The following positions are listed from most availability to least availability.
Beach Cleanup Helper: This position assists the Cleanup Leader by preparing and handing out supplies, ensuring data accuracy, weighing trash, engaging with cleanup participants, and supporting the Cleanup Leader. Helpers must have a positive attitude, be comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions, and be able to walk on sand and navigate rocky boulders.
Commitment: Flexible, based on cleanup dates and volunteer availability. The position will likely require about 2.5 hours per cleanup.
Beach Cleanup Leader: This position leads beach cleanups, serving as the main point of contact for participants by providing safety instructions, introducing Blue Ocean Society’s mission, and explaining data collection procedures. It requires strong public speaking skills, a solid understanding of BOS, and walking and navigating on sand and rocky boulders in all weather conditions.
Commitment: Flexible, based on cleanup dates and volunteer availability. The position will likely require about 2.5 hours per cleanup.
Ladder the Inflatable Whale Event Volunteer: This position assists staff at events involving the inflatable whale. The main responsibilities are helping organize participants in lines, answering questions about the whale/program, setting up and taking down equipment, and promoting Blue Ocean Society. Volunteers must be able to manage large groups of people, speak to children and adults, lift at least 40 pounds, stand on their feet for an extended period, and bend/kneel.
Ladder the Inflatable Whale School/Camp Volunteer: This is an advanced version of the inflatable whale event position. The main responsibilities include educating students in groups of twenty or fewer about the inside and outside of Ladder the Fin Whale, helping organize participants in lines, answering questions about the whale/program, setting up and taking down equipment, and promoting Blue Ocean Society. Volunteers must be able to manage large groups of people, speak to children and adults, lift at least 40 pounds, stand on their feet for an extended time, and bend/kneel.
Event/Tabling Volunteer: Responsibilities include staffing a BOS table at a partner event, checking participants into an event, helping with set-up or breakdown, securing, picking up, or dropping off supplies, meeting with staff to assist with event planning (virtually or in-person), and hanging up posters in the community. Volunteers must be comfortable speaking with the public in small groups and be well-versed in our mission and ongoing environmental issues.
Blue Ocean Discovery Center Greeter: This position assists staff at the Blue Ocean Discovery Center by greeting visitors, managing the handwashing station, resetting exhibits, and answering general questions about the ocean and local environment. Volunteers must be able to stand on their feet for extended periods and talk with children and adults. Shifts must be at least two hours long, and you must be able to commit to two shifts per month. SUMMER ONLY
Blue Ocean Discovery Center Touch Tank Volunteer: This position teaches visitors how to handle tidal pool animals such as crabs, sea stars, and sea urchins. Volunteers will also be expected to answer informational questions about these animals and the surrounding exhibits. Volunteer shifts are at least two hours and a minimum of three monthly shifts. This position involves handling live animals, standing on your feet for extended periods, interacting with children and adults, and submerging your hands in cold water. SUMMER ONLY
Mailings: Works with a team of volunteers to stuff envelopes for mailing fundraisers.
Fishing Line Recycling: This position monitors the fishing line collection bins and collects fishing line throughout the summer. The collected fishing line is brought to Berkley Fishing to be recycled. Volunteers travel to designated locations in southern Maine, New Hampshire, and northern Massachusetts, gather the contents, and organize a drop-off for our lead volunteer. They must provide their transportation. Commitment: Flexible schedule based on volunteer availability. Each collection session typically lasts 1-2 hours, depending on the location and amount of line to collect.
Adopt-a-Beach: Volunteers commit to caring for a specific beach by conducting monthly cleanups for a calendar year and collecting data on the debris they remove. Blue Ocean Society provides all necessary supplies, training, and ongoing support to ensure a successful and rewarding experience.
Commitment: Monthly cleanups for a calendar year, typically 2 hours per cleanup.
Microplastic Sampler: This position collects sand samples monthly from designated beach sites to monitor microplastic pollution. Samplers work independently outdoors and follow set procedures to support Blue Ocean Society’s conservation efforts. They must be able to walk on sand and sit, or kneel, in the sand while collecting samples.
Commitment: One year, with a monthly commitment of approximately two hours per sampling session.
Microplastic Sorter: This position sorts and identifies microplastics from sand samples at the BOS office, recording and storing data to support microplastics research efforts. Volunteers must be able to sit at a table for up to two hours examining small particles in the sand and should have relatively good eyesight for this detailed work.
Commitment: Once a week for a set day, typically 2 hours per session, with a commitment of at least two months out of the year.
Blue Ocean Discovery Center Animal Care Volunteer: This position assists in tank cleanings, maintenance, saltwater preparation, water testing, animal/plant collection, and equipment maintenance. Volunteers must be able to lift at least 40 pounds, bend, crouch, and kneel on the floor, and work around live animals. This position is selective for one or two high school or college students at a time and requires two to three-morning shifts a week.
Data Entry Volunteer: This position involves accurately entering cleanup data and sign-in sheet information into the Blue Ocean Society’s database, ensuring vital information is organized and accessible for reports and research. Volunteers can work from the office or home, but attention to detail is essential.
Commitment: Flexible hours during the spring, summer, and fall. Volunteers can work as many hours as they prefer during these seasons.