Communications & Outreach Assistant

Overview: 

The Seabird Institute is one of the four pillars of the National Audubon Society’s Coasts strategy. The program combines conservation science, education, and outreach initiatives with the advocacy might of Audubon’s network to protect seabirds and the places they need. The Seabird Institute engages thousands of visitors through its work at the Hog Island Audubon Camp, the Project Puffin Visitor Center, and through our virtual programming, including the moderation of our explore.org wildlife cameras.  

Position Summary: 

The Communications & Outreach Assistant (COA) represents the Seabird Institute (SI) to the public on all social media and explore.org chat boards (50%), and as a greeter and interpreter at the Project Puffin Visitor Center in Rockland, Maine (50%). An engaging communicator in-person and virtually, the COA brings the story of the program’s 50-year history to life for children, adults, and families, helps people understand the necessity of this applied conservation work, and inspires the public to become personally invested in conservation action and donors and community activists.  

A food stipend and shared housing will be provided at Audubon’s Todd Wildlife Sanctuary, located at 12 Audubon Road, Bremen, Maine. Remote work for the first month may be considered.  

Start Dates: 

Begins April 2024 

Remote, virtual work related to the explore.org cams and social media may be considered in April. In person work will begin at the Project Puffin Visitor Center on May 2nd.  

End Date: 

Late August. This position could extend to late October. 

Responsibilities: 

Learn the history of Audubon and SI; how to identify Gulf of Maine seabirds; natural history of the Maine Coast with the goal of working independently as an educator;  

• Serve as the point person and moderator for operating remote explore.org wildlife cam channels which includes creating featured content updates, responding to comments, running live virtual events, holding weekly office hours; 
• Collaborate with explore.org staff to facilitate live events, naming and hatching date contests, etc;  
• Create educational content for the wildlife cams and moderate any problems that arise on the independent chat boards; 
• Write social media posts, assist with content creation, and support weekly Seabird Island News publication; 
• Work with Project Puffin Visitor Center Manager to support visitor center operations, including point-of-sale processes; educational interpretation; and inventory management; 
• Assist mainland staff with logistics runs, 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 be pursuing or hold a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Education, Environmental Studies, Biology, Communications, 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 additional platforms including Slack, Zoom, Canva, Asana, and explore.org systems. 
• Excellent communication skills with ability to write clearly.  
• Adept problem-solving skills with the ability to diffuse difficult situations online. 
• Familiarity with spotting scopes, binoculars, point of sale register systems, and camping equipment is a plus.  
• Must possess a valid driver’s license.  
• Must be a self-starter, able to work independently and as part of a team.  

Additional Information: 

• The Communications and Outreach Assistant will spend approximately one week on Seal Island NWR, the seabird research island which hosts the explore.org puffin and guillemot cameras. 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 using binoculars (not provided) and spotting scopes (supplied) to aid in the collection of data as specified by the Island Supervisor;  
• The Seal Island NWR training period requires living in primitive camping conditions. These conditions include no running water, composting toilets, and limited electricity. Drinking water, food, and propane for cooking are brough via boat and carried by hand to the field camp. Wooden platforms and tents will be provided at the camps. Self-provided sleeping bags and ground pads are encouraged.