Jobs/Volunteers
Want to help share the wonder of the natural world?
Apply for seasonal educator and naturalist positions with the Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies!
Do you enjoy getting people excited about our natural world? As an Environmental Educator, Naturalist, or Intern with the Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies or trip instructor with Homer Wilderness Leaders, you’ll have the opportunity to share your energy and enthusiasm by leading fun educational programs for children, teens, school groups, locals, and visitors to Alaska. As a non-profit environmental education and stewardship organization, the Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies’ mission is to foster responsible interaction with our natural surroundings and to generate knowledge of the unique ecosystems of Kachemak Bay. Our seasonal staff are employed at five locations in the Homer/Kachemak Bay area: the Wynn Nature Center (a 145-acre boreal forest preserve), the Inspriation Ridge Preserve, the semi-remote Peterson Bay Field Station, the Yurt on the Spit, and the CACS Headquarters Building in downtown Homer (where Day Camp starts and ends each day). We also partner closely with Homer Wilderness Leaders (HoWL) to lead Alaskan wilderness expedition camps. Responsibilities vary by position. Click on the job titles below to view detailed job descriptions.
Benefits include compensation of $2,000 - $2,480 per month depending on experience (DOE) and responsibilities of each particular job. Shared housing is provided. (Staff who do not utilize CACS housing will be compensated at a higher rate).
Qualified applicants are energetic and flexible, possess curiosity and enthusiasm about the natural world and human communities, have experience or a desire to develop skills in place-based environmental education or natural history interpretation, and demonstrate the maturity needed to live in group situations.
Equal Opportunity Employer & Equity Statement:
The Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies recruits, employs, trains, compensates and promotes regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, class, veteran status and other protected status as required by law.
We recognize that the field of environmental education has long excluded Black, Indigenous, and people of color as well as people from working class backgrounds, people with disabilities, and other marginalized groups. We also recognize that environmental injustice and climate change disproportionately impact the most marginalized people in society- including people of color, Indigenous people, people from working class backgrounds, women, and LGBTQ+ people. We believe that these communities must be centered in the work we do and that environmental education will be stronger and richer with more diverse perspectives. Hence, we strongly encourage people with these identities or who are members of other marginalized communities to apply for positions with the Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies. You are encouraged to self-identify in your cover letter, if you feel comfortable doing so. Please contact Katie Gavenus (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., 907-235-1974) with any questions or concerns.
To Apply:
Please submit a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three references to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by January 11, 2023. (Extension: Applications currently being accepted through January 18, 2023.)
Instructions: In your 1-page cover letter, please explain why you are interested in this position and describe the relevant work, academic, and/or life experience that you will bring to this position. Please indicate in both the cover letter and e-mail subject line the specific position and location for which you are applying. Those interested in multiple positions are encouraged to write a separate cover letter for each, detailing how your skills, experience, and interests fit with the responsibilities of that specific job.
Your application materials will be reviewed by a team. If you'd like to address the cover letter to an individual, Beth Trowbridge is our Executive Director. Please ensure that application documents are shared as a PDF or other universally accessible format in order for the hiring team to view them.
**We are usually able to accommodate specific qualifications to fulfill internship requirements set by individual universities. Please let us know in your application email if you would like to discuss this further.
To apply for the HoWL Trip Instructor, e-mail your cover letter, resume, and contact information for three references to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Application deadline for the HoWL Instructor position is January 20, 2023.
Spring 2023- Due to high interest from returning staff, we are not currently taking educator applications for the Spring 2023 season. If you are intersted in being notified about the chance to apply if a spot opens up, please email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. The spring season runs roughly from early April to late May.
Summer 2023 Positions by location (click on position titles for full job descriptions)
Peterson Bay Field Station Naturalist: May 29 - September 4. Work alongside our other naturalist, college intern, and Peterson Bay Field Station coordinator to lead camps for local kids, overnight trips for youth groups, and tidepooling/forest hike day trips for visitors.
Peterson Bay Field Station Naturalist Intern: May 29 - September 4 (possibility for earlier end date if needed by applicant). Work alongside PBFS naturalists and coordinator to lead tidepoosling/forest hike day trips for visitors. Assist with overnight camps and trips for youth groups. **This position is hosted by the Alaska Conservation Foundation. Please apply through their website: https://alaskaconservation.org/community-resources/internships/application-eligibility/ . Deadline is February 13.**
Wynn Naturalist:May 29-September 4 (possibility for earlier end date if needed by applicant). Impart knowledge and a sense of stewardship with diverse visitors and groups from around the world as they visit this 145-acre boreal forest preserve on the ridge above Homer, Alaska. Full-Time and Half-Time positions avaialable.
Ridge Visitor Services Specialist: May 29-September 4 (possibility for earlier end date if needed by applicant). Assist visitors in accessing, learning, and enjoying during their visits to the two Coastal Studies preserves on the ridge above Homer, Alaska while assisting in the operation of the Carl Wynn Gateway to the Ridge Visitor Center.
Inspiration Ridge Coordinator: May 29-September 4. Guide a small team of naturalists and interns as you all work to impart knowledge and a sense of stewardship with diverse visitors and groups from around the world as they participate in guided walks to this 693-acre wildlife habitat preserve on the ridge above Homer, Alaska.
Inspiration Ridge Naturalist: May 30-September 5 (possibility for earlier end date if needed by applicant). Impart knowledge and a sense of stewardship with diverse visitors and groups from around the world as they participate in guided walks to this 693-acre wildlife habitat preserve on the ridge above Homer, Alaska.
Homer Day Camp
Day Camp Coordinator: May 22-August 18. Plan and lead day camp programs for kids from Homer and beyond to connect with the ecosystems of Kachemak Bay, become better stewards, and develop a love for the natural world.
Day Camp Educator: May 29-August 18. Help kids from Homer and beyond connect with the ecosystems of Kachemak Bay, become better stewards, and develop a love for the natural world.
Yurt Coordinator: May 39-September 4. Lead a small team of educators and naturalists to inspire visitors to connect with the nature of Kachemak Bay, as well as planning for and leading Creatures of the Dock Tours, where you help visitors, local families, and youth groups uncover the facsinating invertebrate and fish life that calls the Homer Harbor home. Assist with Ocean Connection Tours and youth programs as needed.
Yurt Environmental Educator: May 29-September 4 (possibility for earlier end date if needed by applicant). Work primarily with the Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies SPIT Kids (3-hour programs) and also lead Creatures of the Dock Tours for visitors and youth groups.
Marine Educator: May 29-September 4. Plan and lead boat-based Ocean Connection Tours for small groups. These tours feature plankton tows, collection of basic oceanographic data, viewing of a seabird nesting colony, and a visit to a local oyster farm.
Part-Time Yurt Naturalist: May 29-September 4. Lead Creatures of the Dock Tours, where you help visitors, local families, and youth groups uncover the facsinating invertebrate and fish life that calls the Homer Harbor home. Will include working Saturdays & Sundays.
CACS Headquarters Building
- Part-time Office Assistant: May 29 - September 4. Help with the day to day office needs such as answering phones, greeting visitors, booking tours, answering questions about CACS and Homer and selling promotional items.
Homer Wilderness Leaders (HoWL)
HoWL Instructor: May 22-August 13, 2023. Co-lead wilderness expedition camps and trips for youth ages 10-18, with a focus on fun, connecting with the outdoors, and building wilderness skills. Trip activities are varied and include backpacking, rock-climbing, paddle boarding, and kayaking. Optional part-time work available in September.
Please note: To apply for the HoWL Trip Instructor, e-mail your cover letter, resume, and contact information for three references to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Application deadline for the HoWL Instructor position is January 20, 2023.
High School Internships
Summer High School Internship, Early-June through Mid-August. Interns will act as guides, greeters, and programs support for CACS summer programs. Enjoy interacting with the public, spending time outdoors, and helping to make the most of visitors' experience with CACS. The 2023 application packet is now available.
Volunteer Opportunities
Thanks for your interest in volunteering for CACS. Our volunteers are the heart of our organization. No matter what your interests and abilities are, we need you! Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information about being a CACS volunteer.
VOLUNTEER BENEFITS:
After 30 hours – a 20% discount on promotional items sold in the office.
After 50 hours – 3 vouchers for free Peterson Bay natural history tours (excluding boat transportation). Two days advance notice required.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES ARE AVAILABLE IN:
Fundraising * Public Relations * Education * Membership * Facilities Maintenance * Newsletter * Wynn Nature Center
Contact us for more information: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (907) 235-6667
