Outreach & Engagement Summer Interns

Job Requisition: JR101362 Outreach & Engagement Summer Interns (Open) Job Posting Title: Outreach & Engagement Summer Interns Department: CC00817 VIMS1 | DEAN | Communications & Marketing Job Family: Staff - Academic Program Administration Worker Sub Type: Wage-Temporary (requires end date - non-benefited) (Fixed Term) (Fixed Term) Job Requisition Primary Location: Virginia Institute of Marine Science Primary Job Posting Location: Virginia Institute of Marine Science Job Description Summary: The mission of William & Mary’s Batten School of Coastal & Marine Sciences & Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) is to seek and broadly communicate knowledge in marine and coastal science to the Commonwealth of Virginia, the nation, and the world through research, education, and advisory service. The Batten School & VIMS make seminal advances in understanding coastal and marine systems through research and discovery, translate research findings into practical solutions to complex issues of societal importance, and provide new generations of researchers, educators, problem solvers, and managers with an education of unsurpassed quality. With the W&M Batten School & VIMS, the Office of Outreach and Engagement is a collaborative team of professionals providing education and outreach programming for the Institute. The office’s goal is to increase scientific and environmental literacy of diverse audiences to improve Virginia’s coastal communities and beyond. This goal is achieved by translating science, increasing accessibility of marine science education, and advancing visibility of VIMS research and resources. Job Description: The Outreach & Engagement Summer Intern(s) will work closely with the VIMS Office of Outreach and Engagement team to prepare, deliver and evaluate education and outreach programs that promote hands-on, experiential learning in marine science. The Intern(s) will assist with K-12 summer camps, teacher professional development opportunities, and public outreach events, other responsibilities may include logistical support, preparation of materials, activity facilitation, and collection and analysis of program evaluation data. This is a 40 hour a week temporary position. Core duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to: EDUCATION: • Support a variety of outreach and education programs, including field-based summer camps, teacher workshops, and public outreach events • Assist with week-long summer camps for students in grades 3 – 10, including field experiences, laboratory investigations, craft-based activities, and maintaining a safe learning environment • Serve as near-peer mentor for high school participants in a two-week STEM summer camp • Support teacher professional development workshops by preparing materials, helping deliver classroom and field lessons and contributing to program evaluation • Assist with organizing, analyzing and reporting evaluation data to inform future programming OUTREACH: • Assist in the planning and delivery of public outreach programs, including Marine Science Day, festival exhibit booths, and public tours • Help develop communications materials, such blog content, social media posts, photographs, videos and interviews • Support the creation of promotional and educational resources including presentation materials, flyers, handouts, and visual media INDEPENDENT PROJECT: • Intern(s) will complete an independent education or outreach project selected from a list of available options. This project will be completed throughout the summer alongside team responsibilities and presented at the end of the internship. Required Qualifications Education: High School diploma and completion of first year of undergraduate study by the start of the internship. Recent college graduates may also apply. Competencies: • Strong interest in science education, with a focus on marine or environmental science, and enthusiasm for helping others learn about science. • Strong communication skills, including the ability to explain scientific topics to youth and general audiences • Comfort working on vessels (boats, canoes, kayaks), in and around water, and in field conditions • Ability to work independently and collaboratively while maintaining professionalism 8 and reliability • Proficiency with basic productivity software (e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint or Google equivalents) and familiarity with social media platforms (e.g., Facebook, Instagram, X). Experience: • Experience that demonstrates an interest in science education, environmental education, or public engagement with science • Experience related to marine science, coastal science, environmental science, or science education, gained through coursework, research, or applied programs Preferred Qualifications Education: Completion of 2-3 years of undergraduate study by the start of the internship Competencies: • Familiarity with Chesapeake Bay ecosystems • Coursework or experience in marine science or science education • Demonstrated creativity and problem-solving ability Experience: • Experience with K-12 audiences in education, camp, mentoring or outreach settings • Experience using lab or field research equipment Salary- Up to $17.00 per hour, commensurate with experience Conditions of employment: • This position is a temporary (hourly) position not to exceed 6 months. All hourly employees are subject to the limitations of the Virginia Manpower Control Program and total hours worked may not exceed on average 29 hours per week, over the course of twelve months beginning May 1 each year.  • This is a non-exempt position, eligible to receive overtime in accordance with the Fair Labor Standards Act. This position may be subject to overtime during high peak times, etc. as directed and approved by the supervisor. • This is a term restricted position, and is subject to the continued availability of funding. Job Duties: 50% – Assist with K–12 Summer Camps (Grades 3–10) • Support the delivery of hands-on, inquiry-based marine science programming for elementary and middle school students in classroom, laboratory, and field settings. • Assist educators with field investigations (e.g., shoreline surveys, water quality sampling, plankton tows) and laboratory-based activities using microscopes and basic marine science equipment. • Facilitate small-group learning by guiding discussions, assisting with data collection and interpretation, and adapting explanations to various age levels. • Monitor student engagement and behavior to maintain a safe, inclusive, and positive learning environment. • Enforce safety standards during outdoor and water-based activities, including work on vessels (boats, canoes, kayaks), under supervision of professional staff. • Report safety concerns or behavioral issues promptly to supervising staff and assist with implementation of corrective measures as needed. 15% – Near-Peer Mentorship (High School STEM Camp) • Serve as a near-peer mentor to high school students participating in a two-week STEM-focused marine science program. • Support participants during laboratory investigations, field experiences, and collaborative research-based projects. • Facilitate structured reflection activities and discussions related to STEM pathways, marine science careers, and academic preparation. • Provide appropriate guidance and encouragement while modeling professionalism and responsible conduct in academic and scientific settings. • Assist staff in monitoring student progress and preparation for final presentations or culminating activities. 15% – Independent Education or Outreach Project • Complete an independent project focused on enhancing education or outreach programming, selected in consultation with the supervisor from an approved list of options. • Develop a project proposal outlining objectives, scope of work, timeline, and expected outcomes. • Conduct research, content development, and implementation activities related to the selected project (e.g., curriculum development, evaluation framework design, digital resource creation, community engagement initiative). • Integrate feedback from supervisor and team members throughout the project lifecycle. • Prepare and deliver a formal presentation summarizing the project’s goals, process, outcomes, and recommendations to the Outreach & Engagement team at the conclusion of the internship. • Submit final project materials in a format suitable for future program use or institutional archiving. 10% – Support Outreach & Education Programs • Provide operational and instructional support for outreach and education initiatives led by the Office of Outreach & Engagement, including summer camps, teacher workshops, and public engagement events. • Assist with program logistics, including setup and breakdown of classroom and field spaces, preparation of laboratory and field equipment, and organization of instructional materials. • Support participant check-in/out processes, distribution of materials, and general event coordination. • Ensure compliance with safety procedures and institutional guidelines during all programming activities. • Assist with post-program tasks such as organizing materials, inventorying supplies, and documenting participant feedback. 10% – Communications & Educational Resource Development • Assist in drafting and editing outreach communications, including blog posts, newsletters, and social media content highlighting program activities and institutional impact. • Capture and organize photographs and short-form video content for use in promotional and educational materials, in accordance with institutional media guidelines. • Support development of educational resources such as presentations, handouts, activity guides, and visual materials. • Ensure materials are accessible, audience-appropriate, and aligned with program learning objectives. Additional Job Description: Job Profile: JP0320 - Education Support Assistant - Nonexempt - Hourly - H02 Qualifications: Pay Rate Type: Hourly Compensation Grade: H02 Recruiting Start Date: 2026-02-18 Review Date: 2026-03-09 Position Restrictions: EEO is the Law. Applicants can learn more about William & Mary’s status as an equal opportunity employer by viewing the "Know Your Rights" poster published by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. https://www.eeoc.gov/know-your-rights-workplace-discrimination-illegal Background Check: William & Mary is committed to providing a safe campus community. W&M conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include reference checks, a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check. Remote Work Disclaimer: Remote work eligibility is not guaranteed and is subject to approval. Employee eligibility depends on the likelihood of the employee succeeding in a remote work arrangement and the supervisor’s ability to manage remote workers. Departments and/or Human Resources may amend, alter, change, delete, or modify eligibility.