Employment

Washington Volunteer Coordinator – Kelp Forest Monitoring

Along the West Coast of North America, Reef Check helps ensure the long-term sustainability and health
of the nearshore rocky reefs and kelp forests. Reef Check volunteer citizen scientists are divers who
come from a wide range of backgrounds and who take a proactive role in making sure that our nearshore
ecosystems are healthy and well-managed. We train scuba divers to be citizen scientists familiar with
local marine life and how to survey kelp forests. We provide them with the skills to conduct scientific
surveys and then lead them in monitoring kelp forests along the West Coast.

Reef Check Foundation seeks a Volunteer Coordinator for our Washington kelp forest monitoring
program. This is a part-time position and is based in the greater Puget Sound area, working remotely from a home office. Travel to survey sites within the state of Washington will be required. The coordinator will assist the regional manager in survey preparation and communications, conducting scientific dives with volunteers, and data management.

Successful candidates must have a strong work ethic coupled with a high level of self-motivation and
enthusiasm. We are looking for a team player and someone who is an outstanding leader and able to
inspire volunteers. Experience managing and leading volunteers is a plus, and a background in marine
biology is strongly preferred. This position is based in Western Washington with required travel to field
sites all over the Salish Sea. Applicants will need to have their own dive gear in good working order, a
computer with reliable internet access, a driver’s license, and dependable transportation.

Compensation
This is a part-time position (<30 hr/week). Most surveys and training sessions are held on weekends, so
working on weekends will be required. Hours will vary, compensation is $21 to $26/hour, depending on
qualification and experience.

Primary Responsibilities
● Assist with kelp forest monitoring training courses.
● Organize and lead scientific survey dives.
● Data entry and management
● Organizing and leading outreach activities

Qualifications and Skills
● Dive Leadership certification from an internationally recognized agency
● Current or recent AAUS Scientific Diver with experience in cold water and diving in currents
● Ability to work independently and take initiative in completing tasks and responsibilities
● Effective written and verbal communication skills (with colleagues as well as with partners,
volunteers, and the general public)
● Significant recent diving experience in Puget Sound.
● Comfortable working in adverse weather conditions, on boats, and in marine environments
● Ability to record/enter data with a high degree of accuracy and completeness
● A bachelor’s degree in marine biology or a related science with excellent oral and written
communication skills.

Application Instructions
Please submit a cover letter, resume, and three references to Jackie Selbitschka,
jselbitschka@reefcheck.org, by May 11, 2025.