MarineQuest School Program Associate

University of North Carolina Wilmington

$38,193 - $42,667

United States, North Carolina, Wilmington

Aug 03, 2026

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	$38,193 - $42,667
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	S02881
Position Title	University Program Associate
Working Title	MarineQuest School Program Associate
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	CMS Myrtle Grove
Brief Summary of Work for this Position	The MarineQuest School Program Associate leads environmental education-based programming 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 Program Associate is to lead a summer program line (ages 9 - 17). During the school year, the position will focus on school program administrative assistance, lab organization, and school program instruction. 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.
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	Bachelor's degree in a marine science field, environmental studies, or science education. Two seasons as a Program Associate. Environmental Education certification or teaching credential.
Required Certifications or licensure	First Aid/ CPR, Lifeguard (or ability to complete within first 6 months)
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 with some variation
Type of Position	Time-limited
Anticipated Ending Date if Time-Limited	09/03/2029
Position Number	8468
Job Posting Date	08/03/2026
Posting Close Date	08/14/2026
Number of Openings	Single Incumbent
Special Notes to Applicants	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/40175