Careers & Internships
The success of the Seacoast Science Center lies in the dedication and passion of its employees, interns, and volunteers. Through their efforts, SSC has become a leader in informal marine environmental science education in the region.
Employment Opportunities
Seacoast Science Center is committed to creating a diverse work environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.
Director of Finance
SSC is seeking a Director of Finance to join its leadership team. The Director of Finance demonstrates strong leadership skills and the ability to apply sound business practices and strategies to SSC's growing nonprofit organization. Creativity, market awareness, and entrepreneurial thinking are critical for success within SSC’s complex nonprofit operating model. The model is characterized by mission-related earned-income, diverse fundraising activities, business areas related to museum operations including admissions, retail and facility rental, and an extensive network of critical public and private partners. SSC is also poised to launch a transformative capital project that will substantially expand SSC’s facility, capacity, and its community benefit for New Hampshire and beyond. A demonstrated track record of institution level financial management is a core requirement for the Director of Finance.
Please view the detailed job description.
TO APPLY: Please send cover letter and resume to careers@sscnh.org with DIRECTOR OF FINANCE in the subject line.
As a measure to minimize internal hiring biases, all candidates submitting application materials will be asked to respond in writing to three short questions intended to give them the opportunity to map their skills onto SSC’s vision for its DFO. SSC will use these responses as its initial filter for all applicants. Failure to submit a response to the questions will result in a candidate being removed from further consideration.
No phone calls please.
Fundraising and Membership Coordinator
Seacoast Science Center is seeking a Fundraising and Membership Coordinator to join its talented team. The Fundraising and Membership Coordinator provides administrative support for SSC’s membership program and fundraising activities. This includes data entry, revenue allocation, database upkeep, report generation, and gift acknowledgement, and membership fulfillment. In addition, the Fundraising and Membership Coordinator will help to develop membership incentives and communications, and perform analytics and market research for fundraising, and membership growth and member retention.
View detailed job description here.
TO APPLY: Please send cover letter and resume to careers@sscnh.org with FUNDRAISING & MEMBERSHIP COORD in the subject line. As a measure to minimize internal hiring biases, all candidates submitting application materials will be asked to respond in writing to three short questions intended to give them the opportunity to map their skills onto SSC’s vision for its Executive Assistant. SSC will use these responses as its initial filter for all applicants. Failure to submit a response to the questions will result in a candidate being removed from further consideration.
Visitor Programs Naturalist (no openings until Fall 2023)
The Visitor Programs Naturalist is responsible for the delivery of SSC’s public programs and for providing consistently high quality customer service to visitors of all ages. In this public-facing role, the Visitor Programs Naturalist must provide a professional and enthusiastic first impression. The Visitor Programs Naturalist must be able to teach engaging, accurate marine/coastal science programs that are hands-on, interactive, personalized and fun. In addition to delivering public programs, the Visitor Programs Naturalist responsibilities include operating a point of sale system and accurately handling transactions in a fast-paced setting. Being an engaged member of our cohesive team of naturalists and volunteers that delivers an excellent visitor experience is key to success in this position.
View the detailed Visitor Programs Naturalist Job Description.
TO APPLY: Please send cover letter and resume to careers@sscnh.org with VISITOR PROGRAMS NATURALIST in the subject line. No paper applications will be accepted.
Summer Camp Counselor
Monday-Friday, 8am-3pm, June 7-August 25, 2023
Camp Counselors prepare lesson plans and lead activities, games and crafts for the Center’s Seaside Safari Environmental Day Camp for children, grades K-5. Lessons incorporate the Center’s interactive exhibits and the trails and habitats of Odiorne Point State Park. Camp Counselors must have college-level environmental and/or education course work and a strong interest in coastal ecology. Experience teaching outdoors with children ages 5-12 preferred. Familiarity with marine and coastal ecosystems, initiative, strength of character and a good sense of humor helpful.
TO APPLY: Please send cover letter and resume to careers@sscnh.org with CAMP in the subject line.
Summer Camp EMT/Nurse/Wilderness First Responder
Monday–Friday, 9am-3pm, June 19–August 25, 2023
The Summer Camp EMT/Nurse/Wilderness First Responder is responsible for daily health care and safety needs of the entire program, campers and camp staff, including dispensing medications and responding to first aid emergencies camp-wide. The EMT checks, evaluates, organizes, and files camper health forms; alerts all camp staff of potential health risks, including but not limited to allergies, diabetes, heat stroke, illnesses, and special needs. The EMT also takes a lead role in communicating with parents and the Camp Director regarding camper health and safety concerns, maintains health and insurance incident records, establishes a basic first aid/health care station, manages first aid equipment and supplies.
Qualifications: Applicants must be a New Hampshire State certified RN, LPN, MD, Physician’s Assistant, ARNP or EMT equivalent. Current CPR and First Aid certifications and valid driver’s license required. CPR/First Aid Instructor certification preferred. A sense of humor, experience working with school aged children, and familiarity with outdoor education and day camp settings are important.
Physical Requirements: Must possess the ability to provide care in the outdoors, including on the rocky shore and other potentially rough habitats. Must be able to climb rocks, stairs, and occasionally lift moderately heavy objects.
TO APPLY: Please send cover letter and resume to careers@sscnh.org with CAMP in the subject line.
Seasonal Naturalist
Seasonal Naturalists lead interpretive ecology programs for school children (grades pre-K through 12) and groups, both onsite and offsite. Applications are accepted throughout the year. Hours are flexible and on an “as needed” basis. Applicants should possess general knowledge of the Gulf of Maine ecosystem, excellent verbal communication skills, and great enthusiasm for the marine environment. Teaching experience is preferred. Training is required and provided for successful candidates. All Seasonal Naturalists must follow and help enforce all general and COVID-19 Safety Protocol.
TO APPLY: Please send cover letter and resume to careers@sscnh.org with NATURALIST in the subject line.
Seasonal Event Staff
No openings until Spring 2023
Seasonal Event Staff work to ensure the success of weddings and corporate events as the onsite staff member to answer questions and serve as the point person for site-specific logistics during an event. Applications are accepted throughout the year. Hours are flexible, on an “as needed” basis, and include late nights. Applicants should possess excellent communication and customer service skills, have enthusiasm for Seacoast Science Center and its conservation mission, and have an interest in making every event special. Previous event experience is preferred. Training is provided for successful candidates. All Seasonal Event Staff must follow and help enforce all general and COVID-19 Safety Protocols.
TO APPLY: Please send cover letter and resume to careers@sscnh.org with EVENTS in the subject line.
Internship Opportunities
Internships are only available to college-age students and older.
A Seacoast Science Center internship is a meaningful, hands-on, practical work experience that can play a key role in advancing a students’ understanding of a career in the marine science, environmental education, and non-profit and museum fields. This professional learning experience is a unique opportunity for career exploration, professional development, and application of new skills and knowledge. Interns are expected to be highly motivated and able to work as a team member and independently.
Internship opportunities vary in time commitment, focus and expectation, and typically run for one academic semester or during the summer months. Please be aware that summertime internship positions are in high demand. Applications are accepted starting in January, 2023 and a note will be added when full.
Paid and Unpaid Internship opportunities are detailed below. We invite you to contact us with your specific interests and academic requirements.
Naturalist Internships — Paid, Summers-only
Marine Mammal Rescue Intern (No openings until Summer 2024)
Seacoast Science Center is seeking a passionate and reliable undergraduate student intern to support its Marine Mammal Rescue (MMR) Program during the peak animal response and outreach season. The MMR Intern will be trained in marine mammal response, and will assist with animal responses in NH and northeastern MA. The MMR Intern’s primary responsibilities will include assisting at educational outreach events, both on-site and off-site.
View detailed job description here.
TO APPLY: As a measure to minimize internal hiring biases, all candidates should respond in writing to a short series of questions intended to give them the opportunity to map their skills onto SSC’s vision for its MMR Intern. SSC will use these responses as the initial filter for all applicants. Failure to submit a response to the questions will result in a candidate being removed from further consideration.
Please send a resume, letter of interest, and the answers to the questions as three separate attachments to careers@sscnh.org to begin your application, with MARINE MAMMAL RESCUE INTERN in the subject line. No paper applications will be accepted.
Naturalist Internships — Unpaid
Visitor Engagement Internship (unpaid) (no openings until Fall 2023)
Visitor Engagement Interns work with the education, engagement and visitor services staff to deliver Center programs, and Odiorne Point State Park programs to visitors, school children, and groups. Interns will gain experience in the tools, techniques and types of engagements that typify education in an informal learning environment.
Education staff will work with incoming interns to develop goals, outcomes and a work plan that meets the needs and requirements of both SSC and the intern. All Visitor Engagement Interns work to help improve program outcomes, develop and deliver programs, facilitate activities, interpret exhibits and support the overall visitor experience. Maximizing the quality of the visitor experience is a multi-faceted endeavor that includes responsive customer service, facilitation of inquiry based learning, delivery of quality mission-based programs, and ensuring upkeep and safety of exhibits, learning tools and resources. Interns must be interested in marine environmental education and be willing to present programs indoors and outdoors to all ages during high-volume visitation on weekdays and weekends.
Aquarist Internship (unpaid) (No openings until Fall 2023)
Aquarist Interns work with our Lead Aquarist and trained volunteer staff to help maintain the Center’s live animal exhibits. Duties include the daily/weekly maintenance of tanks and saltwater life support equipment and the care of animals. Aquarist Interns help plan, develop, and set up new tanks and interior substrates, help collect specimens, and help develop husbandry methods for proper care of specimens. Aquarist Interns must possess knowledge in biology, chemistry, marine science, natural resources, or zoology and have a strong interest in aquarist techniques.
Marketing Internship (unpaid) (no opening until Fall 2023)
Marketing Interns work with the Chief Communications Officer and Communications Coordinator to advance SSC’s mission and strengthen its brand through the promotion of its exhibitions, programs, and events. Responsibilities include market research; planning and implementing marketing campaigns, including digital, radio, and print advertising; drafting blog and social media posts; and assisting with special projects and events. The Marketing Intern will gain an understanding of all SSC operations and its non-profit business practices. Must have superior communication, writing, and computer skills. Social media marketing, photography and videography skills are helpful.
Volunteer Program Internship, summers only (unpaid)
Volunteer Program Interns work directly with the Volunteer Coordinator, assisting with tasks that keep the program running smoothly. Volunteer Program Interns learn about non-profit operations and the critical role of volunteers, as well as assist with front-line and behind the scenes tasks. Volunteer Program Interns assist with summer concerts, events, and special programs and can choose to be involved with a variety of other opportunities, melding the internship toward their interests. This is a great opportunity to work with a wide range of audiences and expand your knowledge of non-profit work. Interns must be well organized, self-starters, and comfortable working both one-on-one and as a team.
History Internship, summers only (unpaid) (No openings until Summer 2024)
History Interns will work with Seacoast Science Center and Odiorne Point State Park staff to plan, deliver and organize outdoor visitor programs about the park’s local, maritime, military, and natural history. Interns will work with volunteer and education staff to: organize, train and support park history volunteers; deliver history walks; and communicate program information to state park employees. Ideal candidates will enjoy interacting with visitors, teaching, and learning with and from other history volunteers and naturalists. Interns must be willing to teach outdoors.
To apply for an internship
Please send a cover letter and resume to careers@sscnh.org with the POSITION TITLE in the subject line. Your cover letter should indicate which position you are interested in and why you would be a good fit.
