Join the Marine Mammal Foundation as a part of our Education & Outreach Team!

The Marine Mammal Foundation is a leader in marine mammal research and conservation, and we believe education is key to making a positive difference. MMF’s community and youth programs are designed to make our research accessible to all members of the community through fun, engaging and interactive experiences. From our flagship Marine Champions youth programs, our award winning Marine Litter Project, to engaging community members with our unique ‘BurruVan’ display trailer, our community education programs aim to inspire a greater connection to and appreciation of local marine environments, showcasing our incredible marine mammals, and empowering individual and community action to make a positive difference.

The opportunity

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the Marine Mammal Foundation team as a Marine Education Officer. 

This community-facing role will involve the coordination, development and delivery of MMF community and youth engagement programs, championing MMF’s research and education initiatives for the conservation and protection of marine mammals and their environment. The successful applicant will be required to demonstrate excellent communication and project management skills, knowledge of marine wildlife/ecosystems, and a commitment to fostering community conservation outcomes.

The position will involve maintaining and expanding MMF’s community engagement programs including community festivals and school holiday programs, delivering and developing MMF marine education program content, management of MMF’s flagship Marine Champions youth program, liaising with key community and stakeholder groups, and working within the MMF Education and Research Team. The successful applicant will also be required to manage and grow funding opportunities related to the development and delivery of MMF marine education activities.

This role will allow the successful applicant to demonstrate and expand their knowledge of marine mammals, environmental conservation and sustainability while working within a dedicated, enthusiastic and motivated team. This opportunity provides the potential for the successful applicant to grow the role into a full-time remunerated position. Additionally, this role also provides the opportunity for the successful applicant to participate in rewarding marine mammal boat-based research, with on-job skills training provided.

This is a 6-month fixed-term FTE 0.4 contract, with remuneration for 15 hours/week. To secure further/ongoing remuneration and expand the role, along with involvement in research activities and professional development, an additional 7.5 volunteer hours per week will be required. The position enables the expansion into a remunerated part- or full-time position through program sales and securing additional funding opportunities.

Role: 

• Flexible 15 hours per week (2x 7.5hr/day), including weekends, public holidays and school holidays where required.

• Volunteer 7.5 hours/week for position growth, assisting/learning MMF research activities.

• Management and delivery of community engagement and education programs.

• Management and delivery of Marine Champions youth program.

• Growth of MMF marine education programs.

• Based in Mentone, Melbourne, with state-wide travel as required. 

Responsibilities

• Manage, develop and deliver MMF community education events and programs, including award winning Marine Litter Project.

• Manage and coordinate MMF’s flagship Marine Champions youth engagement program, including developing and delivering program content, membership growth and coordination, and securing grant funding for program delivery.

• Book, sell, and coordinate MMF participation in community education events and programs, such as school holiday activities and corporate volunteering events.

• Seek, coordinate and lead the delivery of MMF community engagement and outreach events, including community presentations, workshops, and festivals.

• Foster, maintain and build on established relationships with community and stakeholder groups.

• Identify, write and apply for grant funding, and fulfill grant funding deliverables.

• Manage and coordinate MMF volunteers in MMF Office and MMF Outreach events.

• Manage MMF merchandise stock and promotional materials.

• Creation of communications content (social media/advertising/funding).

• Budget creation and management for program expenses.

• Work alongside and collaborate with MMF Education and Research Team.

Requirements: 

• Relevant tertiary qualification and/or at least 2+ years of experience in marine education or conservation related field.

• At least 2+ years of experience working in outreach, partnership development and stakeholder management, particularly with community, government, and business partners.

• Experience in working with children/young people.

• Excellent public speaking and presentation experience.

• Highly developed written and oral communication skills.

• Strong project and time management skills including planning, delivering on timelines, managing stakeholders and being outcome driven.

• Ability to work effectively, both autonomously and collaboratively as part of a team.

• Demonstrated knowledge of marine wildlife and habitats.

• Experience towing a trailer.

• Share MMF values and interest in marine and environmental conservation and marine mammals.

• Attendance at MMF Office, Mentone. 

• Ability to travel to program locations across Victoria.

• Willingness to work across weekends, public holidays, and school holidays as required.

• Willingness to volunteer to support MMF research activity and conservation initiatives.

Qualifications

• Relevant tertiary qualification in environmental conservation or related field.

• Working With Children’s Check.

• First aid certification.

• Victorian drivers licence.

• Victorian marine licence (desirable, or willingness to apply).

To apply for this position, please email your cover letter and CV to matt@marinemammal.org.au.

Applications close Sunday February 2nd, 2025.