Job Description: MPA Watch Volunteer Coordinator

The Volunteer Coordinator is responsible for managing the recruitment efforts for the MPA Watch monitoring program in the San Luis Obispo region. This includes providing support to existing volunteers, canvassing for new recruits, and running training sessions. *Candidates must live in or very near San Luis Obispo – or be willing to travel without compensation.*

For MPA Watch Recruitment, the Volunteer Coordinator will:

Recruit volunteers for MPA Watch in the San Luis Obispo region
Take initiative in leveraging local resources to find new volunteers (eg. tabling events at Farmers’ Markets and community fairs, flyering, etc.)
Make presentations to local environmental groups, clubs and college-level classes

For MPA Watch Volunteer Trainings, the Volunteer Coordinator will:

Plan and facilitate volunteer trainings at various sites (including setting dates and planning logistics)
Compile materials needed for trainings
Follow up with new recruits after training sessions to answer questions

For MPA Watch Data Collection, the Volunteer Coordinator will:

Ensure collection of hardcopy data from volunteers
Encourage volunteers to submit photos to the MPA Watch meetup website
Ensure that volunteers have all materials for carrying out data collections (data map, protocol sheet, binoculars & clipboard)

For MPA Watch Volunteer Development, the Volunteer Coordinator will:

Coordinate volunteer meetings every 6-10 weeks
Maintain consistent contact with volunteers; be responsive to questions, comments, concerns
Help keep volunteers enthusiastic and involved
Use social networks to develop and maintain online communications with volunteers

The position is part-time, 10 hours/week, $12.00/hour, and reports to the Volunteer Manager.

Successful applicants will – have experience recruiting, training, & managing volunteers – have reliable & insured transportation – have excellent writing & communication skills.

Ideal candidates are biology, marine biology, & environmental majors. Ideal candidates have some knowledge of Marine Protected Areas.

How to apply

Apply with a cover letter specifically addressing key points of this job description and resume to: Hannah Francis, Volunteer & Social Media Manager, The Otter Project, volunteer@otterproject.org. Please, no phone calls at this stage. More information about the MPA Watch program can be found at www.otterproject.org –> What we do –> Programs –> Habitat –> Marine Protected Areas.