Evening Beach Programs Internship Summer 2023

Division / Title

Education / Evening Beach Programs Internship Summer 2023

Reporting Relationship

Education Department

Internship Summary
A unique internship opportunity for college level students to assist in the field aspects of Loggerhead Marinelife Center’s summer evening beach programs. This includes our Turtle Walk and Hatchling Release programs. These permit-regulated programs enable our visitors to learn about and observe sea turtles during nesting season. The Turtle Walk program takes place in the evenings from approximately 8pm-12am Tuesday-Saturday in June and July and allows visitors to observe the nesting and egg laying process of loggerhead sea turtles. In the month of August, the Hatchling Release program enables guests to witness newly hatched sea turtles take their first crawl back to sea. Hatchling Releases run Tuesday-Saturday evenings from approximately 7pm-10pm.

This is a full-time internship opportunity beginning May 16th through the week of August 15th.

Core Responsibilities

  • Assist volunteers and staff with daily Turtle Walk and Hatchling Release programs from 8pm-12am (hours may vary depending on sea turtle nesting behavior)
  • Present educational programming to all ages, including Evening Guided Tours of LMC and Nesting Season outreaches to local condominiums and hotels
  • Assist with volunteer training and supervision for summer beach programming
  • Assist with beach aspects of the program including scouting for nesting loggerhead sea turtles
  • Lead the educational presentation for the Turtle Walk and Hatchling Release programs
  • Aid with group management and crowd control on the beach during night time programming
  • Aid in administrative tasks, such as program registration, answering phones, responding to requests, email communication with guests, etc.
  • Other duties as assigned

Completion of an intern project to be determined within the first week of hire. Education staff will
assist with the program scope, direction and reach. The project objectives include the following:

  • Analyzing the knowledge and understanding of the general public on natural and anthropogenic impacts for nesting sea turtles

Required Skills, Knowledge, and Experience

  • Must be currently enrolled university students (full or part time) pursuing a degree in a related discipline (i.e. marine science, biology, environmental science, education)
  • Must possess a valid driver’s license and pass a criminal background check and drug test
  • Must abide by all FWC permit regulations
  • Must be able to walk up to three miles on uneven sand at night
  • Must be comfortable working an evening schedule
  • Comfortable speaking with the general public and engaging with guests of all ages, backgrounds, and learning abilities
  • Detail oriented, organized, and excited to assist with various projects
  • Must thrive in a highly-visible, guest-facing environment that is fast paced
  • Willing to work outdoors in Florida’s heat, rain, and wind as needed

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 16 countries in ocean conservation. In early 2022, we opened a new 27,500 square-foot campus that greatly expands our exhibition, education, and convening space and doubles our medical facilities.

Interested applicants may submit their resume, cover letter and three references to education@marinelife.org.