Courtesy Photo Hannah Hazewinkel, center, serves with the Huron Pines AmeriCorps and works with local students at the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary in Alpena to promote hands-on learning.

ALPENA — Huron Pines AmeriCorps has more than 20 job positions opening, including an education specialist at the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary’s Great Maritime Heritage Center.

Since 2007, the Huron Pines AmeriCorps program has worked to create conservation leaders in Michigan who build connections with the community and students through engaging and educational programs.

Partnering with the sanctuary, AmeriCorps is searching for people to fill the education specialist role at the Heritage Visitor Center.

The Visitor Center in Alpena has more than 10,000 square feet of interactive exhibits, a theater, and labs to promote the sanctuary’s programs and the history of shipwrecks and the importance of our Great Lakes as natural resources.

Sanctuary Education and Outreach Coordinator Sarah Waters said the Visitor Center is looking for someone with good people skills who enjoys working with kids as well as educating others about the importance of the sanctuary in Alpena.

“We are looking for someone with interest in history and natural resources,” Waters said, “with interest in communicating the shipwreck history here at Thunder Bay.”

The specialist would work closely with the public, visitors, and students to provide them with programming and information about the sanctuary, its history, and any other associated entities. The primary location will be at the Visitor’s Center in Alpena, with some secondary locations, as well as opportunities on the waters of Lake Huron.

The AmeriCorps is a volunteer-based position without pay, but there is a living stipend. It is a 40-hour-per-week job starting in January and running through October 2019.

A bachelor’s degree is required for the position.

Applications are available online at huronpines.org/americrops, with a deadline of Sept. 28.

Kaitlin Ryan can be reached at kryan@thealpenanews.com or by phone at 989-358-5693.