To further its mission of environmental stewardship, the Coast Guard needs environmental educators to speak to community groups, public events, schools, and museums to improve public knowledge about human-caused threats to marine life on the Great Lakes and connected waterways. As an environmental educator, you will deliver presentations about environmental laws, marine safety, aquatic invasive species, fishing debris, illegal dumping, and boating’s impact on the environment and participate in relevant events such as beach cleanups or boating fairs. A primary focus is maritime pollution prevention and outreach about environmental laws, however within this area educators specialize in venues, topics, and audiences that interest them and may speak to adults, children, or both. Presentations can be made in teams or (after training) as a solo instructor operating independently, or educators can staff booths at public events.
Benefits
This opportunity provides professional training relevant to teaching and maritime careers and will provide a boating license (in Michigan, called a boater education card). Working at a federal agency can be helpful for future government careers. You can achieve certifications in many areas, including teaching and leadership, that can be used on your resume. Successful participants are eligible for internships that offer course credit. You will receive insurance coverage and liability protection while volunteering. You will receive base exchange shopping privileges in Detroit and online. Training will be provided at no cost.
Qualifications
You must be comfortable interacting with the public and be a confident public speaker. No prior experience is necessary, but prior coursework in environmental science will allow you to progress through training more quickly, or skip some training. The Coast Guard Auxiliary is a uniformed service – you must be willing to acquire and wear a uniform in a professional manner. As many different tasks are available, your physical ability usually does not limit participation. If you incur expenses to volunteer (such as travel, uniforms, or meals if necessary) these are not usually reimbursed by the Coast Guard. US citizenship is required.
Timing
You can set your own hours and location by scheduling and accepting speaking engagements at locations and times convenient to you, except for check-in/training meetings usually held Wednesdays at 7pm (these meetings can be done via Zoom). Almost all required training and mentoring can be completed online, but outreach presentations must be in-person.
Process
Due to the training provided, this is a long-term opportunity. Initial training generally takes at least six months and includes a background check. If you express an interest you will be invited to visit a meeting as a guest and to discuss your interests and availability.
Note: This is a volunteer service opportunity, not an ROTC program. There is no legal service obligation. No college scholarships are available. The Coast Guard Auxiliary does not perform military or law enforcement missions.
