Marine Discovery Volunteers support Felix Neck’s visitors to learn about and connect with the coastal and marine ecosystems that characterize Martha’s Vineyard. Volunteers assist Mass Audubon Program Specialists with interactive activities including fishing, and using materials such as laminated photos, collected specimens, and biofacts (natural materials) while traveling aboard the Skipper boat out of the Oak Bluffs Harbor.
This volunteer role is a great fit for someone looking to get more hands-on experience in the fields of conservation, environmental education, and outdoor recreation during the summer months. We are looking for enthusiastic individuals who are passionate about connecting people with nature and protecting the natural world.
Responsibilities
- Attend entire duration of program, generally taking place every Tuesday from 5:30 – 7:30 pm from July 7 – September 1.
- Support Mass Audubon staff with setup and cleanup of program materials
- Educate visitors using pre-provided materials
- Answer basic questions about Mass Audubon and Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary
Qualifications
- Comfort and experience on a boat.
- Excellent people skills, personable and communicative.
- 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.
- 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 2.5 hours long every Tuesday from 5:15 – 7:45pm from July 7 – September 1.
- 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.
