We need the ocean. The ocean needs us.

Role Summary

As the Ocean Wise Volunteer & Outreach Coordinator, you will contribute to the engagement, coordination, and growth of Ocean Wise’s national volunteer community. You will be responsible for activities at each stage of the volunteer engagement cycle, from outreach and onboarding to communication, data collection, and relationship management, leading to meaningful volunteer participation across Canada in both English and French. You will also play a key role at Shoreline Champion events, which mobilize volunteers and community partners to remove litter from shorelines and take part in marine and freshwater ecosystem restoration. Tasks will include volunteer coordination, event support, data collection, and impact reporting, all bolstering Ocean Wise’s efforts to reduce plastic pollution and promote environmental stewardship nationwide.

*Please note this is a fixed-term contract position with a start date on or after April 1st, 2026 until October 31st, 2026*

Who You Are

You are a community-minded and organized individual who enjoys connecting people to meaningful experiences that make a difference. You are comfortable engaging with volunteers and partners, and you bring a collaborative, positive approach to supporting events, outreach and volunteer coordination.

What You Will Be Doing

• Support the national volunteer engagement cycle by assisting with volunteer outreach, onboarding, communication, and retention activities.
• Coordinate and assist with Shoreline Champion events, engaging volunteers and partners, organizing logistics, and ensuring positive, inclusive volunteer experiences.
• Manage volunteer data and participation tracking, including collecting reflections, monitoring volunteer contributions, with a focus on accurate record-keeping and reporting.
• Promote volunteer opportunities nationally, supporting outreach efforts and connecting volunteers to meaningful conservation and stewardship activities.
• Ensure safe, sustainable program delivery by following Ocean Wise safety protocols, environmental best practices, and responsible volunteer management standards.

What You Bring

• Experience or demonstrated interest in volunteer coordination, community engagement, outreach, or event support (academic, volunteer, or work-based experience welcomed).
• Comfortable communicating with volunteers and partners and supporting group activities in both formal and informal settings.
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks, follow processes, and contribute positively to a team environment.
• Interest in environmental stewardship, community engagement, or nonprofit work, with a willingness to learn and grow.
• Valid driver’s licence, with access to a reliable vehicle, and willingness to travel locally and regionally as required.
• Assets include:
  • Bilingual in English and French (intermediate to advanced knowledge of both languages)
  • Experience with Microsoft Office or similar tools; comfort learning new systems (e.g., CRM database or other data-tracking platforms).
  • Post-secondary studies or coursework in environmental studies, education, community development, or a related field.

How You Will Be Measured

• Effective volunteer engagement, reflected in positive volunteer feedback, timely communication, and accurate participation records.
• Successful coordination and support of Shoreline Champion events, including volunteer turnout, smooth logistics, and positive partner relationships.
• Accurate and organized contribution to volunteer and event data collection, supporting national reporting and evaluation efforts.
• Demonstrated ability to work in volunteer communications and outreach activities.
• Consistent adherence to safety, operational, and sustainability standards while contributing to team collaboration and continuous improvement.

What We Offer

This fixed-term contract position offers:

• A remote working environment, when not required on-site for shoreline and volunteer events.
• An hourly rate of $27.23 per hour, in line with market data for not-for-profit organizations
• Benefits coverage on a premium cost-shared basis, if employed for 6+ months, including
  • Extended health and dental coverage
  • Vision coverage
  • $300 Health spending account
  • Group term and supplemental life insurance
  • Short-term disability
  • Long-term disability
• 4% pay in lieu of vacation days
• 5 paid sick days after 90 days of employment
• Paid Statutory and General Holidays each calendar year
• Professional development opportunities
• The opportunity to be part of a team that’s helping to save the ocean!

Where and How You’ll Work

This is a full-time (37.5 hours per week) fixed contract position, with the possibility of additional hours depending on program needs. The role is remote-first, when not required on-site for shoreline and volunteer events.

The position requires flexibility to travel and to work occasional evenings and weekends to support shoreline cleanups, volunteer events, and outreach activities. Duties involve driving, standing, sitting, and communicating for extended periods; working outdoors in varying weather conditions; lifting equipment (up to 20 kg to chest height); and working at a computer for extended durations. Regular travel is required, and a valid driver’s licence is essential.

Who We Are

Ocean Wise is a global conversation organization on a mission to build communities that take meaningful action to protect and restore our ocean. Learn more about us at ocean.org.

Inclusion and Diversity

At Ocean Wise, we believe that a welcoming and diverse workplace fosters the inclusion of voices that have been historically underrepresented. We encourage applications from individuals belonging to equity-deserving groups and will work with applicants requesting accommodations at any stage of the hiring process. We value human connection and fairness in our recruitment process. We do not use AI, algorithms, or automated tools to screen or evaluate candidates. All applications are reviewed by our hiring team to ensure each candidate is considered thoughtfully and equitably.