Part-Time Ocean Education Ambassador Program Coordinator Job Opening!

Part-Time Ocean Education Ambassador Program Coordinator Job Opening!

Apply by September 20, 2022

Passionate about preservation? Are you comfortable speaking to visitors? Are you great at inspiring and motivating others to volunteer? Are you an effective organizer? If so, this job is for you! Mālama Pūpūkea-Waimea is looking for a Coordinator to lead a team of volunteer Ocean Education Ambassadors to help educate visitors about pono ocean practices.

MPW is a Hawaiʻi non-profit organization founded on the North Shore of Oʻahu in 2005.  Our mission is “working to replenish and sustain the natural and cultural resources of the Pūpūkea and Waimea ahupua‘a for present and future generations through active community stewardship, education, and partnerships.”  For eighteen years, we have focused our stewardship and education efforts on the Pūpūkea Marine Life Conservation District (MLCD), one of only three MLCDs on Oʻahu and eleven statewide. Learn more about us on our website, IG, and FB.

In recent years, the number of people who visit the shallow-water areas of the Marine Sanctuary, specifically the Kapo‘o Tidepools and Cove, has increased significantly. With the increase in visitors comes an increase in damage to the marine environment and it is important, now more than ever, that we do what we can to actively educate these visitors on-site about rules, regulations, and pono practices. To increase awareness and reduce damage to the fragile marine environment, we are expanding our Makai Watch program to include a new volunteer-based Ocean Education Ambassador program.

Overview

Under the direction of the MPW Board and Director of Educational Programs, the MPW Ocean Education Ambassador (OEA) Program Coordinator will be responsible for educating visitors as well as recruiting, training, organizing, cultivating, and supporting Ocean Education Ambassador volunteers. 

Responsibilities

The Ocean Education Ambassador Program Coordinator will:

• be trained by MPW’s Director of Educational Programs in Ocean Education Ambassador activities, standards, and expectations,
• actively conduct OEA activities,
• recruit, train, organize, cultivate, and support reliable and motivated OEA volunteers,
• document and keep record (in MPW database) of OEA data (for self and volunteers) including number of people educated, incident interventions, incident reporting, etc.,
• produce and disseminate volunteer schedules for workdays and special events,
• document and keep record (in MPW database) of OEA volunteer contact information, waivers, schedules, and activities to include number of volunteers, number of hours, and in-kind contribution value of service, and volunteer supply inventory,
• communicate regularly with MPW Director of Educational Programs and report monthly to MPW Board,
• create/document content (for example, photos/video) of volunteer opportunities and activities to be shared via Email, Facebook, Instagram, newsletter, and website.

Desired Traits, Skills, and Experience

• Outgoing, friendly, and enthusiastic attitude with passion for protecting marine resources
• Ability to learn and follow protocols
• Comfort and ability to communicate effectively, including speaking to people with diverse backgrounds, ages, and abilities 
• Ability to effectively educate others in a calm, friendly manner while avoiding confrontation
• Access to a computer and working knowledge of Google Drive and programs (docs, sheets, forms, etc.) and access to cell phone with ability to use apps and capture images
• Excellent organizational and coordination abilities
• Ability to recruit and motivate volunteers
• Physical ability to be in the sun, traverse sand, rocks, water, and other natural elements
• In-water experience in the Pūpūkea MLCD

Compensation, Hours, and Status

Pay will be $20/hour at 16 hours per week (majority of hours on-site) from October 2022 through February 2023. Ideal on-site schedule for OEA Coordinator may be Monday, Thursday, and Saturday, 10:30am-2:30pm but is flexible (discussed at interview). Monthly invoices will be required for payment. The Volunteer Coordinator would be an independent contractor (consultant) and not an employee of MPW.  

How To Apply

Interested applicants should apply by September 20, 2022 by emailing info@pupukeawaimea.org.  Please include: cover letter, resume, three references preferably from prior supervisors.  

If you have questions, please contact MPW Director of Educational Programs Jenny Yagodich at mpweducation@gmail.com.  Position open until filled.

Mahalo for your interest in working with MPW!