistance with the application, call Human Resources at 616-331-2215.
If you have questions regarding AWRI or the position responsibilities, please contact Christina Catanese, AWRI Education Specialist ( ). Also, see our website for more information about the program (
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Must have the physical stamina to work long hours and/or more than 5 days per week. 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. The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act as amended by the ADA Amendment Act (2008), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and other applicable federal and state laws that prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability. GVSU will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. See TDD Callers: Call Michigan Relay Center at 711 (in State) or 1-800-833-7833 (out of State).
Grand Valley State University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer, which includes providing equal opportunity for racial and ethnic minorities, women, protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. University policy extends protections to additional identities.