2026 –2027 Program Assistant Positions

2026 –2027 Program Assistant Positions

Undergraduate/ Gap Year Programs – Multiple Openings

OVERALL RESPONSIBILITIES
Reporting to the Associate Dean for Student Affairs, the Program Assistant (PA) plays a key role in supporting student success in SEA’s undergraduate programs, both on campus and during the shipboard sea component. Working collaboratively with the SEA Faculty, Staff and Crew, the PA is part of the team that helps to cultivate student engagement and enhance their experience throughout the program. The Program Assistant lives on the SEA campus when students are participating in the shore component, and in most cases will join the life at sea experience onboard the SEA ship with the students during the sea component. This is a full-time 24/7 residential role during the contracted dates. Time off during the shore component is negotiated with the Associate Dean for Student Affairs. The position start date is approximately seven days before the program starts. The end date is one day after the program concludes.

  • Climate Change and Coastal Resilience – September 21 – December 22, 2026
  • Coral Reef Conservation – December 28, 2026 – March 29, 2027
  • Plastics and Biodiversity in the Sargasso Sea – February 23 – May 27, 2027
  • Whales! Whaling and Whale Conservation – May 13 – June 11, 2027
  • Climate Change and Community Resilience – September 24 – December 22, 2027

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Community Development – Lives with the students and supervises the development of
    community norms, and emotional/mental welfare of students. Plans extracurricular and
    morale-boosting free time activities in the evenings and on weekends.
  • Program Logistics- Complete housing assignments prior to start of program. Assist with cottage preparation and with general cottage management during the shore component. Coordinate field day and student check in/out process. Manage student grocery card purchases and tracking. Provide support for student meal planning, budgeting, and preparation.
  • Emergency Response and Medical Coordination
    • On shore: Work closely with the Associate Dean for Student Affairs, and consult with SEA Medical Affairs Coordinator as appropriate, to ensure student safety and welfare when on campus. Provide front-line response and intervention for student medical and mental health issues, and campus emergencies according to SEA emergency response protocols.
    • At sea: Serve as the shipboard primary or secondary medical officer under the supervision of the Captain. Coordinate patient medical care, and communications with internal and external resources. Provide triage, evaluation, documentation and ongoing care for sick or injured students and crew as directed by medical consultants providing remote medical patient care through telecommunications, MEDSEA, the Captain, and SEA’s Medical Affairs Coordinator.
  • Academic Support – Assist students outside of the classroom with assignments and meeting their academic goals, as needed.
  • Marketing & Social Media– Help students coordinate the documentation of the program experience by assisting with written, photographic or other artistic mediums for those willing and interested. Opportunity to post content on social media in collaboration with the SEA Marketing Team based on the Program Assistant’s interest.
  • Other Responsibilities – as assigned

SHORE COMPONENT SCHEDULE

The Program Assistant is expected to stay on campus overnight when students are in residence. Weekday duty hours typically begin at 5 PM. The PA is expected to stay on or near campus on weekends, and to facilitate at least one group activity each weekend.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

  • Bachelor’s degree in outdoor education, environmental science, marine biology, social work, or a related field.
  • At least one year of experience in student support at the secondary, gap year, or undergraduate level; experience with off-campus/residential programs preferred.
  • Experience working with diverse groups of students.
  • Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality regarding student records and other
    information of a confidential nature.
  • Wilderness First Responder or higher medical training. SEA offers discounted/free WFR training annually in December.
  • Experience in conflict resolution, group facilitation, mentorship, and/or teaching.
  • Is physically and emotionally fit to withstand demanding work consecutive days in an intense environment.
  • Valid US Driver’s License
  • Shipboard requirements include the need to be medically cleared, adherence to SEA’s drug and alcohol policy, and participation in drug testing program.

PREFERRED

  • Previous experience in off-campus or outdoor educational programs.
  • Previous tall ship sailing experience, preferably on a SEA vessel.
  • Previous tall ship medical officer experience.
  • Mental health training.

COMPENSATION

Salary is based on a rate of $684/week and determined by the number of contracted days of employment. Room and board is included during the work agreement dates.

  • Climate Change and Coastal Resilience Fall 2026 Base Salary: $9,062.85 (based on 93 days), plus room and board on the SEA Campus and/or SEA Ship is provided during this work agreement.
  • Coral Reef Conservation Spring 2027 Base Salary: $8,965.40 (based on 92 days), plus room and board on the SEA Campus and/or SEA Ship is provided during this work agreement.
  • Plastics and Biodiversity in the Sargasso Sea Spring 2027 Base Salary: $9,160.30 (based on 94 days), plus room and board on the SEA Campus and/or SEA Ship is provided during this work agreement.
  • Whales! Whaling and Whale Conservation Summer 2027 Base Salary: $2,923.50 (based on 30 days), Plus room and board on the SEA Campus and/or SEA Ship is provided during this work agreement.
  • Climate Change and Community Resilience Fall 2027 Base Salary: $8,770.50 (based on 90 days), plus room and board on the SEA Campus and/or SEA Ship is provided during this work agreement.

To Apply: Please send a cover letter, resume, and contact information for two references to pasearch@sea.edu . Please state the program position(s) you are applying for in email subject. SEA Employees are eligible for benefits with a minimum of 180 workdays over the course of a 12-month work agreement. Please contact Human Resources for additional information.