Seasonal Communication & Education Assistant

The Communication & Education Assistant represents the Seabird Institute (SI) to the public on all social media and explore.org chat boards, and as a greeter and interpreter at the Project Puffin Visitor Center in Rockland, Maine. The Outreach Communication & Education Assistant will bring the story of SI’s 50-year history to children, adults, and families, and help people to understand the necessity for this applied conservation work, as well as to inspire them to become personally involved in conservation action as donors and community activists. They will also be responsible for interpreting wildlife events on the Audubon explore.org wildlife cameras to a larger audience.

Shared housing provided (private room with a shared bathroom), at Audubon's Todd Wildlife Sanctuary, located at 12 Audubon Road, in Bremen, Maine. Remote work for the first month may be considered.

This position includes managing all of the Seabird Institute’s explore.org camera chat boards, live events and social media. Also includes working at the Project Puffin Visitor Center in Rockland, Maine and assisting as needed at our Research Base operations.


Start Dates:
Mid-April (flexible)

End Dates:
Late August (flexible)

Essential Functions

• Train with Education staff to learn: Audubon and early SI history; how to identify Gulf of Maine seabirds; natural history of the Maine Coast with the goal of working independently as an educator;
• Connect with Seal Island research staff to further outreach on the explore.org cameras; participate in a week-long training on a seabird island to get on-the-ground experience and see where our explore.org cameras are operating. During this time, position will assist with field work including, but not limited to, bird counts and weather data collection, 3-hr observation stints from small unheated blinds, bird handling, measuring, banding, data entry and assisting with habitat management projects at an assigned island research site as specified by the Island Supervisor;**
• Serve as the point person and moderator for operating remote explore.org wildlife cam channels which includes posting island/seabird updates, responding to comments, running live events, keeping regular weekly office hours, and hosting educational opportunities;
• Work with explore.org staff to facilitate live events, naming contests, hatching dates, etc.
• Create education content for the wildlife cams and moderate any problems that may arise on the independent chat boards.
• Problem solving and adept social skills to handle difficult situations online.
• Write social media posts and support weekly Seabird Island News publication.
• Train with the Project Puffin Visitor Center Manager to learn: operation of point-of-sale system; Visitor Center interpreter and inventory management procedures;
• Maintain inventory and sell books and seabird-related items at Project Puffin Visitor Center;
• Promote SI’s mission, and encourage PPVC visitors to financially support the Program;
• Participate as needed at Hog Island Audubon Camp including processing sales on Hog Island store, helping with inventory, etc.;
• Assist mainland staff with logistics, which includes driving to boat docks, bus and limo stops as needed;
• Assist mainland-based staff with procurement of supplies, packing groceries, research supplies and mail in waterproof island transport bags; cleaning and filling water jugs for resupplying research stations, etc.;
• Ensure shared housing facility is properly and consistently maintained and cleaned.

Qualifications and Experience

• Must have obtained or be pursuing a bachelor’s degree in communications, natural sciences or education and/or have relevant work experience.
• Previous experience in communications and environmental education is preferred.
• Proficient in all Microsoft Office applications. Must have ability to operate or learn Slack for communications with staff.
• Excellent communications skills with ability to write clearly.
• Familiarity with technology such as social media, websites, running live events on a cell phone or computer, etc.
• Must be able to climb over rugged terrain and lift approximately 30 lbs.
• Familiarity with birding optics, point-of-sale register system, and camping equipment is a plus.
• Must possess a valid driver's license. Must have a personal vehicle for work.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

• ndently and as part of a team.