Manager of Fishing and Outdoor Experiences

Organization Background

Maritime Aquarium’s mission is to ignite a connection to Long Island Sound and the ocean to enrich the lives of all people and inspire action to protect our blue planet. For 38 years, the Aquarium has played a significant role in shaping the landscape of Norwalk and the region. The second largest family attraction in Connecticut, and 50 miles from New York City, the Aquarium hosts nearly 450,000 guests annually. Its primary exhibits take guests on a voyage from the shallow salt marshes and estuaries to the depths of the Long Island Sound and the ocean beyond, culminating with habitats for sharks and harbor seals.  

   Altogether, the Aquarium is home to more than 8,000 animals and 285 species in 75 exhibits. A new 4D Theater offers a unique sensory film experience for guests. Its education programs introduce nearly 50,000 students, campers and scouts to marine and STEM education. The Aquarium is recognized as a top aquarium in the nation and is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. It is an active participant in the local and regional community. The strength of the Aquarium is its approximately 97 full-time and 78 part-time employees, seasonal staff, and our volunteers.  

Position Overview

The Maritime Aquarium’s vessels serve as floating classrooms, introducing passengers to the marine life and natural beauty of Long Island Sound. The fleet consists of two inspected passenger vessels — 64-foot hybrid-electric catamaran (R/V Spirit of the Sound) and a 46-foot Chesapeake Deadrise (R/V Sound Explorer)— as well as a 14-foot rigid hull inflatable boat. The Manager of Fishing and Outdoor Experiences will manage the Aquarium’s vessel education programs and be responsible for two new initiatives that rely on the Aquarium’s fleet: 1) Fishing programs for children, students and families that provide novice fishers with instruction in safe fishing techniques emphasizing sustainability and environmental stewardship; 2) A fellowship program that provides fishing and other wilderness experiences to local teens who demonstrate leadership potential and have previously not had those opportunities. 

Extensive fishing experience and boating in a professional context is an absolute requirement for consideration.

Compensation

This is a full-time, exempt position offering an annual salary of $52,000-$57,000. 

Schedule

The schedule varies throughout the year and includes frequent weekends during the spring, summer, and fall seasons. A more traditional Monday-Friday schedule is expected during the winter months, typically from November through March.

Primary Responsibilites

Fishing Programs

• Lead fishing programs for children, students and families
• Provide novice fishers with instruction in safe fishing techniques that emphasize sustainability and environmental stewardship
• Prep fishing gear; cut and prep bait and tackle
• Maintain records of catches and enter into relevant databases
• Know, understand and stay current on laws and regulations related to fishing in local waters, fishing permits, catch sizes and allowances, etc.
• Participate in drug screening program per USCG regulations and safety trainings

Fellowship Program

• In collaboration with other staff, play a lead role in creating annual teen fellowship programs designed to build leadership skills and foster love of nature and environmental stewardship
• Lead teen fellowship program, including fishing, camping and other outdoor/wilderness experiences
• Serve as a mentor and role model for participating teens
• Create and oversee application process for fellowship
• Maintain effective communications with participating teens and their parents/guardians
• Maintain a safe environment at all times; Prepare for and respond appropriately in emergency situations
• Create collaborative relationships and maintain effective communications with relevant program partners

General Vessel Program Administration

• Procure, organize and maintain related gear, making sure it is in excellent working order; manage vessel education supplies
• Recruit, train, and supervise educators and vessel crew in related programming and operations
• Maintain program budget and records, produce reports as needed and collaborate with Monitoring and Evaluation staff for program evaluation
• Schedule vessel crew in appropriate combinations based on their experience
• Update vessel program outlines and materials

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree from a 4-year institution
• Extensive fishing experience, ideally working as a mate or deckhand on a group/party fishing boat; proficient with knot tying
• Experience teaching or working with children, especially in outdoor settings
• Experience camping, kayaking and/or other relevant nature-based activities
• Safety mindset and general knowledge of first aid
• Proactive, with positive attitude and enthusiasm
• Love of nature and the outdoors, patience, ability to multitask
• Excellent interpersonal and public speaking skills, and an interest in environmental education
• Experience working with a team and developing staff
• Able to work weekends and some evenings, as well as in an outdoor setting in various weather conditions
• Must be able to lift/carry in excess of 30 pounds of gear and other equipment

Desired Qualifications

• Knowledge of local marine species and maritime history in Long Island Sound
• Spanish language skills

Benefits

• Health Insurance Benefits
• Health Reimbursement Account (HRA)
• Life Insurance
• Short- and Long-Term Disability
• Retirement Benefits and Plans
• Paid leave (Vacation and Sick Time, Bereavement Leave, Jury Duty, and Holidays)
• Paid Parental leave
• Employee Assistance Program
• Free Family Membership to The Maritime Aquarium

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. 

The Maritime Aquarium is an equal opportunity employer with a commitment to diversity. All individuals, regardless of personal characteristics, are encouraged to apply.