The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that is a leading voice for U.S. protected waters, is seeking an Education & Outreach Specialist. As part of the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary (TBNMS)education and outreach team, the Education & Outreach Specialist will serve as an integral part of TBNMS efforts to engage the public in protecting the Great Lakes and their rich history. The Specialist will work closely with staff and various partners to enhance TBNMS’s educational and outreach efforts. The Specialist will assist with the sanctuary’s education programming, including marine technology/ROV programming, history and archaeology, and Great Lakes ecology. A highlight of ROV programming is the annual MATE ROV Competition. Additionally, the Specialist will work with staff and partners on developing and implementing Great Lakes recreation, education, and stewardship programs for students, educators, and the general public. Programs will be conducted in the sanctuary visitor center, classrooms, and in the field, including on the water.
The Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center (GLMHC) is the central focus of sanctuary outreach programs. It is a hub for community activity, including educational programs, public outreach events, festivals, meetings, and more. As the “gateway” to the 4,300 square miles of sanctuary waters in Lake Huron, the GLMHC serves a vital role in furthering the sanctuary’s mission to protect and preserve the Great Lakes and their rich history. Specifically, the Specialist will work closely with the sanctuary’s Visitor Center Manager to maximize the impact of the facility through interpretation, programming, and outreach events.
The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation is committed to a culture of inclusion, equity, and belonging. We are dedicated to attracting and retaining a diverse staff. We honor experiences, perspectives, and unique identities, and welcome the contributions that you can bring to the dedicated team. With a diverse team of employees, we can grow and learn better together and achieve our mission to protect the health of the ocean, coasts and Great Lakes for current and future generations.
What You’ll Do
Responsibilities:
- Assist in the sanctuary’s marine technology education programming, including the ROV and other robotics programming. This includes recruiting and training schools to participate in the programming.
- Work with partners to develop marine technology educational programs, including camps and workshops.
- Work with staff and partners to develop sanctuary education and stewardship programs for the youth of Northeast Michigan.
- Work with staff partners to facilitate “Get Into Your Sanctuary” and other programming in the sanctuary focused on the youth of Northeast Michigan.
- Schedule, plan, and lead sanctuary education and stewardship programs at the GLMHC, in schools, and in the field (including on the water) for students of all ages.
- Support sanctuary professional development opportunities for local educators and partners.
- Work with the staff to find creative ways to integrate ongoing research in the sanctuary into sanctuary outreach and education products and programs.
- Conduct community outreach to promote the sanctuary, including organizing and conducting community programs, developing website and social media content, conducting media interviews, and participating in community events and programs.
- Work closely with the superintendent and the Visitor Center Manager to train staff and volunteers on programming at the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center.
- Assist in planning and participating in community events, such as Thunder Bay Maritime Festival, Thunder Bay International Film Festival, lecture series, the annual MATE ROV competition, etc.
- Work with staff and community partners to identify outside resources (grants, partnerships, etc.) to help achieve the sanctuary’s outreach and education mission.
- Work with staff and community partners to develop volunteer opportunities at the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center.
- Write monthly internal reports showcasing educational programs.
Who You Are
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s Degree or higher.
- Experience in organizing, developing, and implementing education programs for K-12 students and educators both in schools and in the field.
- Experience conducting educational and outreach programming in a museum environment.
- A strong background in STEM education with a focus on marine technology and robotics, outdoor recreation.
- A passion for the Great Lakes and sharing it with the youth of Northeast Michigan.
- Competence in office computer proficiency, including word processing and spreadsheets and the Google Suite.
- A creative problem solver with good judgment.
- Outstanding organizational skills, passionate about accuracy, detail, and follow-through.
- Ability to work collaboratively with community partners.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Able to work independently with minimal supervision and as part of a team.
- A strong social responsibility dedicated to an idealistic mission.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Background in Great Lakes education and outreach.
- Background with Great Lakes history
- Experience in outdoor youth education and recreation
Why You Will Love Us
The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation (“Foundation”) is a leading voice for U.S. protected waters, working with communities to conserve and expand those special places for a healthy ocean, coasts, and Great Lakes. The Foundation works in close partnership with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to increase stewardship of our ocean and Great Lakes through on-the- water conservation projects, and education and public outreach activities, and by support for research. Together, we safeguard species and the places they call home, and support coastal communities and economies.
- Dedicated and passionate staff committed to marine and Great Lakes Conservation
- Generous leave policy, plus paid time off the week between December 25 and January 1; and 12 paid holidays
- Health benefits: Medical with an FSA option; dental, and vision
- Foundation paid Life and Disability Insurance
- Preparing for the Future: 403(B) with employer contribution after one year of service
- Commuter Benefits
Compensation and Benefits: $40,000-$50,000/year based on experience. The Foundation offers a competitive benefits package.
Applications must include a cover letter and resume. Applications received before January 28th will be preferred.
Location: Alpena, MI
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The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws. This commitment applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, and training. The Foundation makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time.
Underwater Archaeology and Maritime History jobs 