Kayak Volunteers support Felix Neck staff with guided kayak tours on Sengekontacket Pond. As a volunteer, you’ll help fit participants with gear, assist with launching and landing boats, and support a safe, welcoming experience for all throughout the trip. Kayaking is a unique way to experience this special ecosystem: we’re looking for volunteers who love to be outdoors, want to help connect others to nature through this program, and are eager to get more experience in the fields of conservation, environmental education, and outdoor recreation.
Responsibilities
- Support staff with loading, unloading, launching, and landing kayaks.
- Support staff with packing and unpacking program equipment and materials.
- Support participants with life jackets and paddles.
- Actively kayak for approximately 1.5-2 hours alongside the group.
- Keep the group together during the tour, acting as “sweep” so no one is left behind.
- Offer assistance to participants as needed.
- Proactively communicate with staff if there is a concern or issue.
- Maintain positive and encouraging energy throughout the program.
Qualifications
- Comfort and experience on the water and in a kayak, with a level of fitness to kayak for at least 2 hours.
- Patient, friendly, and enthusiastic about working with members of the public, who may be new to kayaking.
- Aged 18 or older.
- Successful completion of a CORI/SORI background check.
- Some marine/bird knowledge is helpful but not required.
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.
