Position Overview:

Lynker Corporation is a leading provider of innovative solutions in weather and climate science. With a commitment to excellence and a passion for innovation, Lynker leverages cutting-edge technologies and scientific expertise to support the creation and delivery of improved operational weather forecasts.
 
As part of our ongoing growth and expansion, we are seeking a dynamic and experienced volunteer coordination/education specialist to join out team.  This full-time (Tuesday-Saturday) position, will coordinate a 60-person volunteer team and public educational programming at the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center in Santa Cruz. 

Program Overview:

Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary (MBNMS) is one of the nation’s largest marine protected areas encompassing more than 6,000 square miles of central California coastal waters containing a rich array of habitats and marine life.  The Sanctuary program provides protection of these natural resources through research and education to foster public understanding and stewardship of this nationally significant marine area. 

MBNMS opened a state-of-the-art Exploration Center in 2012 to educate and outreach to the local community and visitors to the Santa Cruz area. The goals of the Sanctuary Exploration Center are to educate visitors about the sanctuary’s unique and fascinating coastal marine environment and to encourage stewardship of the sanctuary and a better understanding of how to responsibly enjoy and protect the ocean.  

Responsibilities

As a volunteer coordinator/education specialist, your primary responsibilities are to work as a team player with Exploration Center staff, prioritize work, meet deadlines as assigned and provide all aspects of volunteer coordination and program coordination to support MBNMS.

Duties include:

• Train and educate visitor center volunteers and interpretive docents to prepare them for duty at the Sanctuary Exploration Center in accordance with NOAA volunteer protocols and guidelines. 
• Market to the local communities to encourage docent sign ups and implement a successful docent training and retention program at least once per year.
• Coordinate and organize docent enrichment and appreciation events. Work within a set budget to assist Sanctuary Exploration Center Manager in the procurement of necessary volunteer supplies. 
• Coordinate weekly or monthly public programs designed for a variety of audiences including: weekly preschool program, public art/science evenings, family science programs, and guided tours for various audience members. 
• Assist with the delivery of K-12th grade school programs when needed.
• Assist with the delivery of special events, when needed.
• Oversee the day to day public operation of the Sanctuary Exploration Center on assigned days, assisting with exhibit maintenance and troubleshooting issues

Minimum required qualifications include:

• Degree from an accredited college or university in biology or field of study relating to the specific task order and one (1) year experience in marine education or interpretive programs. 
• Knowledge of marine biological sciences, sanctuary regulations and educational approaches related to environmental management and policy. 
• Strong interpersonal skills, excellent verbal and communication skills, ability to motivate individuals, and a team focused attitude. 
• Able to attend to details, effectively prioritize a variety of competing tasks under strict timelines and meet multiple deadlines and approval processes. 
• Demonstrated proficiency with Mac and PC platforms, experience with Google Workspaces.
• Flexibility to travel locally. 
• Ability to work on evenings occasionally for special events.