Seashore Discovery Program Assist Volunteers help visitors collect and connect with small tidal creatures and our larger coastal ecosystem as part of our Seashore Discovery programs. Mass Audubon’s Teacher Naturalists lead the program, while volunteers set up and cleanup program materials, distribute equipment, and support participants to dip their nets into the shallow water of Sengekontacket Pond. This volunteer position is best suited for those who love our coastal habitat and sharing the joy of discovery with others, enjoy being outdoors, and are willing to pitch in and do what is needed to help nature programming run smoothly.
Responsibilities
- Assist program leader with greeting participants as they arrive
- Assist program leader with program participant check in
- Distribute equipment needed for program
- Support participants with using equipment following program leader instruction
- Assist with supplies and program material
- Act as "sweep" on any program by taking up rear to make sure no one gets separated from the group
- Assist program leader and participants with spotting wildlife, plants, etc.
- Support participants with finding and seeing wildlife
- Informally share knowledge about nature subjects with participants (and staff)
- Help program leader collect, clean and stow program equipment
Qualifications
- Enjoys spending time interacting with and educating others, who have various levels of background knowledge on the presented educational content
- Strong interest, demonstrated knowledge, and enthusiasm to learn about natural history and site-specific nature and wildlife information, local conservation issues and education
- Must be able to walk the trails to the waterfront and be comfortable in entering the water
- Ability to work cooperatively with Mass Audubon staff and other volunteers
- Adult aged 18 or older
- Successful completion of a CORI/SORI background check
Schedule/Shift Information
- Shifts are 3 hours long
- Volunteers are asked to sign up for at least three programs sessions during the season – more than three welcome and encouraged!
- Volunteers are responsible for signing up for their shifts and logging their own hours after each volunteer shift in the online Volunteer Portal.
Benefits
- Connect with knowledgeable staff and learn more about natural history, conservation work, and education.
- Spend time outdoors in a beautiful natural setting, volunteering alongside individuals as passionate about the environment as you are!
- Exclusive online education programs are offered to volunteers who contribute 25 hours or more per year.
Next Steps
To express interest in this opportunity, click the "Respond" button. In the "Response Notes," share in a few sentences why you are interested and why you would be an excellent fit for this volunteer role. Please note that this step is only to express interest in this opportunity. A volunteer coordinator will follow up with you about the next steps, which will include a brief conversation and a background check before you begin volunteering.
