Careers and Internships

Job Opportunities & Internships

Staff Positions

Conservation Director

We are excited to announce that Seatuck is seeking to hire its first-ever Conservation Director. Seatuck’s current conservation work includes advocacy, on-the-ground conservation projects, research and community science; it spans across Long Island and addresses a diverse range of issues, habitats and species. The conservation director is responsible for overseeing this work and implementing Seatuck’s conservation priorities as outlined in the organization’s strategic plan.

The conservation director will be a member of the Seatuck’s senior management team. They will play a major role in the future direction of the organization, including working with the executive director and the Board’s Conservation Committee to set conservation priorities and develop strategic plans.

The conservation director reports to the executive director and leads and supports the conservation staff, which currently numbers six full- and part-time advocates, scientists and technicians. They will coordinate the development of annual work plans for the conservation staff and work with the development team to identify and pursue grant and fundraising opportunities.

This conservation director will be one of the primary faces of Seatuck, representing the organization and its conservation work before the public, elected officials, governmental agencies and the press, as well as advancing and maintaining collaborative relationships with partner organizations. Leading Seatuck’s government relations efforts will be a central aspect of the director’s work.

The position is full-time, with options for remote work and flexibility. Regular travel across Long Island will be required to visit project sites, participate in field work, convene with partners, meet with officials, etc. Occasional off-island travel may also be necessary.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will have the following:

  • Master’s degree, or similar graduate degree, in a relevant discipline, such as conservation, biology, ecology, marine science or public policy
  • Ten years of relevant professional work experience and relevant subject-matter expertise in wildlife and ecological conservation, biodiversity science and/or environmental policy (Ph.D. or similar advanced degree could substitute for some experience)
  • Strong familiarity with the Long Island region and its diverse habitats and wildlife, as well as its layered governmental landscape and policy-making process
  • Demonstrated success in developing and advancing strategic plans, administering multiple projects, and partnering with outside organizations, businesses and government officials
  • Experience supervising, managing and working collaboratively with a professional team
  • Excellent leadership skills, with an ability to inspire a team and oversee multiple projects simultaneously
  • Proven collaboration and relationship-building skills and ability to work effectively with diverse people, funders, and partners to achieve lasting results
  • Demonstrated passion for Seatuck’s mission to conserve Long Island wildlife and the environment
  • Residency based in Nassau or Suffolk County

To Apply

Please send a cover letter and resume to [email protected] (with the “Conservation Director” in the subject line). References will be requested of final candidates.

Marine Program Coordinator

Position Overview

Seatuck’s has been engaged in marine issues for many years, including our work on diadromous fish, horseshoe crabs and diamondback terrapins. More recently, in 2018, we initiated Half Shells for Habitat, an oyster shell collection partnership that recovers waste shells from restaurants/festivals and returns them to coastal waters through restoration and resiliency projects. This program has expanded from its roots on the South Shore to include the East End and the North Shore. In addition, Seatuck is exploring opportunities to play a greater role in initiating and supporting oyster and habitat restoration and resiliency projects, as well as other marine-focused conservation initiatives. As such, we are establishing a new position to provide needed support and coordination for Seatuck’s Half Shells program and other marine projects. The program coordinator will report to Seatuck’s conservation director and water quality scientist.

Key Responsibilities

Provide support and coordination for Seatuck’s Half Shells for Habitat project, including:

– Assisting with the Island-wide oyster shell collection partnership:

    • Maintaining the volunteer newsletter and promotional supplies 
    • Organizing representation at local festivals and events
    • Managing the Half Shells website and social media content
    • Representing Seatuck at related conferences, meetings, webinars, etc.

– Managing oyster shell recycling program in Islip and Brookhaven:

    • Scheduling, recruiting and training volunteers 
    • Communicating with participating restaurants 
    • Coordinating ferry transfer of shells from Fire Island
    • Organizing (and maintaining records for) shell deliveries to municipal curing sites
    • Coordinating (and maintaining records for) shell distribution to restoration and resiliency projects

– Assist with efforts to expand Seatuck’s engagement in oyster and habitat restoration and resiliency projects

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will have the following:

  • B.A./B.S. degree and demonstrated interest in marine conservation
  • Experience managing people and working within a dispersed collaborative team
  • Collaborative and energetic work style and superior people skills
  • A comfort and willingness to recruit and engage volunteers, restaurants, municipalities and other partners
  • Excellent administrative, organizational, verbal communication, computer and writing skills
  • Familiarity with WordPress CMS and social media project outreach

To Apply

Please send a cover letter and resume to [email protected] (with the “Marine Program Coordinator” in the subject line). References will be requested of final candidates.

Assistant Instructor – Little Peepers Forest Preschool

Position Overview

Seatuck’s Little Peepers Forest Preschool is seeking an enthusiastic person who has an authentic and infectious love of the natural world, enjoys spending their day outdoors and is interested in working with children ages 3-6, in a fun, exciting, natural setting. Ideal candidates will have experience as a naturalist or in the field of outdoor/environmental education and are comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions.

Key Responsibilities

  • Have daily responsibility, with the group’s lead teacher, for the supervision of a small group, up to 10 children.
  • Set-up and clean-up daily activities based on pre-existing nature themes in a pre-set program
  • Care for equipment, facilities and grounds
  • Ensure the outdoor learning environments are in good condition to support safe,engaging, rich learning experiences and positive child development.
  • Work with lead teacher who plans and implements each day’s lessons and activities for the children

To Apply

Please send resume to Kimberly Uresk, Little Peepers Forest School Director ([email protected]) or Peter Walsh, Seatuck Education Director ([email protected]) 

Application deadline July 31.

School is located at the South Shore Nature Center, East Islip
Position starts end of August and follows the East Islip School district calendar
School hours are 9:45 am – 12:15 pm
School days are Mondays- Friday
Assistant Instructor hours are approx. 9:15 am – 12:45 pm
(1/2 hour before school and 1/2 hour after is scheduled for set-up and clean-up of equipment, facilities and grounds)

Internships

School Year Opportunities

Seatuck offers volunteer opportunities for college and high school students throughout the school year. These can be ongoing year- or semester-long arrangements, or short-term participation with various projects. For more information please reach out to [email protected].

Summer Internships

Seatuck hosts several college students each summer for a variety of internship opportunities.  These positions, which focus on different aspects of the organization’s work, are intended to last for 8 to 12 weeks, with interns working a weekly schedule that can vary depending on availability. Seatuck interns are tasked with substantive projects within their area of interest, but are also expected to wear multiple hats in contributing to the various work of the organization. 

All positions are unpaid, with the exception of the Laskowski Fellowship, which includes a small stipend. This internship is based at the South Shore Nature Center in East Islip and is focused on improving/maintaining a native pollinator garden (the Laskowski Garden), as well as serving as a public ambassador and assisting with Seatuck’s summer educational programming.

To apply for a summer internship, please send a letter of interest and a resume (late winter or early spring) to [email protected] with “Summer Internship” in the subject line. In the letter, please indicate your field(s) of interest.

 

Related Information