Employment Opportunities
Half-Day Program Instructor
The MarineQuest Half-Day Junior Program team works with our youngest students (Ages 4 - 7). For many students, this is their first introduction to the marine science world. Our tested junior program curriculums engage students in marine science topics from fish life cycles to invertebrate and vertebrate zoology. Instructors will learn and implement multiple (three) titled programs throughout the summer.
MarineQuest is hiring two instructors to lead out Siesta aftercare program (Monday - Thursday, 12:00PM - 4:00PM)
Learn more about the half-day core programs by reviewing the program pages:
Full Day Junior Program Instructor
MarineQuest Full Day Junior Program instructors keep our 7 - 8-year-old students busy! Throughout the week, spend approximately 50% of the program time in the field and the other 50% of the time indoors teaching the MarineQuest curriculum. Instructors will lead students on a migratory journey along the North Carolina coast and US National Marine Sanctuaries. Lead investigations into how climate change is impacting our treasured species, assist with dissections, and use technology to inspire the next generation. Instructors will learn and implement two titled programs throughout the summer.
Learn the programs you would lead:
Coastal ProtectorsFlex Program Day Instructors
Instructors leading our Flex programs provide students with opportunities to experience what being a scientist or engineer is like. Throughout the week, spend approximately 50% of the program time in the field and the other 50% of the time indoors teaching the MarineQuest curriculum. All curriculum is inquiry-based where students will ask questions, collect data, and make conclusions while conducting marine science research. Many of these programs involve trips on UNCW Research Vessels, visits to restricted UNCW science facilities, laboratory activities, and engagement with UNCW faculty. Instructors will learn and implement multiple (two to three) titled programs throughout the summer.
Learn more about the core programming lines:
Dive Program Staff
Do you have a passion for marine science and research diving? The MarineQuest Dive Staff assists professional PADI Dive Instructors as they train students to earn their open water and specialty certifications. The dive staff is a part of the MarineQuest instructor team as they will lead various lessons out of the water including career, science, and skill-focused activities.
Candidates must be at least 21 years old, and have a valid driver's license and lifeguard certification.
Learn more about the dive programs you would lead:
Weekend Instructor
The MarineQuest weekend instructors lead O.C.E.A.N.S. and Oceans 17 programs Friday night through Sunday night. Weekend activities include field excursions, service projects, kayaking, and other marine adventure-based activities. During the weekend MarineQuest aims to provide students with more recreational and bonding activities while maintaining a safe and academic environment.
Candidates must be at least 21, and have a valid driver's license and lifeguard certification.
Working weekends are: June 12-14, June 26-28, July 3-5 (includes holiday pay), July 17-19
Lead young students in program-specific “lab investigations” ranging from simulated frog dissection to real fish and eel dissections. Assist with Flex program shark dissections and other marine anatomy content. This position will also lead MarineQuest marine debris curriculum including notably Watson the Whale and Turtle Trash Collectors programming (simulated turtle necropsy). Additional support hours may be available (boat float, fishing, etc.).
Anticipated hours ~20 hours per week.
MarineQuest is looking for a team member who will lead our half-day junior program students on their salt marsh expedition aboard MQ's Boat Float (inflatable kayak) and municipal dock fishing and fouling excursions. This position is responsible for transporting necessary materials to field sites and proper maintenance of inflatable kayaks. In addition, this position will support the Marine Anatomy Lead with Watson the Whale (Fridays).
Anticipated hours ~20 hours per week.
May be combined with other specialty roles.
Must be at least 21, have a valid driver's license, and lifeguard certification.
Play a critical role in the success of MarineQuest's field programs in this hands-on logistics and operations role. The equipment manager is responsible for taking ownership to ensure all MarineQuest field equipment is ready for program use. This includes seine nets, dip nets, life jackets, and fishing poles. They will ensure all equipment is cleaned and maintained throughout the summer and fix things as they break. The equipment manager assists with junior program field site visits including the marsh and dock communities (fishing and fouling). This is an ideal early stepping stone for anyone building a career in outdoor recreation, program management, operations, or marine logistics.
“MarineQuest was a perfect stepping stone for me to get started in the field. I suggest it to all my friends who are still working on getting their marine biology degree... That summer was so much fun because I got to spend it in Wilmington ranging from the beaches to the marshes and I got to teach kids about something I love. I formed special bonds with not only my fellow coworkers but also my superiors as well.
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MarineQuest
Main Office: 626 MacMillan Ave.
MarineQuest Lab: Center for Marine Science, 5600 Marvin K. Moss Lane
