Youth Coastal Ambassadors Program (YCAP) - MV

Opportunity Overview:
Through the Claire Saltonstall Education Program, our mission is to connect island high school students interested in coastal studies with the work The Trustees is engaged with on the island. Ambassadors will meet at The Trustees’ Vineyard Haven Office one Saturday a month, where they will participate in a short introductory training session followed by a trip to a Trustees property to conduct volunteer work.

In these training sessions, ambassadors will learn about the region’s coastal ecology, the effects of climate change on our coastal landscapes, restoration techniques, and more. In the fall and spring, students will work on a variety of stewardship projects on Trustees properties (examples include beach profiling, salt marsh cleanups, invasive species management, and dune restoration).  In winter months, students will work on independently driven projects — educational videos on key coastal topics, aiding facilitators on school field trips, or interviewing Trustees employees about the work they do in the field. YCAP students will develop skills in leadership, stewardship, public engagement, and education through this program, and be prepared for future careers in conservation.  Sessions will run for 3 hours and meet at The Trustees’ Vineyard Haven office one Saturday a month.  Transportation will be provided to and from various Trustees’ properties to work on volunteer projects.  Ambassadors can choose which Saturday sessions they wish to attend and are not required to attend all sessions in order to apply.   

Properties Served: Cape Poge Wildlife Refuge, Long Point Wildlife Refuge, Menemsha Hills & The Brickyard, Mytoi Garden, The FARM Institute, Wasque Reservation

Reports to: Islands Education Manager

Responsibilities (may include but are not limited to the following):

• Communicate effectively with staff and other YCAP participants
• Adhere to The Trustees safety and COVID-19 protocols
• Express Interest in this opportunity

What to bring:

• Notebook and pen
• Water, lunch and/or snacks
• Appropriate/comfortable clothing for weather and close-toed shoes — we will be going out in a variety of seasonal weather conditions!

Qualifications:

• Must be currently enrolled in high school or a recent graduate 
• Interest in coastal sciences and conservation and enthusiasm about exploring these topics further 
• Willing and able to work outside for 3+ hours at a time in a variety of weather conditions 
• Interested in participating in training sessions at The Trustees Vineyard Haven Office, and outside on volunteer projects (about 20% training sessions, 20% independent projects, 60% outside in the field) 
• Reliable transportation to/from The Trustees Vineyard Haven Office  
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a small team 
• Positive attitude and willingness to learn! 

Time Commitment:
Training sessions will occur at The Trustees main office in Vineyard Haven, to be followed by a van ride to one of our coastal properties.

Schedule:

*All Projects subject to change depending on weather conditions and availability.

For more information
Contact the Volunteer Services Team at volunteer@thetrustees.org
 

To explore other volunteer opportunities, visit our volunteer page at http://volunteer.thetrustees.org/
 
More about The Trustees
Founded by landscape architect Charles Eliot in 1891, The Trustees has, for more than 125 years, been a catalyst for important ideas, endeavors, and progress in Massachusetts. As a steward of distinctive and dynamic places of both historic and cultural value, The Trustees is the nation’s first preservation and conservation organization, and its landscapes and landmarks continue to inspire discussion, innovation, and action today as they did in the past. We are a nonprofit, supported by members, friends and donors and our 116 sites are destinations for residents, members, and visitors alike, welcoming millions of guests annually. www.thetrustees.org.
 
Inclusive Spaces for All
We are committed to providing a welcoming environment for all. Together, alongside our partners and volunteers we are creating inclusive spaces of community for people of all backgrounds to enjoy and preserving these open spaces for everyone, forever. We are committed to inclusion across race, gender, age, religion, identity, ability, and experience.
 
The Trustees is committed to a policy of non-discrimination and equal employment opportunity for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, age, military service, application for military service, veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable law. The Trustees makes reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities, in accordance with applicable law.
 
Covid-19 Volunteer Safety:
The health and safety of Trustees’ volunteers, staff and visitors is our top priority.

• If you are not feeling well, please stay home
• If you have been in contact with someone with Covid-19 or someone displaying symptoms of Covid-19, please stay home
• For our most current Covid-19 updates, please visit our main Trustees site