In-Person Volunteers

In-person volunteers are essential to Seaside Sustainability’s hands-on programs running smoothly. These dedicated individuals play a pivotal role in ensuring the success of our organization's mission by taking on a wide range of responsibilities in and around the Gloucester, MA, area. During their time at Seaside Sustainability, members of our in-person team will work on the following programs:

Seabin and Skimmer Management
PixieDrone
Mudflat Acidification Testing
Microplastics in Sand
Coastal Cleanups
Company Coastal Cleanups
Sunscreen Dispensers

Eelgrass
Marine Debris Trawls
Compostable in Marine Environment
Nurdle Patrol
Green Crabs

Volunteering enables individuals to give back to their communities and make a positive impact on the world. Whether you're an experienced volunteer or just starting, honing your list of volunteer skills is essential to create a meaningful and effective contribution.

Volunteer Job Description

We are seeking 5 volunteers with more life experience who want to make a positive impact on their local community. These volunteers will work 3-10 hours per week from May 14th, 2025 to October 31st, 2025.

They will have the following responsibilities and may have some management responsibilities.

Responsibilities:

Daily monitoring of Seabin and Skimmer devices in Gloucester, MA, emptying and replacing mesh bags as necessary to ensure continued removal of marine debris from our waterways.
Assist the Coordinator and Executive Director, Eric Magers, in maneuvering and controlling the PixieDrone.
Conduct and assist in Eelgrass monitoring programs, and assess the health of eelgrass beds and the water quality in Cape Ann.
Answer questions from onlookers about the PixieDrone as needed, such as what the device is, what it is used for, whether it is safe, etc.
Conduct weekly acidification testing at three mudflat locations on the Cape Ann peninsula.
Compile data from acidification tests for inclusion in a comprehensive database - possibly transmit the data to Salem Sound Coastwatch.
Conduct “Microplastics in Sand” tests weekly and assist in running the activity for cleanup groups, teaching and demonstrating how much debris can be found buried in the sand.
Assist at biweekly Coastal Cleanup events by providing guidance, knowledge, and supplies to participants as needed.
Assist at biweekly Company Coastal Cleanup events by providing guidance, knowledge, and supplies to participants as needed.
Monitor sunscreen dispensers biweekly on Good Harbor Beach and refill them as necessary.
Conduct monthly marine debris trawls according to NOAA standards with Executive Director, Eric Magers, on Seaside Sustainability’s boat.
Inspect, measure, and weigh debris collected from trawling activities to keep a record of the quantity and types of debris found in waterways.
Monitor “Compostable in Marine Environment” plastic monthly to determine if/when deterioration starts.
Conduct plastic pellet collection when time permits and report findings to nurdlepatrol.org to help create a database of microplastic findings in coastal Massachusetts.
Conduct independent coastal cleanups when needed or as time permits.
Assist in demonstrating Green & Asian Shore Crab mitigation during corporate events, collecting data regarding species, sex, and carapace length.
Pending program commencement, assist Coordinator and Executive Director Eric Magers weekly in maneuvering and controlling the BeBot to sift through the sand along the Cape Ann peninsula.
Pending program commencement, answer questions from onlookers about the BeBot as needed, such as what the device is, what it is used for, whether it is safe, etc.
Creating write-ups after performing field work or attending an event for Marketing.
Keep an accurate record of worked hours to be reported weekly to Seaside Sustainability using the Hours Tracker form.

Desired Skills

Experience working on projects that positively impact the environment
Passionate and dedicated to making a difference in the environment
Good communication skills
Comfortable working both in teams and individually
Good time management skills
Willing to learn and work outside of their comfort zone
Willing to work outdoors, in or around water and/or on a boat, and in inclement weather
Ability to lift 50 pounds

Program Summaries

Seabin and Skimmer Management - Daily

Seabins are designed to tackle the growing problem of plastic pollution and other discarded debris in marine environments to restore ecosystems and habitats that occupy coastal areas. These devices act as trash bins in the water by filtering water through a mesh bag, leaving behind marine debris.

PixieDrone - Events Only

The PixieDrone collects floating solid waste from bodies of water either by remote control or autonomously. The drone is equipped with a video camera to monitor waste conditions and avoid obstacles.

Mudflat Acidification Testing - Biweekly

The primary objective of mudflat acidification testing is to establish a clear correlation between the increase in CO2 levels and the subsequent decline in pH levels within the mudflats. Three designated locations across Cape Ann will be visited to perform acidification testing. At each of these sites, you will conduct probing and data recording activities. The collected data will be subsequently compiled and transmitted to Salem Sound Coastwatch for inclusion in a comprehensive database, facilitating further analysis and assessment.

Microplastics in Sand - Weekly

Our MS&T staff visits our local beaches and conducts research studies on the presence and distribution rates of microplastics. In a small area, sand is removed and filtered through sieves, leaving behind larger items like rocks and microplastics. Participants can see firsthand just how much plastic is right below our feet through this activity.

Coastal Cleanups - Biweekly

The primary objective of Coastal Cleanups is to reduce the accumulation of debris, particularly in the oceans, which often results from the litter and waste carried into the water during rising tides, persisting for extended periods, and posing threats to marine life. Our focused efforts involve surveying these locations, collecting, documenting, and categorizing debris, and ensuring its proper disposal, preventing it from further contamination of our precious oceans. Planned Coastal Cleanups are scheduled for the local community to get involved. Seaside Sustainability provides guidance to participants to ensure cleanups are completed with safety in mind for all involved.

Corporate Clean Ups - Biweekly

Seaside will host cleanup events for corporate teams who are interested as a community service opportunity for their employees. Corporate teams will be encouraged to request a “private” cleanup event by making a donation to Seaside or they can join a public cleanup we have already scheduled. Not only do Gloucester area coasts get cleaned, but also local businesses will be able to participate in environmental conservation activities.

Sunscreen Dispensers - Biweekly

Using sunscreen is crucial for preventing skin cancer, especially when at the beach and exposed to the Sun. Regular application of sunscreen has shown to be the most effective way of preventing exposed skin from being damaged. Partnering with Raw Elements, a reef-safe sunscreen company, we decided to bring two dispensers to Good Harbor Beach in Gloucester, Massachusetts. Seaside is currently working on adding two more sunscreen dispensers to Wingaersheek Beach.

Eelgrass Coordinator only - Monthly

Eelgrass is an important species in Massachusetts marine ecosystems. It keeps coastlines stable, provides food and shelter, filters water, and more. These grasses are heavily impacted by recreational and commercial activities such as fishing and boating. Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection conducts aerial imaging followed by in person mapping by boat to determine where eelgrass is found and where it may be struggling. Seaside Sustainability is looking to assist in these efforts in 6-8 locations in the towns of Essex, Manchester, Gloucester, and Rockport, Massachusetts by creating maps of local eelgrass beds. This program is conducted by collecting data and images in addition to creating maps of findings monthly from June to September.

Eelgrass - Monthly

Eelgrass keeps coastlines stable, provides food and shelter, filters water, and more. Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection conducts aerial imaging followed by in-person mapping by boat to determine where eelgrass is found and where it may be struggling. Seaside Sustainability is looking to assist in these efforts in 6-8 locations in the towns of Essex, Manchester, Gloucester, and Rockport, Massachusetts by creating maps of local eelgrass beds. This program is conducted by collecting data and images in addition to creating maps of findings monthly from June to September.

Marine Debris Trawls - Monthly

Microplastics in the water can be hard to see and remove but trawling is one way we can start the process of taking plastics out of our waterways. Manta nets are used by trailing them behind a boat to take samples, filtering marine debris out of the water. These plastics are then inspected, measured, and weighed for research purposes. Trawls are conducted on a monthly basis according to NOAA standards with Executive Director Eric Magers on Seaside Sustainability’s boat.

Compostable in Marine Environment - Monthly

This project is testing a new potentially biodegradable plastic technology. The plastic is created with oxygen inside, making it easier to break down over time as compared to standard plastic products. Some items made from this material have been getting tested by Seaside Sustainability to see how they hold up to being in the water.

Nurdle Patrol - As needed / as time permits

Nurdle Patrol is a citizen science project based out of Texas to collect data on nurdles, or plastic pellets typically used in the manufacturing of plastic items, found in bodies of water. Participation includes going to the beach, searching for and collecting pellets for 10 minutes, and recording the data (including location, amount of nurdles, time, and pictures) at nurdlepatrol.org. Seaside is actively looking for volunteers and interns to go out and go on these nurdle hunts along beaches and upload their findings to the Nurdle Patrol website so we can pioneer data for Massachusetts!

Green Crabs - Events Only

European Green and Asian Shore Crabs are two invasive species in New England that negatively impact local native species, and therefore New England’s seafood industry. To mitigate this issue, Seaside places crab traps in permitted areas to collect data and remove invasive crab species. The captured crabs can be used for compost, as bait, and eaten after data and pictures have been taken. Seaside currently has one crab trap that is used during corporate events for instructional and informational purposes.

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