"MarineQuest Summer Program Day Staff 2026"

MarineQuest Summer Program Day Staff 2026

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.

Department: MarineQuest - 31405
Vacancy Number: TSP5589PST
Temp Position Type: SHRA Temporary
Job Category: Unspecified
FLSA for Position: Nonexempt

Brief Summary of Work for this Position:
MarineQuest summer program instructors lead informal educational and recreational marine science activities with youth (ages 4 - 17) for individual and group participation. Instructors are expected to lead program activities in various settings, including UNCW academic labs, classrooms, beaches, marsh, docks, and other public marine science sites. Successful candidates are placed in age-specific program lines or specialty teaching roles (except for the equipment manager) where they will learn multiple curriculums; learn more about each programming line here.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:

• Graduation from high school and prior experience leading recreational activities.
• Ability to work outdoors in Wilmington, NC summer conditions.
• Ability to navigate uneven surfaces and terrain, such as sand, marsh mud, and floating docks.
• Qualifications for MarineQuest Summer Program Instructor and Specialty Staff are specific to the individual positions in each category. Applicants should review each position's qualification requirements here. For example, Dive Program Instructors must have at least an Advanced Open Water Certification and have a current lifeguard certification.

Preferred Education, Knowledge, Skills & Experience:

• Knowledge of marine sciences is a plus
• Experience teaching K-12 students
• Ability to carry 35 lbs.
• Completion of bachelor's degree or equivalent
• Lifeguard Certification is preferred, and in most cases required, (must be signed up for a certification course within 30 days of returning a signed Letter of Agreement)

Required Certifications or Licensure:

• First Aid and CPR Certification (Certifications must be obtained by June 1, 2026)
• Must complete online training modules and attend MarineQuest in-person staff training held June 1st - 5th, 2026.

Work Hours: Half Day Instructors: 7:15AM - 12:15PM Monday - Friday; Full Day Instructors 7:15AM - 4:15PM Monday-Thursday, and 7:15AM - 1:45PM Friday
Work Days: Week Day positions: Monday-Friday; Specialty Staff: variable hours Monday - Friday; Weekend Positions: Friday - Sunday
Hours Per Week: Half Day positions 25 hrs, Specialty Staff positions 20-30 hours, Full Day positions 40 hours, with possibility of 5 hours overtime.
Anticipated Hiring Range: $12 - $18/hour - (dependent on qualifications and specific position)

Special Instructions to Applicants:
Please note, this is a temporary position. The length of the assignment will be based on department needs with the possibility of continuation. Employees in temporary positions are not considered permanent state employees and do not earn leave. Temporary employees are subject to the Affordable Care Act guidelines.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis beginning February 9, 2026 and will continue to be monitored until all positions are filled. The first offers will be given in mid-March. Pay varies by position and is based on qualifications, knowledge, skills, and abilities.