This is an 11-month temporary position; not to exceed 40 hours per week.  It is classified as temporary/part-time and does not include state benefits. Weekend and holiday work will be a large component of this position. Occasional evening work may also be required.

Department Information:
The Department of Natural and Cultural Resources’ (DNCR) vision is to be the leader in using the state's natural and cultural resources to build the social, cultural, educational and economic future of North Carolina. Our mission is to improve quality of life by creating opportunities to experience excellence in the arts, history, libraries and nature throughout North Carolina.  The Department works to stimulate learning, inspire creativity, preserve the state's history, conserve the state's natural heritage, encourage recreation and cultural tourism, and promote economic development.  Our goal is to promote equity and inclusion among our employees and our programming to reflect and celebrate our state’s diverse population, culture, and history by expanding engagement with diverse individuals and communities. We encourage you to apply to become a part of our team.

Division Information:
The mission of the North Carolina Aquariums is to inspire appreciation and conservation of North Carolina’s aquatic environments. This mission is achieved by attracting, retaining and developing a world class team of professionals; providing visitors with outstanding exhibits, experiences and customer service; practicing sustainability, internal customer service and fiscal responsibility; and working to save and restore aquatic species and habitats. 

The North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores is located 6 miles from Morehead City, NC, on Bogue Banks, sits adjacent to Bogue Sound. A living collection of over 2,500 animals in 90,000 square feet of exhibit space attracts and engages over 400,000 visitors each year. The Aquarium is located in the middle of Roosevelt Natural Area, a state park of maritime forest and wetland ecosystems.

Description of Work:
The Education Department of the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores seeks an enthusiastic, intelligent, highly motivated individual with excellent organizational and presentation skills to assist the Volunteer Coordinator and Education staff.

The successful candidate will have excellent communication skills, public speaking experience, have prior experience working with teens and adult volunteers, is flexible and adaptable, works independently, and required to work well with other departments throughout the Aquarium.

The Volunteer Assistant, under the supervision and direction of the Volunteer Coordinator will co-manage teen volunteer programs, coordinates and supervises adult volunteers, assists with recognition and retention programs, and also presents public education programs for visitors.  The Assistant is required to work a Friday- Monday schedule; some holiday and evening work may also be required.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Providing weekend assistance for volunteers and serving as a point of contact in the absence of the Volunteer Coordinator;
• Staffing volunteer stations, including touch pools, as needed;
• Recruiting, interviewing, supervising and evaluating teens in the Aquarium teen volunteer programs with the Volunteer Coordinator;
• Scheduling of volunteers on a weekly basis;
• Assisting with orientation, training, tracking and retention and recognition of volunteers;
• Presenting public education programs.
• Presenting and handling live animals in educational programs.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

• Experience working with volunteer programs or as a volunteer.
• Knowledge and understanding of coastal ecology.
• Computer experience, and the ability to learn new software programs.
• Demonstrated experience working with youth in a supervisory role.

Experience Required

Education and Experience: High school or General Educational Development (GED) diploma and one year of experience as related to knowledge, skills, and abilities in area of assignment; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.