Commonwealth Corps: Outreach and Education Specialist

Organization

Whale & Dolphin Conservation

Job status

Job Type

Job Duration

Job Compensation Type

Remote

No

Contact Name

Jen Kelly

Contact Email

jennifer.kelly@whales.org

Contact Phone

5087462522

Deadline to Apply

Location

Plymouth, MA
United States

The mission of the Commonwealth Corps service internship program is to engage Massachusetts residents of all ages, backgrounds, and identities in direct service to strengthen communities, address critical needs, and increase volunteerism. Through hands-on experience, Commonwealth Corps members gain professional skills and valuable knowledge while positively impacting diverse communities in our state.

The Massachusetts Service Alliance (MSA) is a private, nonprofit agency that oversees the program and supports host site partners and members to find success throughout the program year. The two Commonwealth Corps members with Whale & Dolphin Conservation will serve 10 months in a full-time capacity. They will join a diverse corps of members across Massachusetts who share a common desire to discover their passion and build their network in service to their communities and the Commonwealth.

The mission of Whale & Dolphin Conservation (WDC) is to amaze people with the wonder of whales and dolphins and inspire global action to protect them. WDC will host two full-time Commonwealth Corps members who will serve as Education Specialist to educate people of different ages, backgrounds and abilities in Massachusetts. Through their service, members will help increase conservation literacy of marine mammals by increasing our number of individual contacts, seek and build strategic relationships with schools, teachers and community partners, and develop high-quality, inquiry-based lessons and activities that will continue to be utilized for years to come. In addition, they will leverage six volunteers that will be engaged in education & outreach.

Summary

What You'll Do:

Essential Responsibilities: 

  • Complete a minimum of 1500 hours of service, serving through June 22, 2024. 
  • Attend a minimum of 6 Commonwealth Corps trainings and service events held by MSA post orientation. 
  • Participate in a minimum of 1 hour of MSA-related activities each week. This include filling out timesheets, completing a bi-monthly reflection or check-in, or other MSA-related tasks or activities.  
  • Facilitate education programs for schools and communities 
  • Seek and build relationships with schools, teachers, and community partners to implement various WDC education programs 
  • Develop creative lesson plans connected to Next Generation Science Standards 
  • Respond to calls and provide outreach to the community on marine mammals and strandings 
  • Develop and complete a project by completion of the service term 

Marginal Responsibilities: 

  • Train & mentor WDC volunteers- host a “new volunteer onboarding training” including an introduction to WDC, volunteering policies and procedures, and an overview of volunteer roles. 
  • Attend community events – including festivals, libraries and community centers, and STEM events 
  • Be a part of the greater Commonwealth Corps community, including participating in cross-site learning groups, writing a short profile for the CC newsletter, connecting with other members on our online platforms, and attending optional social/service events.  

Who You Are:

You must be: 

  • A Massachusetts resident (see guidelines here) with legal authorization to work in the U.S. 
  • 18 years of age at minimum (member age range is 18 – 70+ years old) 
  • Excited to give back to your community and interested in developing your skills and gaining new professional experiences 
  • Able to balance service internship commitments with personal commitments in a sustainable way 
  • Experience with Microsoft office 
  • Enjoy interacting with children, diverse audiences and teams 
  • Able to drive a vehicle & pass a background check 
  • Able to lift or move heavy objects and comfortable outside in adverse weather conditions 
  • Fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by the start date 

It would also be great if you: 

  • Are eager to dive into new experiences and enjoy having a variety of tasks to work on 
  • Are comfortable with public speaking 
  • Speak a second language in addition to English – multi-lingual candidates encouraged to apply 

Terms of Service:

  • Position Start Date: August 21, 2023
  • Position End Date: June 22, 2024
  • Service commitment 40 hours per week during the following days/times: Monday – Friday, 9am-5pm. Potential for some night or weekend commitments. Members will be required to serve in-person with the potential for up to two days remotely, per week. 

How to Apply:

  • To apply, visit https://form.jotform.com/231154043452142. Early applications are encouraged as applications will be accepted on rolling basis.
  • Questions about this position can be directed to Lucie Baker at lucie.baker@whales.org. 

Accepted members will be required to undergo a criminal history check. 

Whale & Dolphin Conservation will recruit and select persons in all positions to ensure a diverse and inclusive climate without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, color, political affiliation, creed, national origin, marital status, or any other status as protected by federal, state, and local laws. Whale & Dolphin Conservation welcomes applications from individuals with disabilities and will make reasonable accommodations for interviews and for service upon request. 

Compensation Information

What You'll Get:

  • Stipend of $1,200 (full-time) semi-monthly while in service, up to $25,200 (full-time) minus taxes and withholdings;
  • Health insurance (individual coverage only);  
  • Member assistance program, including unlimited, confidential, 24/7, phone counseling services and up to three free, in-person counseling sessions, plus a lot more; 
  • Completion award of up to $4000 upon successful completion of service, minus taxes and withholdings; 
  • Reimbursement for outside training or professional development opportunities relevant to member’s service and/or goals (Up to $100; Dependent on approval from MSA); 
  • Professional development opportunities in marine science; 
  • Vehicle use of WDC company vehicle for service-related travel; 
  • Extensive training from MSA with a diversity, equity and inclusion focus and other professional development opportunities; 
  • Limited reimbursement for travel to Corps-wide MSA-sponsored activities; 
  • Internet reimbursement up to $50/month while required to complete some service from home if required by site; 
  • Limited travel reimbursement from their host site for certain service-related travel away from their usual service location, according to that agency's policies; 
  • Mental Health/Personal Day once per month counting towards 8hrs  
  • The opportunity for at least 10 days of planned absences (may include holidays, does not count towards hours requirement);  

Please note that receipt of these stipends/benefits may impact an individual’s eligibility for certain public benefits.