Ocean Career: NMSF Volunteer & Community Engagement Coordinator
ECO Magazine, Florida, New York, United States
Ocean Career: NMSF Volunteer & Community Engagement Coordinator
6 February 2026 Founded in 2000, theNational Marine Sanctuary Foundation , is the national nonprofit partner to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries (ONMS). Together, we work to protect America’s most treasured ocean and Great Lakes areas — places of extraordinary biodiversity, maritime heritage, and community value. Guided by our commitment to Waters for All, the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation connects people to the ocean and Great Lakes through education, conservation, and community engagement. As the official nonprofit partner of NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries, we support 18 marine environments from Massachusetts to American Samoa and the Great Lakes to the Florida Keys. We protect these iconic places, care for marine wildlife and habitats, honor our nation’s maritime heritage, and promote the enjoyment of public waters by all Americans. Through public fundraising and partnerships, we invest in community stewardship and engagement, on-the-water conservation and restoration, education and outreach in visitor centers and gateway communities, and cutting-edge scientific exploration. For more than 25 years, we’ve strengthened people’s connections to our ocean, coasts, and Great Lakes—our shared history, culture, and maritime heritage—and built partnerships with coastal communities and businesses tied to over 629,000 square miles of public waters that belong to all Americans. About the National Marine Sanctuaries
America’s national marine sanctuaries are living classrooms, laboratories, and community assets that protect the waters shaping our shared future. Managed by NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries (ONMS), this network of 18 marine protected areas is multi-use by nature and spans more than 629,000 square miles of ocean and Great Lakes — from coral reefs and kelp forests to historic shipwrecks and whale migration routes. In partnership with marine research institutions, universities, and private-public partnerships, activities in each sanctuary are sources of solutions to today’s most pressing challenges. Sanctuaries safeguard marine biodiversity, sustain fisheries, power coastal economies, and inspire stewardship through science, education and outreach, and outdoor recreation from boating to fishing. Many sanctuary gateway communities include visitor centers and community partnerships with zoos, aquariums, and museums that extend this impact — serving as hubs for conservation, innovation, commerce, and tourism where people engage directly with the ocean and Great Lakes. Together, these sites demonstrate how healthy waters and thriving communities are inseparable — and why protecting them is essential. What We Need
TheNational Marine Sanctuary Foundation , a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that is a leading voice for US protected waters, is seeking
aVolunteer and Community Engagement Coordinator , a position responsible for operating as a key member of the Chumash Heritage and Channel Island National Marine Sanctuaries (CHNMS andCINMS ) staff and working under the guidance of the CHNMS Acting Superintendent. The position is needed to lead the Channel Islands Naturalist Corp (CINC) program within the CINMS and to develop and implement a new volunteer/outreach program within CHNMS. Within CINMS, the position will be responsible for coordinating volunteers and the CINC program across Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties. The CINC are a group of 150+ specially trained volunteers dedicated to educating passengers on board whale watch boats and other marine excursion vessels that visit CINMS and Channel Island National Park (CINP). Primary focus for this part of the position will include: planning and facilitating events; conducting recruitment of new volunteers; conducting volunteer training; and additional administrative work as needed. Within the CHNMS position, work will focus on: developing relationships with entities within San Luis Obispo County; developing a robust program that focuses on educating and uplifting businesses, governments, and communities to be the communicators about the sanctuary. The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation is committed to a culture of inclusion, equity, and belonging. We are dedicated to attracting and retaining a diverse staff. We honor experiences, perspectives, and unique identities, and welcome the contributions that you can bring to the dedicated team. With a diverse team of employees, we can grow and learn better together and achieve our mission to protect the health of the ocean, coasts and Great Lakes for current and future generations. What You’ll Do
Develop and implement a communication/volunteer plan for the CHNMS. Within the area associated with CHNMS, develop relationships with businesses (i.e., tourism, whale watching, fishing, YMCA), governments (i.e., cities, municipalities), and communities. Assist CHNMS with outreach events – including organizing and implementing events. Work closely with CINMS and Channel Islands National Park staff to plan and implement a volunteer recognition event for CINMS and Channel Islands National Park volunteers. Plan and implement a recruitment and training session for the CINC volunteers, including coordination with the CINMS Team Lead for Education & Outreach. Coordinate public outreach events and scheduling. Manage and implement budgets associated with outreach events and volunteer program management. Travel between Santa Barbara, Ventura, and San Luis Obispo counties as needed to conduct work. Perform other duties, as assigned. Required Qualifications:
A bachelor’s degree or higher in communication, education, and/or natural sciences or related fields. Or at least five years of relevant experience. At least two years of professional experience in communications and outreach activities. Excellent communication, organizational, writing, and project management skills. Experience working with Indigenous Peoples. Experience producing plain-language communication materials. Knowledge of Indigenous Peoples and governments associated with CINMS and CHNMS. High level of accuracy and attention to detail. Strong organizational skills. Ability to perform under tight deadlines and juggle multiple tasks and projects. Demonstrated initiative, ability to work both independently and in a collaborative environment. Demonstrated ability to engage with the public. Must possess excellent interpersonal skills. Ability to motivate, inspire, and lead volunteers. Ability to manage budgets and track expenses related to volunteer programs implementation. Ability to effectively use basic software programs, including Google Mail, Google Docs, Google Sheets, Google Slides, and a web-based volunteer schedule application. Valid driver’s license and ability to occasionally use an insured personal vehicle for work transportation purposes (mileage reimbursement is available). Ability to travel throughout Santa Barbara, Ventura, and San Luis Obispo counties. Regular attendance required. Preferred Qualifications:
Experience and/or knowledge of national marine sanctuaries and Channel Islands National Park. Why You Will Love Us
The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation (“Foundation”) is a leading voice for U.S. protected waters, working with communities to conserve and expand those special places for a healthy ocean, coasts, and Great Lakes. The Foundation works in close partnership with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to increase stewardship of our ocean and Great Lakes through on-the- water conservation projects, and education and public outreach activities, and by support for research. Together, we safeguard species and the places they call home, and support coastal communities and economies. Dedicated and passionate staff committed to marine and Great Lakes Conservation Generous leave policy, plus paid time off the week between December 25 and January 1; and 12 paid holidays Health benefits: Medical with an FSA option; dental, and vision Foundation paid Life and Disability Insurance Preparing for the Future: 403(B) with employer contribution after one year of service Compensation and Benefits: $72,000 – $80,000/year based on experience. The global fisheries and aquaculture sector has undergone remarkable growth over the past few decades, transforming from a primarily coastal,…
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6 February 2026 Founded in 2000, theNational Marine Sanctuary Foundation , is the national nonprofit partner to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries (ONMS). Together, we work to protect America’s most treasured ocean and Great Lakes areas — places of extraordinary biodiversity, maritime heritage, and community value. Guided by our commitment to Waters for All, the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation connects people to the ocean and Great Lakes through education, conservation, and community engagement. As the official nonprofit partner of NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries, we support 18 marine environments from Massachusetts to American Samoa and the Great Lakes to the Florida Keys. We protect these iconic places, care for marine wildlife and habitats, honor our nation’s maritime heritage, and promote the enjoyment of public waters by all Americans. Through public fundraising and partnerships, we invest in community stewardship and engagement, on-the-water conservation and restoration, education and outreach in visitor centers and gateway communities, and cutting-edge scientific exploration. For more than 25 years, we’ve strengthened people’s connections to our ocean, coasts, and Great Lakes—our shared history, culture, and maritime heritage—and built partnerships with coastal communities and businesses tied to over 629,000 square miles of public waters that belong to all Americans. About the National Marine Sanctuaries
America’s national marine sanctuaries are living classrooms, laboratories, and community assets that protect the waters shaping our shared future. Managed by NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries (ONMS), this network of 18 marine protected areas is multi-use by nature and spans more than 629,000 square miles of ocean and Great Lakes — from coral reefs and kelp forests to historic shipwrecks and whale migration routes. In partnership with marine research institutions, universities, and private-public partnerships, activities in each sanctuary are sources of solutions to today’s most pressing challenges. Sanctuaries safeguard marine biodiversity, sustain fisheries, power coastal economies, and inspire stewardship through science, education and outreach, and outdoor recreation from boating to fishing. Many sanctuary gateway communities include visitor centers and community partnerships with zoos, aquariums, and museums that extend this impact — serving as hubs for conservation, innovation, commerce, and tourism where people engage directly with the ocean and Great Lakes. Together, these sites demonstrate how healthy waters and thriving communities are inseparable — and why protecting them is essential. What We Need
TheNational Marine Sanctuary Foundation , a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that is a leading voice for US protected waters, is seeking
aVolunteer and Community Engagement Coordinator , a position responsible for operating as a key member of the Chumash Heritage and Channel Island National Marine Sanctuaries (CHNMS andCINMS ) staff and working under the guidance of the CHNMS Acting Superintendent. The position is needed to lead the Channel Islands Naturalist Corp (CINC) program within the CINMS and to develop and implement a new volunteer/outreach program within CHNMS. Within CINMS, the position will be responsible for coordinating volunteers and the CINC program across Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties. The CINC are a group of 150+ specially trained volunteers dedicated to educating passengers on board whale watch boats and other marine excursion vessels that visit CINMS and Channel Island National Park (CINP). Primary focus for this part of the position will include: planning and facilitating events; conducting recruitment of new volunteers; conducting volunteer training; and additional administrative work as needed. Within the CHNMS position, work will focus on: developing relationships with entities within San Luis Obispo County; developing a robust program that focuses on educating and uplifting businesses, governments, and communities to be the communicators about the sanctuary. The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation is committed to a culture of inclusion, equity, and belonging. We are dedicated to attracting and retaining a diverse staff. We honor experiences, perspectives, and unique identities, and welcome the contributions that you can bring to the dedicated team. With a diverse team of employees, we can grow and learn better together and achieve our mission to protect the health of the ocean, coasts and Great Lakes for current and future generations. What You’ll Do
Develop and implement a communication/volunteer plan for the CHNMS. Within the area associated with CHNMS, develop relationships with businesses (i.e., tourism, whale watching, fishing, YMCA), governments (i.e., cities, municipalities), and communities. Assist CHNMS with outreach events – including organizing and implementing events. Work closely with CINMS and Channel Islands National Park staff to plan and implement a volunteer recognition event for CINMS and Channel Islands National Park volunteers. Plan and implement a recruitment and training session for the CINC volunteers, including coordination with the CINMS Team Lead for Education & Outreach. Coordinate public outreach events and scheduling. Manage and implement budgets associated with outreach events and volunteer program management. Travel between Santa Barbara, Ventura, and San Luis Obispo counties as needed to conduct work. Perform other duties, as assigned. Required Qualifications:
A bachelor’s degree or higher in communication, education, and/or natural sciences or related fields. Or at least five years of relevant experience. At least two years of professional experience in communications and outreach activities. Excellent communication, organizational, writing, and project management skills. Experience working with Indigenous Peoples. Experience producing plain-language communication materials. Knowledge of Indigenous Peoples and governments associated with CINMS and CHNMS. High level of accuracy and attention to detail. Strong organizational skills. Ability to perform under tight deadlines and juggle multiple tasks and projects. Demonstrated initiative, ability to work both independently and in a collaborative environment. Demonstrated ability to engage with the public. Must possess excellent interpersonal skills. Ability to motivate, inspire, and lead volunteers. Ability to manage budgets and track expenses related to volunteer programs implementation. Ability to effectively use basic software programs, including Google Mail, Google Docs, Google Sheets, Google Slides, and a web-based volunteer schedule application. Valid driver’s license and ability to occasionally use an insured personal vehicle for work transportation purposes (mileage reimbursement is available). Ability to travel throughout Santa Barbara, Ventura, and San Luis Obispo counties. Regular attendance required. Preferred Qualifications:
Experience and/or knowledge of national marine sanctuaries and Channel Islands National Park. Why You Will Love Us
The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation (“Foundation”) is a leading voice for U.S. protected waters, working with communities to conserve and expand those special places for a healthy ocean, coasts, and Great Lakes. The Foundation works in close partnership with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to increase stewardship of our ocean and Great Lakes through on-the- water conservation projects, and education and public outreach activities, and by support for research. Together, we safeguard species and the places they call home, and support coastal communities and economies. Dedicated and passionate staff committed to marine and Great Lakes Conservation Generous leave policy, plus paid time off the week between December 25 and January 1; and 12 paid holidays Health benefits: Medical with an FSA option; dental, and vision Foundation paid Life and Disability Insurance Preparing for the Future: 403(B) with employer contribution after one year of service Compensation and Benefits: $72,000 – $80,000/year based on experience. The global fisheries and aquaculture sector has undergone remarkable growth over the past few decades, transforming from a primarily coastal,…
#J-18808-Ljbffr