Conservation Internship

Division/Title:
Conservation/ Conservation Intern

Reporting Relationship:
Conservation Manager

Internship Summary:
In the Conservation Department of Loggerhead Marinelife Center (LMC), interns have the opportunity to participate in marine debris prevention initiatives that help improve the health of marine life and oceans. The Conservation internship is open to students (undergraduates or recent graduates) with a focused interest in conservation, sustainability, wildlife, biology, and/or nonprofits. Interns will have the opportunity to learn all aspects of LMC’s conservation efforts by working directly with LMC staff. Additionally, interns will have access to special events and programs. The internship experience is considered voluntary, thus it is not paid and housing is not provided. However, LMC can work with schools to provide the intern with course credit. Start and end dates are flexible to accommodate school and work schedules. Interns are required to complete an intern project. All interns report directly to the Conservation Manager.

Hours:
15–30 hours a week, with a commitment of 3 days a week minimum. Hours will vary depending on weather conditions and outreach schedule. Days and hours are flexible.

Job Responsibilities:
• Conducting surveys with various groups including recreational boaters and anglers on local fishing piers
• Assisting with preparation and coordination of community workshops
• Preparing materials for conservation projects
• Conducting outreach programs and/or information tables as appropriate for trade shows, festivals, LMC events, and community events
• Conducting children’s fishing workshops for ethical angling
• Collecting and recording data for all conservation projects
• Assist in collecting STPZ boat speed data
• Maintaining relationships with conservation partners
• Sorting, weighing, recording, and recycling or repurposing debris collected from cleanup activities
• Completing a final project based on career objectives. The project will be provided by LMC staff within the first week of internship
• Collecting water quality and other environmental samples for partner organizations.
• Contribute to blog posts when needed
• Attend various outreaches and events over the course of the internship
• Complete other conservation tasks as assigned and needed.
• Further support LMC’s mission

Required Skills, Knowledge and Experience:
• College undergraduate student or higher from the U.S. or International School
• Desire to pursue a career in a related field, such as conservation, environmentalism, biology, sustainability, etc.
• Self-motivated and possess the ability to work independently or as part of a team
• Comfortable speaking with the general public on information related to LMC’s conservation initiatives
• Willing to work outdoors in the South Florida heat, rain, and wind when necessary
• Self-motivated and possess the ability to work independently or as part of a team
• Excellent in-person and online communication skills
• Well organized, with strong attention to detail
• Computer skills required: Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Power Point), Google apps, web & social media savvy
• Must have strong interpersonal communication skills and the ability to communicate with a variety of different audiences
• Proficiency in multiple languages preferred
• Use of personal vehicle, mileage/gas reimbursements will be made
• All interns must possess a valid driver’s license and pass a criminal background check

About Us:
Founded in 1983, Loggerhead Marinelife Center is a leading cultural attraction in South Florida that
provides open access to all guests. Today the Center is a global leader in the research, rehabilitation, and
protection of sea turtles, serving our broader mission to promote ocean ecosystem conservation. Annually
we reach 900,000 guests with our transformational education programs and partner with nearly 100
organizations across six continents and 100 countries in ocean conservation. In early 2022, we will open a
new 27,500 square-foot campus that greatly expands our exhibition, education, and convening space and
doubles our medical facilities.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:
The physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to
successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to
enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Successful applicants must be
comfortable in a highly dynamic environment in an active and busy office or outdoor setting. While
performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or
feel; reach with hands and arms, and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand and walk.
The employee is frequently required to climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee
must frequently lift and/or move up to 30 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include
close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust
focus. This position may involve working outdoors in Florida, often in hot and humid conditions, and at
events that extend into evening and weekend hours. Must be willing and able to travel for offsite
programming and possess a valid driver’s license.

Notes:
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis (internships offered each semester: Spring, Summer, Fall)

To Apply:
Interested applicants may submit their resume & cover letter with available start date and two letters of
recommendation to be sent directly from references to Valerie Nicole Tovar, Conservation Manager, at
vtovar@marinelife.org.