From the PT Marine Science Center
Inspire students, visitors, and the whole community to explore, experience, connect with, and take action to protect and steward the unique ecosystems of the Salish Sea.
The Port Townsend Marine Science Center (PTMSC) is seeking three Marine Stewardship Educator AmeriCorps Members to join our team dedicated to conserving the Salish Sea. These are full-time 10 ½ month positions starting October 17, 2022. These stipend-supported positions are sponsored by the Washington Service Corps AmeriCorps program. These positions are contingent upon funding.
PTMSC is a non-profit marine conservation, science and education organization located in Fort Worden State Park and downtown Port Townsend, Washington. Our two park facilities house a small vibrant aquarium featuring life from the nearshore habitats of the Salish Sea, a museum with a fully-articulated orca skeleton and natural history collections, and classrooms. (The new downtown facility is currently being developed.) Our exhibits also explore how human impacts such as climate change stress the fragile ecosystems in the Salish Sea, and what people can do, through their collective actions, to affect positive change. Based in a rural community with limited access to high quality science programming, PTMSC provides valuable, science-based learning opportunities for all ages. We do this through hands-on educational activities, public programs, social media, and citizen science projects. As a long standing part of our community (40+ years) we prioritize and model the positive actions being taken to steward these lands and waters for future generations.
AmeriCorps members will be recruited and interviewed in August and September, 2022. Primary activities shift seasonally, with an emphasis on school programs in the winter/spring and exhibit interpretation and day camps in the summer. Throughout the term, members help to coordinate and participate in a range of on-site and field-based citizen science projects with staff, volunteers, and our partners. Additionally, team members will learn about and assist with animal collection, animal care, and aquatic life support. And they coordinate volunteers to assist with research and outreach events, and collaborate with staff in developing new programs. There is a lot happening at PTMSC! Visit www.ptmsc.org to learn more.
DUTIES: All AmeriCorps positions will conduct activities within the following focus areas in order to inspire conservation of the Salish Sea:
1) Education (30%): Provide hands-on, inquiry-based K-12 science programs to students in economically disadvantaged schools.
2) Exhibits (40%): Provide meaningful informal science education through the operation, interpretation, and upkeep of our two exhibit halls and engage the public through tours and educational programs.
3) Volunteers/Outreach (15%): Provide meaningful volunteer opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds utilizing effective volunteer management strategies, such as training, coordinating, and recognizing volunteers. Provide outreach to the community through programs such as citizen science research, beach cleanups, tabling events, and social media.
4) Research (15%): Assist and coordinate citizen science research projects, collect and enter data both in the field and in the lab for projects that include identifying harmful marine phytoplankton (SoundToxins), surveying intertidal organisms, collecting data on stranded marine mammals, or hosting an iNaturalist BioBlitz.
OPPORTUNITIES:
● Serve with a team of educators developing and delivering state-of-the-art science education, programs, and exhibits
● Support current research through projects in citizen science
● Receive training in natural history, marine biology, ecology, teaching and interpretation techniques, and care of cold water marine animals
SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:
● College degree or background in marine biology, natural history, environmental education, citizen science, or a related field; or equivalent experience
● Familiarity with concepts and methods of scientific research
● Energetic, self-motivated team player and willing to learn
● Ability and willingness to interact with people of all ages and diverse backgrounds
● Excellent verbal and written communication skills
● Must be over 18 years old
● Must be able to serve a 10 ½ month term of service, and at least 1,700 hours
● Must have a current CPR and First Aid certification
● Must pass required federal background check
● Must be a U.S. Citizen or U.S. National or Permanent Resident Alien of the United States
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands below are representative of those necessary to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
● Ability to walk on uneven terrain for up to two miles carrying up to 30 pounds
● Ability to lift 40 pounds from the floor
● Ability to climb and work from ladders and climb stairs
● Ability to reach, use, lift and move 20 pounds from shoulder height
● Ability to work in small and awkward spaces,
● Ability to work outside in inclement weather conditions
● Ability to stand or sit for up to 8 hours with one 30 min break and two 15 min breaks
BENEFITS:
● Monthly stipend of $1,571 per month (pre-tax)
● Medical insurance coverage
● Education award of $6,495 (for college tuition or loans) upon successful completion of service term
● Workers compensation coverage
● Child Care Assistance if income-eligible
● Loan forbearance on qualifying student loans
● Eligible for Washington State Food Assistance program
● Visit the Become A Member page to learn more about WSC program benefits
TO APPLY: Applications consist of a letter of interest, resume, two letters of recommendation and three references; email submissions are preferred. Recommendations may be sent separately, but incomplete applications will not be considered. Please make sure your references will be available for contact. Applicants will also need to register on the MyAmeriCorps website to be considered for these service positions.
Submit applications via email to:
americorpsapplication@ptmsc.org
Port Townsend Marine Science Center 532 Battery Way Port Townsend, WA 98368
PRIORITY DEADLINE: Aug. 21, 2022
FINAL DEADLINE: October 1, 2022
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Tracy Thompson
Volunteer Program Coordinator
Filed under: Jobs | Tagged: Olympic Peninsula, Port Townsend |
