University Program Associate
Working Title
MarineQuest Kayak Instructor
Competency Level
Contributing
Home Department
MarineQuest - 31405
Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit
MarineQuest is the official marine science outreach program for UNCW and the Center for Marine Science providing young people with opportunities to explore, discover and value our marine habitats. MarineQuest operates as a small receipt supported business to provide outreach programming to K-12 students in the community, state and across the nation year round, including Summer Academic Enrichment Programs, School Programs and Weekend outreach activities.
College
Watson College of Ed - 314 College
College/School Information
University Information
The University of North Carolina Wilmington, the state’s coastal university, is dedicated to the integration of teaching, mentoring, research and service. Widely acknowledged for its world-class faculty and staff and continuously recognized at a national level for scholarly excellence and affordability, UNCW offers a powerful academic experience that stimulates creative inquiry and critical thinking.
A public institution with nearly 18,000 students, UNCW offers a full range of baccalaureate- and graduate-level programs, as well as doctoral degrees in educational leadership, marine biology, nursing practice and psychology; and many distance learning options, including clinical research, an accelerated RN-to-BSN program, an Executive M.B.A. program structured for working professionals, and the nation’s only bachelor’s degree program focused on coastal engineering.
The university’s efforts to advance research and scholarly activities have earned UNCW the elevated designation of “Doctoral Universities: High Research Activity” institution (R2 University) by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education.
UNCW has been part of the University of North Carolina System since 1969.
Location of Workplace
Other
Brief Summary of Work for this Position
The MarineQuest Kayak Instructor leads environmental education-based kayak trips for a wide range of ages and supports MarineQuest as a team member with a unique skill set. During the summer, the primary role of the kayak instructor is to lead summer program students (ages 9 – 17) on kayak adventures in coastal Wilmington. During the school year, kayak trips will become less frequent, and the position will focus on equipment, aquaria projects, and being an instructor for school programs.
As a year-round member of the MarineQuest team this position is expected to:
- Practice open communication with MarineQuest and UNCW.
- Serve as a positive role model for staff and students. Displaying maturity, responsibility, flexibility, and judgement.
- Be knowledgeable in the MarineQuest program mission, program organization, and Minors’ policy.
- Safely transport students, staff, and equipment in passenger vans.
- Maintain clean and organized program spaces.
- Maintain student safety in both field and UNCW campus spaces.
- Provide a positive experience for program students and staff.
- Attention to detail as pertains to programming and logistics.
Minimum Education and Experience Requirements
Bachelor’s degree; or equivalent combination of training and experience. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.
Preferred education, professional skills and experience
- American Canoe Association Instructor Certification
- Wilderness First Responder certification or higher
- Environmental Education certification or teaching credential
Required Certifications or licensure
FTE
1.0 FTE (40 hours per week)
Months Per Year
12 Months
Work Days
Monday - Friday, with some weekend work
Work Hours
8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Type of Position
Time-limited
Anticipated Ending Date if Time-Limited
09/15/2029
Job Posting Date
08/12/2026
Posting Close Date
09/01/2026
Number of Openings
Single Incumbent
Special Notes to Applicants
This position is time-limited with the possibility of continuation pending availability of funds and department need.
PLEASE NOTE: This posting will close at 11:59PM (Eastern time) on the posted closing date. To receive full consideration, please be sure you have fully completed the entire application, including the ‘Work History’ section before you apply for this position. Applications must be submitted through the online application system to be considered.
This position is being recruited at the Contributing level. If no applicants apply who meet the required competency and training & experience requirements, then management may consider other applicants. Salary would be determined based on competencies, equity, budget, and market considerations.
EEO Statement
UNCW does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of his or her race, sex (such as gender, gender identity, marital status, childbirth, and pregnancy), age, color, national origin (including ethnicity), religion, disability, sexual orientation, political affiliation, veteran status, military service member status, genetic information, or relationship to other university constituents – except where sex, age, or ability represent bona fide educational or occupational qualifications or where marital status is a statutorily established eligibility criterion for State funded employee benefit programs.
Eligibility for Employment
Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. UNC Wilmington participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.
External Link to Posting
https://jobs.uncw.edu/postings/40407
