2026-2027 Seal Education Team (SET) Sandy Hook, NJ

Join the interpretation team and become an integral part of sharing the natural beauty and rich history of this national park! The role of the volunteer in the Sandy Hook Unit Seal Education Team (SET) is to provide informal and formal interpretative programming about the seals and other wildlife that migrate to Sandy Hook, to enhance the general public’s understanding of seals and park resources, to ensure visitor safety, and to reduce disturbance to seals.

Park location: Gateway NRA - Sandy Hook Unit, 26 Hudson Road, Highlands, NJ 07732

Time commitment: 2 hours, 2x per Month

Dates: November through April

Age Requirement: 18+

During shifts, the volunteer will speak to the public about seal and wildlife biology, natural resources, park programs and activities, traffic, and parking rules, and if needed, ask visitors to reduce disturbance to wildlife. They will also manage and report on signage in the area. The volunteer will explain National Park Service regulation and policy, animal migration, the relationship between seals and the environment, as well as policies such as the Marine Mammal Protection Act and Clean Water Act. Depending on the shift, volunteers may pick up interpretive supplies and equipment, then travel to the shift location according to the schedule. They may be involved with presenting programs on or off-site.

The volunteer will coordinate with the NPS team members or other volunteers at the site on a given day to determine best approach while considering the type of programming, seals, number of visitors, traffic, and weather conditions. The volunteer will request assistance from Visitor and Resource Protection staff at (718)-354-4700 in the event of medical emergency, harassment of animals, or non-compliant visitors. 

At the end of each shift, the volunteer will record statistics, observations, and incidents based on shift type. They will ensure supplies used are returned to the designated location. The volunteer will report trends, suggestions, and concerns to the program coordinator in a timely manner.

Health and physical condition requirements for this position:

·        Ability to walk and stand for up to 2+ hours indoors or outdoors

·        Ability to work outdoors in winter weather conditions

·        Must be comfortable with public speaking

Qualifications (knowledge, skills, experience, ability):

·        Individuals are asked to volunteer 2 hours, 2x per month

·        Knowledge and interest in learning about seal biology, natural history, and Sandy Hook

·        Ability to learn and retain research information to present accurate information to the public

·        Interest or experience in engaging the public to enhance understanding of park resources and to request compliance with law and policy

·        Knowledge of informal and formal interpretive methods

·        Ability to assess situations and apply good judgment to make appropriate decisions, and to prevent situations from escalating

·        Ability to remain neutral about controversial topics and to represent the National Park Service and Gateway National Recreation Area in a professional manner

·        Commitment to contributing to a workplace environment that is civil and courteous, safe, and free from harassment

·        Wears Volunteer Uniform according to Gateway National Recreation Area standards

Registration closes Saturday, October 24, 2026.

Tentative Training Dates: Sunday, November 8 and Sunday, November 15. If you are unable to make one of the trainings, you may not be selected for the team this season.