2023 Community Engagement Specialist – Seasonal Position
The Maryland Coastal Bays Program (MCBP) invites applications for a paid seasonal position starting in February 2023. Part of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) National Estuary Program, MCBP is a non-profit dedicated to preserving and restoring the waters and watershed behind Assateague Island and Ocean City, Maryland. Our mission is to protect and conserve the waters and surrounding watershed of Maryland’s Coastal Bays to enhance their ecological and sustainable use for both present and future generations. MCBP works cooperatively with local, state, and federal agencies, other environmental non-profits, as well as local citizens, to implement management actions that will meet the goals established for the protection of the Coastal Bays.
Position Description
The Maryland Coastal Bays Program is seeking qualified candidates for a Community Engagement Specialist. An ideal candidate is a confident, enthusiastic person with direct experience in public speaking, social media, and working with different demographics in the community. A background in education, environmental science, and/or environmental studies is encouraged. The position will run for 28 weeks at 40 hours a week from mid-February to mid-September. Start and end dates are dependent on the candidate. In peak season, occasional weekend and night work will be required. This is a seasonal position at a rate of $19/hr with no benefits. Opportunity for position extension depending on funding availability. The Community Engagement Specialist will report to the MCBP Education Coordinator.
The Community Engagement Specialist position will support MCBP’s education and outreach by raising public awareness of the program’s work and mission through the facilitation of environmental education and interpretive programs, digital communications, and community engagement projects. The selected candidate’s primary assignments include, but are not limited to, leading public presentations both in and outdoors, assisting with day camps and youth field experiences, developing social media campaigns and writing monthly watershed-themed articles, and representing MCBP at events. In addition to these tasks, the Specialist will also receive opportunities for professional development, building a professional network, and experience working alongside our science team to gain monitoring and surveying skills.
Required qualifications:
- Excellent verbal communication and interpersonal skills
- Experience public speaking
- Ability to work collaboratively with our science and restoration teams
- Strong time management and organizational skills, including the capability to prioritize diverse tasks
- Must be able to lift 25 pounds
- Driver’s license
Desired qualifications:
- Knowledge of the Coastal Bays watershed
- Leadership experience (ex: educating, leading youth groups, organizing community projects)
- Experience in social media skills and graphic design platforms
- Willingness to work outdoors, in the water, and on boats
- Comfortability handling aquatic and terrestrial life
To apply, please send one pdf of a cover letter, resume, and three references to lwist@mdcoastalbays.org , MCBP Education Coordinator, by Tuesday, January 3 at 5 pm EST.