VOLUNTEER TODAY at the Roger Tory Peterson Estuary Center
Do you care about the environment or want to make a positive impact? Are you interested in getting involved with the community? Become a volunteer to support our education and advocacy efforts focused on conserving and preserving the environment around us!
The RTPEC team, of teachers-naturalists and staff, fosters a welcoming and supportive environment where both the individual and the community are valued. This combination creates a center alive with opportunity and promise!
BECOME A VOLUNTEER
Process to expect:
- Read volunteer descriptions (below)
- To apply, please send cover letter and resume to: Heather Kordula, Education Program Manager, at hkordula@ctaudubon.org
- We will send you an application and schedule your interview
- Attend an orientation/ welcome info session
We have recently acquired a new home and we will need help preparing for, moving into, and maintaining the building and grounds. In addition to our regular opportunities, scroll down to read about the new volunteer openings at our new location!
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
1. Education
Community and Family Programs: Knowledge of the focus of the program is not required, but helpful (i.e., birds for birding basics, estuary ecology for estuary explorations, etc.). Volunteers may be asked to take photos, hand out or collect binoculars, assist with participant registration, and setup and takedown of program. Additionally, interested volunteers may be asked to lead or co-lead programs.
School Programs:. Volunteers interested in working with our school programs will need to have some experience teaching (formal or informal). Our education programs include an outdoor portion all year round, so our volunteers should be comfortable being outdoors in a variety of weather conditions and able to walk various trail levels. Background checks are required.
2. Special Events
Event volunteers: set up, take down, registration, traffic control, welcome signs, facilitate activities, etc
Lecture committee: Collaborate on planning and assisting with background work finding interesting speakers.
3. General office and administration support
Behind the scenes: administrative tasks may include data entry and managing excel lists, updating school/teacher contact lists, ordering and organizing materials, mailing and general upkeep of the center including sweeping, wiping down surfaces, re-arranging meeting spaces etc.
Front desk: volunteers will help customers with program or member registrations and should be comfortable handling the phones and answering basic questions to the general public (training and information is provided). Volunteers need to be cheerful and helpful as they will be the first face visitors see when they enter our center or the first voice they hear if they call with questions.
4. Marketing &/or Publicity efforts
Volunteers working on publicity and marketing will help make sure the public knows about all of the wonderful programs and events happening here at our center! Volunteers can help identify new areas to advertise to reach a bigger audience and/or provide support and ideas for our social media outreach.
5. Center upkeep and maintenance
Landscaping and outdoor maintenance: RTP’s “Worker Bees” are looking for new and eager hands to help with outdoor clean up, maintenance, and even planting/gardening!
Behind the scenes / indoor maintenance: Volunteers who like to work with their hands could assist us with various projects around the center. There are always little things to be fixed, constructed, rearranged, tidied up, and cleaned. The “behind the scenes” work is a vital part of our organization and we are very grateful to those who lend a hand with these activities.
RTPEC Welcome & Information Center: these roles is very similar to the front desk administrative support, greeting the public and assisting with any questions or concerns. This person would commit to an on-going schedule and act as the customer service or knowledge base for the center. These volunteers are an important part of our center and a fantastic opportunity to work with the public, learn about all the latest programs and activities, and contribute to the overall operating and success of RTPEC!
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please send a resume and brief cover letter to:
Heather Kordula, Education Program Manager, at hkordula@ctaudubon.org
