MarineQuest Kayak Instructor

Posting Details

Posting Details

Benefits of Working at UNCW

At the University of North Carolina Wilmington, we are driven by a clear purpose: to empower student success, advance innovation, and strengthen the communities we serve. Guided by our strategic vision and commitment to excellence, UNCW offers a dynamic and collaborative environment where employees can make meaningful contributions while growing their careers.

Located in coastal North Carolina, UNCW combines the energy of a thriving academic community with the natural beauty of nearby beaches and outdoor spaces. Here, professional opportunity is balanced with an exceptional quality of life-creating a workplace where you can thrive both personally and professionally.

As a member of the Seahawk community, you'll benefit from a culture that values well-being, lifelong learning, and connection. UNCW offers a competitive and flexible benefits package designed to support your health, financial well-being, and professional growth. From comprehensive health coverage and retirement options to generous paid leave, tuition opportunities within the UNC System, learning and development opportunities, and wellness programs, UNCW is committed to helping you thrive both at work and in your personal life.

Recruitment Range $38,192 - $42,436 Recruitment Range Details

The salary range advertised is the designated recruitment range for this classification. Final salary offers will be determined by the candidate's education, relevant experience, internal equity alignment, and departmental budgetary parameters.

Vacancy Number S02892 Position Title 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

• First Aid/CPR, Lifeguard

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 Position Number 8429 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

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

• Resume
• Cover Letter

Optional Documents

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• • Describe your teaching experience (informal or formal) and/or past camp staff work experience you may have:

(Open Ended Question)

• • What makes you a good candidate for the MarineQuest program?

(Open Ended Question)

• • Do you currently hold a CPR certification?

• Yes

• No, but I will achieve the certification within 3 months of employment

• No, and I cannot achieve the certification within 3 months of employment

• • How did you learn of this opportunity with UNCW? (2026)

• UNCW Website

• UNCW LinkedIn Page

• UNCW X Account (formerly Twitter)

• UNCW Employee Referral

• UNCW Instagram Account (UNCW_jobs)

• UNCW Job Alert

• Chronical of Higher Education

• Glassdoor

• Higher Ed Jobs

• Indeed

• Inside Higher Ed

• North Carolina Job Network

• Craigslist

• Career Events/Job Fairs

• Billboards/Marquee

• Other

• • If you selected "Other" to the question above, please explain how you found out about this opportunity. Enter N/A if not applicable.

(Open Ended Question)