223 Volunteer team leader role jobs

Role Summary

We’re looking for a curious, highly organised and passionate marine scientist who can bring research to life and help make Ocean science accessible to millions of people.

You’ll be the team’s go-to person for marine science; researching topics, translating them into engaging content, fact-checking, and helping ensure Ocean Generation’s work is scientifically accurate, credible and inspiring.

This is a hands-on individual contributor role with significant ownership across three core areas: marine science research, science communication, and educational programme support.

You’ll take ownership of our Science Hub articles; from ideation to publication, work closely with our Content & Engagement Manager to develop Ocean stories and social content, and support the creation, scientific review and delivery of our Ocean Literacy programmes.

You’ll also contribute to social science research, partnerships and wider organisational projects as we aim to nurture an Ocean Literate society.

We’re looking for someone who loves both research and communication:someone who can dive into a scientific paper, identify the most important findings, and shape them into an article, workshop or social media story that makes people care about the Ocean.

About Ocean Generation

Ocean Generation is a UNESCO-endorsed Ocean education charity turning Science into Storytelling. We make Ocean Literacy accessible through film, pop-culture, and education programmes that empower practical action.

Most people grow up unaware that the Ocean is keeping us all alive: Ocean Generation exists to change that.

Established in 2009 by film producer Jo Ruxton MBE, our award-winning documentary ‘A Plastic Ocean’ was named by Sir David Attenborough as “one of the most important films of our time” and ignited mass public awareness about the impact of plastic pollution.

Today, we address a full range of human-made threats impacting the Ocean, with a particular focus on programmes for young people.

Our Ocean Intelligence approach – how we translate complex Ocean science into engaging content through Science and Storytelling – has been endorsed by the Intergovernmental Oceanic Commission of UNESCO as a project under the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development.

• Our vision is a world where society understands, values, and acts for the Ocean.
• Our mission is to improve Ocean Literacy by translating complex science into engaging content, programmes, and practical actions.

Key Responsibilities

Marine Science Research & Scientific Credibility

• Research and monitor marine science, Ocean conservation, environmental issues and Ocean Literacy developments, identifying relevant topics and compelling stories for Ocean Generation.
• Read and synthesise peer-reviewed scientific papers, translating complex findings into clear, accessible insights.
• Act as the team’s go-to person for scientific research, fact-checking and guidance, helping ensure our content, educational materials and programmes are accurate, balanced and evidence-based.
• Share relevant scientific developments with the team and identify opportunities to bring new research into our work.

Science Communication & Editorial Content

• Own the planning, research, writing and publishing of approximately 16 articles a year for our Science Hub, working with the wider team to develop an engaging and relevant editorial plan.
• Translate scientific research into accessible and compelling articles, workshops and social stories, adapting the language, depth and format for different audiences.
• Collaborate with the Content & Engagement Manager to develop science-backed social content, helping shape ideas, create content and ensure scientific accuracy across our digital channels.
• Support community management on socials; responding to scientific questions from our community and helping maintain an accurate, informative and engaging presence.
• Explore opportunities to make our science content more engaging, discoverable and sustainable.

Ocean Literacy & Educational Programmes

• Work with the Ocean Literacy team to research and develop topics and resources for our programme areas.
• Contribute marine science expertise, ensuring all our learning materials, workshops and activities are scientifically accurate, accessible and aligned with our Ocean Literacy approach.
• Conduct social science research into the barriers, motivations and opportunities that influence Ocean Literacy in the UK, and contribute evidence and insights to reports and related projects.
• Help deliver online and in-person sessions including workshops and presentations for young people, educators and other audiences.

You’ll also contribute to:

• Partnerships and fundraising: Contribute to funding applications, partner activities/ sessions and impact reports as needed. Review environmental claims and due diligence of prospective and existing partners.
• Research and collaboration: Build relationships with scientists, researchers and academic institutions, and identify opportunities for collaboration.
• Internship programme management: Provide guidance and feedback to science interns, or other contributors, and ensure quality assurance of their work.
• Organisational projects:Contribute your expertise to wider projects as priorities arise. Attend relevant events/conferences, establishing Ocean Generation as a leader in Ocean Literacy in the UK.

Skills & Experience Required 

We’re looking for someone with a strong foundation in marine science, a genuine curiosity about the Ocean and a talent for communicating complex information clearly and creatively.

You’ll be comfortable working independently, proactively managing your own priorities and collaborating across a small, fast-moving team.

Essential

• A degree in marine biology, marine science, environmental science or a related discipline.
• Strong research skills, including the ability to find, assess and synthesise peer-reviewed scientific literature.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex science clearly and engagingly to non-specialist audiences.
• Exceptional level of attention to detail, particularly when fact-checking, referencing and communicating scientific information.
• A genuine interest in marine science, conservation and Ocean Literacy, alongside an understanding of the wider environmental and societal context.
• Excellent organisation and time-management skills, with the ability to manage your own workload, meet deadlines and adapt as priorities change.
• Initiative and confidence to work independently, ask questions, share ideas and collaborate with colleagues across different areas of expertise.
• Confident presenting complex science clearly and engagingly to groups, including non-specialist audiences
• The skills to develop engaging science communication materials, including presentations, learning resources and social content, using tools such as Canva.

Desirable

• An interest in, or experience of, social science research relating to Ocean Literacy, including barriers to understanding and behaviour change.
• Experience writing or editing science-based content for public audiences.
• Experience developing educational resources, workshops, webinars or public engagement activities.
• Experience supporting interns, volunteers or other contributors.
• Familiarity with content management systems such as WordPress.
• An interest in industry and digital trends, including pop-culture, with the ability to generate new ideas and bring them to fruition.

Conditions

• Reports to: Liberty Denman, Head of Ocean Literacy
• Salary: £27,000–£29,000 per annum, depending on experience.
• Contract: Full-time, 12-month fixed-term contract, November 2026 – November 2027.
• Working Hours: This is a full-time role based on a 37.5-hour working week, worked across five days. We are committed to flexible working and operate core collaboration hours of 10am–4pm, Monday to Thursday. Outside of these core hours, employees have flexibility over when they work their remaining hours, subject to the needs of the organisation.
• Working Environment: Ocean Generation is a digital-first, home-based organisation, enabling us to maintain a geographically dispersed and diverse team while maximising our investment in our charitable aims. We value the benefits of occasional face-to-face collaboration for team wellbeing and effectiveness.
• Location: This is a remote role and candidates may be based anywhere in the UK. As there is no permanent office, you will work from home, although candidates located within reasonable travelling distance of London or the South West may be preferred due to occasional meetings. Proof of the right to work in the UK will be required.
• Travel: Occasional UK travel for meetings, events and in-person programme delivery, including overnight stays, will be required. All reasonable travel and accommodation expenses incurred in carrying out your role will be reimbursed.
• Holiday: 25 days’ annual leave, plus bank holidays and up to three additional paid days during the Christmas and New Year closure.
• Pension: Ocean Generation operates a workplace pension scheme. Eligible employees will be automatically enrolled in accordance with statutory requirements.