Waterborne Boat Building Educator

Glen Foerd seeks an engaging educator and boat builder to facilitate our in-school boat building programs this fall. This individual will also be responsible for constructing boat kits in Glen Foerd’s woodshop. This position requires advanced boat building and/or carpentry skills and a demonstrated history of working with middle- and high-school students.

 

Specific Duties and Responsibilities:

• Manage small groups of school youth (both middle- and high-school) in an educational setting
• Prepare boat kits (12’ wooden rowboats) and transport them to participating schools prior to the program start date
• Teach students to safely and efficiently use hand tools needed for boat building
• Educate students on the rich cultural history of boating in this region, both prior to and after the founding of the City of Philadelphia
• Reinforce core math and science concepts students learned in the classroom
• Outside of time spent with students, the instructor will complete more advanced parts of boat construction not suitable for students. This includes planing chines and cutting compound angles.
• In consultation with full-time program staff, the instructor will order materials, tools, and supplies for programs.
• Transport completed rowboats from schools to Glen Foerd, and plan and participate in the launch of the rowboats on the Delaware River

 

Qualifications:

• Advanced boatbuilding and/or woodworking skills, including the ability to scarf plywood and use circular saws, power planers, hand planers, thickness planers, table saws, etc.
• Demonstrated interest in and history of working with middle- and high-school students
• Demonstrated interest in environmental education and Philadelphia’s waterways
• Experience working with diverse audiences
• Valid driver’s license and willingness to transport rowboats using Glen Foerd’s vehicle
• FBI Background check and PA Child Abuse History Clearance required after employment offer

 

Employment Type: Part-time, non-exempt. Glen Foerd’s boatbuilding programs typically run from November through April, and during the summer. Hours are mutually determined with participating schools and sometimes occur after school hours. Glen Foerd is looking for an instructor to facilitate two programs this fall (approximately 12 hours per week, or 4 class sessions per week). This is a part-time position with the potential to become a full-time position depending on program growth.

 

Glen Foerd is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. Glen Foerd will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.

The work of the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance is made possible through the generous support of committed individuals and institutions.