Internships

Dive Team

The Clearwater Marine Aquarium dive internship is designed to give students a fresh perspective into the realm of SCUBA diving careers — in particular, those relating to commercial and aquarium diving. CMA offers a wide variety of animal habitats, marine vessels, and off-site locations that our dive team maintains and trains in on a daily basis. At Clearwater Marine Aquarium, SCUBA diving opportunities are indeed limitless. This internship will provide undergraduates with the experience and opportunities necessary for a future in a diving related field.

A majority of the intern’s time will be spent working in teams to support and maintain CMA’s artificial marine habitats, vessels, and underwater workings of the facility. Additionally, interns will have the opportunity to participate in varied experiences to include, but not limited to, team building recreational dives, certification classes (at own cost), basic commercial/scientific diving skills courses, dive operations management, diving safe practices and emergency procedures, and diver interactions with marine life.

After completion of the internship, interns will have gained valuable diving experience that will help them succeed no matter what direction they want to go in terms of diving careers, and they will also have gained an insight into the daily behind-the-scenes operations that help keep an aquarium running smoothly.

Requirements:

Intern candidates must be (at least) a certified Open Water Diver from an internationally recognized certifying agency (must have completed OW training prior to start of internship), have current certification in CPR/First Aid, have a completed and approved Clearwater Marine Aquarium Medical Questionnaire, successfully complete the Clearwater Marine Aquarium swim skills assessment upon arrival, be capable of lifting 50+ pounds, and be able to work flexible hours and perform various physically demanding tasks under strenuous environmental conditions

Dates:

Fall 2025: August 5, 2025 – January 9, 2026
Applications Due: June 1, 2025

Spring 2025: January 6^th – May 16^th
Applications Due: October 15

Summer 2025: May 6^th, 13^th, 20^th – August 15^th or 22^nd
Early application deadline March 1
Final application deadline due April 1

Education

As an intern you will play an important role in all aspects of the Education Department. From assisting on eco-boat tours to helping with offsite programs in the community, you will be involved in a variety of activities that provide valuable experience for your future career goals. Upon completing the internship, all Education interns will have gained experience in public speaking, classroom presentations and management, science education instruction, research, data entry, and guest relations.

Qualifications:

• Pursuing a degree in education, marine science, biology, environmental science, or other related field.
• Must be able to climb stairs, lift 50 lbs., and pull nets.
• Be able to work outdoors in extreme weather conditions (hot, humid, cold, rain).
• Evening, weekend, and holiday hours required.

Responsibilities:

• Assist with the creation of educational programming from concept, objectives, lesson plan to implementation.
• Safely and effectively participate in educational programming, eco-boat tours, and kayaking (seasonally).
• Assist and attend off-site festival events and assist with community outreach event preparation.
• Utilize different public speaking techniques and methodologies to a wide and diverse audience in a multitude of settings.
• Narrate an eco-boat tour in its entirety with staff supervision by the completion of the internship.
• Assist with the care and maintenance of the Animal Ambassadors.
• Attend weekly progress report meetings with Intern Supervisors.
• Complete projects as assigned.
• Complete a capstone project.
• Complete other duties as assigned.

Dates:

May 13th – August 20th, 2024

Guest Experience

Guest Experience interns work alongside staff, volunteers, and leadership to immerse guests in our mission and work in rescue, rehabilitation, and release of marine life, environmental education, research and conservation. Interns gain a valuable set of transferable skills through working a variety of guest-facing positions, learning about marine life, and developing ideas to improve the guest experience. Interns learn through hands on experience ranging from bio fact engagement, presentations, and guided tours. These experiences develop integral interpersonal communication skills, expand education on eco-tourism, and provides leadership opportunities and development.

Essential Job Functions:

• MARINE EDUCATION: 
  • Learn about the tenets of marine conservation and share information one-on-one with visitors
  • Build public speaking and teaching skills through guest interactions, presentations, and leading tours
• HOSPITALITY: 
  • Proactively interact with guests of all ages and interests to build engagement skills
  • Observe and practice skills for mitigating guest concerns 
• LEADERSHIP: 
  • Professionally represent Clearwater Marine Aquarium on the floor for visitors from around the world 
  • Observe and practice skills pertaining to running the floor, training staff and volunteers, relevant inventory and budget updates and conducting guest resolution. 
• PROJECT DEVELOPMENT: 
  • Identify, research, develop and pitch a project to Guest experience leadership pertaining to the overall guest experience (examples include but are not limited to: ways to convey our mission, improving systematic efficiency, creating additional displays or guest engagement opportunities, etc).

Education/Experience and Requirements:

• Currently pursuing a degree in education, marine science, hospitality, tourism, public speaking, management, or other related fields OR recently graduated within 1 year of internship start date.
• Ability to speak professionally on a microphone OR willingness to develop this skill
• Demonstrated previous experience with proactive engagement of visitors/guests/customers

Physical Requirements:

• Stand and walk for extended periods of time both indoors and outdoors – often
• Ability to work in extreme weather conditions (humidity, hot, rain) – often
• Walk on uneven surfaces – often
• Ability to navigate through all levels of the facility using stairs or elevators – often 
• Ability to lift up to 30 lbs. – occasionally 
• Sit or kneel for extended periods of time – occasionally

Dates:

Fall 2025: August 5, 2025 – January 9, 2026
Applications Due: June 1, 2025

Spring 2025: January 6^th – May 16^th
Applications Due: October 15

Summer 2025: May 6^th, 13^th, 20^th – August 15^th or 22^nd
Early application deadline March 1
Final application deadline due April 1

Life Support/Water Quality

Life Support/Water Quality intern position will assist the Animal Care Department with daily care and maintenance of the aquarium’s fish and invertebrate systems as well as performing water quality testing on all animal habitats. Time would be divided between Clearwater Marine Aquarium property and our nearby property Winter’s Dolphin Tale Adventure, where there are several aquarium exhibits.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities include but are not limited to: exhibit cleaning, filter maintenance, algae and décor upkeep, water chemistry/record keeping using Excel, food preparation and feeding, animal observation, water changes, assisting in veterinary and husbandry procedures on fish and occasionally helping the Sea Turtle and Marine Mammal Departments.

Qualifications:

Candidates should be pursuing a degree in biology, marine biology, aquaculture, chemistry, or other related field and possess the following qualifications:

• Some background knowledge of marine aquarium keeping.
• Broad knowledge of ecological and biological principles relating to marine habitats.
• Desire to work closely with marine fish and invertebrates.
• Ability to lift and carry 50 lbs.
• Willingness to get wet and dirty in all weather conditions.

Dates:

Fall 2025: August 5, 2025 – January 9, 2026
Applications Due: June 1, 2025

Spring 2025: January 6^th – May 16^th
Applications Due: October 15

Summer 2025: May 6^th, 13^th, 20^th – August 15^th or 22^nd
Early application deadline March 1
Final application deadline due April 1

Creative Design Internship

The Creative Design Intern assists the Creative Services Department in a supporting role as a participant in all aspects of the creative process. As an intern the individual will assist on some projects from start to finish while also participating in creative ideas that help to drive CMA’s exhibits, signage, graphics, and digital material forward. Using knowledge of graphic design, aesthetic styles, and technique, this individual will get to participate in all department functions pertaining to the operations of the Creative Department.

Internship program may include the following:

• Assists the team in identifying design trends and direction in the market place that can be applied to CMA’s brand strategies.
• Observe competitors for designs in marketing, packaging, and guest-facing signage for trend, quality, and production methods.
• Assist in researching marketing, exhibit, signage, and multimedia materials that can be used for CMA’s exhibits, marketing, education, operation, and guest experience needs.
• Assist in the design of custom graphic content, illustrations, and infographics that are exciting, attention-grabbing, educational, on-brand, and on-theme.
• Collaborate on projects that meet the expectations and requirements set forth by the requesting department and Creative Director.
• Advise team members utilizing branded content to guarantee it is to specification and is used appropriately.
• Attend all necessary meetings pertaining to projects and CMA.
• Inventory and requisition creative supplies.
• Work closely with Director of Creative Services and Graphics Manager to translate messaging concepts into marketing materials.
• Assist Director of Creative Services and Graphics Manager with other projects TBD.

Requirements:

• Intern candidate should be attending an educational institution with a major in creative studies, graphic design, marketing, or other art related field.
• Experience in Adobe Creative Suite, illustrator and photoshop or other similar design software.
• Fundamental knowledge of graphic design production from concept to completion.
• Track record of multi-tasking in a fast-paced environment.
• Experienced in handling deadline driven workloads.
• Approaches problems in the work output such as changing criteria, moving deadlines, and budgetary cuts with a growth mindset seeing these as an opportunity to improve the work output.
• Exhibits a solution orientated approach to project challenges.
• Individual should be able to craft and execute a vision with creativity and style
• Creative self-starter who is comfortable with both taking initiative and working in collaboration.
• Ability to communicate well with others in a team environment.
• Possess a professional demeanor in one on one, visual, written, and spoken communication.
• Demonstrated time management skills in school and career experiences.
• Desire to serve in a nonprofit working environment.

Dates:

Fall 2025: August 5, 2025 – January 9, 2026
Applications Due: June 1, 2025

Spring 2025: January 6^th – May 16^th
Applications Due: October 15

Summer 2025: May 6^th, 13^th, 20^th – August 15^th or 22^nd
Early application deadline March 1
Final application deadline due April 1

Marketing & Advertising

The Marketing & Advertising Assistant position at CMA will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for the student chosen to intern during this exciting time at CMA. In the midst of filming and promoting our digital content, there are opportunities to learn many different areas of the marketing world. This opening has potential to grow a student’s knowledge of marketing on a national level as well as participate in a cause-based campaign marketing efforts. It is a unique internship where students will engage in the following educational experiences:

• To have students employed in a fast-paced, out of the box, creative marketing environment while developing practical marketing and communications experience
• To challenge students ideas of conventional marketing practices to create unique and extraordinary results in a timely manner
• To analyze the relationship between the students’ undergraduate academic preparation and the processes/activities employed by non-profit organizations
• To provide students an opportunity to gain an insight into the marketing alongside a national media event in conjunction with an international marketing environment

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Although a portion of the responsibilities will be clerical, a large portion of the internship will be determined by the candidates specific skill set
• Assist in all aspects of social media marketing
• Assist with updates on our web site
• Help develop and implement donation campaigns
• Assist in promotional campaign efforts with digital content
• Research & update daily digital marketing analytics
• Assist in our email marketing efforts
• Other duties and tasks as assigned in a marketing/development context

Dates:

Fall 2025: August 5, 2025 – January 9, 2026
Applications Due: June 1, 2025

Spring 2025: January 6^th – May 16^th
Applications Due: October 15

Summer 2025: May 6^th, 13^th, 20^th – August 15^th or 22^nd
Early application deadline March 1
Final application deadline due April 1

Tourism Marketing Internship

The tourism team is vital to Clearwater Marine Aquarium. Many areas of learning will be covered under this internship in tourism marketing: advertising, relationships with tour operators, and management of partnerships with community entities such as hotels, chambers & DMO’s. The Tourism Marketing Intern will be managed by the Tourism Marketing Manager.

Internship program may include the following:

• Learning and performing tasks related to advertising campaigns and project management software.
• Learning about the relationship with third party tour operators and how to work with them to grow the business for our non-profit.
• Understanding the nature of our affiliations with community partners and helping to coordinate efforts with them. This involves networking and forming relationships with various entities including chambers, DMO’s and hotels.
• Assist with keeping entities supplied with all components required of their respective partnerships (brochures, room package items, special promotional items, etc.)
• Assist with the implementation of creative incentive plans/contests for concierges who sell CMA tickets/programs
• Develop outreach skills and public speaking skills by assisting with external activations in the community
• Work with the Tourism Marketing Director to maintain regular communications with hotel partners to keep them excited and engaged about relevant CMA news, happenings and special opportunities for guests as well as to gain insight and feedback on how CMA can continue to improve the partnership
• Participate in the execution of various promotional activities marketing and advertising
• Intern will develop skills needed to work in Basecamp, Canva, Hubspot, and KMIT.
• Any additional duties as needed for the Marketing Department or Management

Requirements:

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Education in either sales, hospitality, or tourism preferred
• Demonstrated understanding of confidentiality and privacy.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Track record of excellent organizational skills and the ability to multi task.
• Ability to work independently while functioning as a member of a team.
• Proficient use of Microsoft Office suite of products including: Outlook, Excel, Word is preferred
• Must have valid driver’s license & reliable transportation

Dates:

Fall 2025: August 5, 2025 – January 9, 2026
Applications Due: June 1, 2025

Spring 2025: January 6^th – May 16^th
Applications Due: October 15

Summer 2025: May 6^th, 13^th, 20^th – August 15^th or 22^nd
Early application deadline March 1
Final application deadline due April 1

Marine Mammals

The Marine Mammal Training Internship at Clearwater Marine Aquarium is designed to give students an inside look into what it takes to care for marine animals, with emphasis on Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, Rough-toothed dolphins, North American river otters, and Great White pelicans. The principles behind our animal care and training program derive from the goals of Clearwater Marine Aquarium to provide a long-term home for animals in need who cannot otherwise survive on their own in the wild.  We use training as a way to promote the health and well-being of the animals in our collection. Our animals are trained for husbandry or medical management behaviors, cognitive/mentally stimulating behaviors, and high energy or exercise behaviors. 

During your internship, you will learn how to prepare diets, maintain cleanliness of facility and animal habitats, provide enrichment and mental stimulation, keep behavioral records, host guest interaction programs, and give public presentations to educate our visitors about these amazing animals and environmental conservation. You will also learn how trainers use principles such as positive reinforcement and operant conditioning to train these animals by attending weekly meetings with your intern coordinators. In these weekly meetings you will study a lecture series where you discuss different training techniques. As the internship progresses, you apply these training techniques poolside through observing training sessions and taking part in after session discussions. You’ll also assist the training team in animal welfare through a hands off approach such as designing animal habitats and creating enrichment opportunities for the resident animals. 

Qualifications:

Candidates should be able to perform physically demanding duties and be enrolled in a four-year college program in psychology, biology, marine biology or another related field and have some hands-on animal experience, such as volunteering at an animal shelter or completing other marine mammal internships at other facilities. SCUBA, First Aid and CPR certification is also a plus. Strong swimming abilities required.

Time Requirements:

Time requirements are subject to the length of the program equivalent to one college semester. Minimum requirements are working 40hrs per week. Hours requirements total 500 hours over the season for a 3-month program, 600 for a 4-month program, 800 for a 5-month program, 950 for a 6-month program. These hours are required to build on prior learning and increase knowledge of the marine animal field.

Essential Job Functions:

• Develop general knowledge of Clearwater Marine Aquarium, natural history, and biographies of resident animals and be able to provide accurate information to guests
• Acquire basic knowledge of animal behavior and record on designated observation shifts
• Attend mandatory orientation and various seminars including weekly classroom lecture series designed to teach fundamentals of animal care and operant conditioning 
• Provide support for opening, daily, and closing of the facility
• Provide exceptional guest experience through daily interactions, narrations on a microphone, hosting guest interaction programs
• Follow all USDA policies and procedures to ensure a clean, safe environment for our animals 
• Provide a safe working environment for animals, team members, and guests by abiding by all safety policies and procedures 
• Observe, learn, and demonstrate mentoring skills for new volunteers and interns

Education/Experience Requirements:

• Seeking or recently completed a four-year degree (within the past year); field of study in psychology, biology, marine biology or another related field preferred
• Current CPR/First Aid Certification preferred
• SCUBA Certification preferred
• Great time-management skills with ability to plan, organize, and multi-task
• Demonstrated ability to be self-motivated and disciplined with excellent work ethics while also working in a team environment    
• Strong communication skills with clear, friendly, and effective verbal and nonverbal communication

Physical Requirements:

• Able to work in adverse environmental conditions (heat/cold/weather) – often
• Lift and carry 50 lbs – often
• Must possess basic swimming skills or willingness to wear personal flotation device (PFD) when around animal habitats if incumbent does not have basic swimming skills 

Dates:

Fall 2025: August 5, 2025 – January 9, 2026
Applications Due: June 1, 2025

Spring 2025: January 6^th – May 16^th
Applications Due: October 15

Summer 2025: May 6^th, 13^th, 20^th – August 15^th or 22^nd
Early application deadline March 1
Final application deadline due April 1

Stranding Response and Rehabilitation

The Stranding Response and Rehabilitation Internship program at Clearwater Marine Aquarium provides interns with a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the response of live and dead dolphins, whales, sea turtles, manatees, and North American river otters as part of the CMA Rescue Team. The Rescue Team seeks enthusiastic, dedicated, and hardworking individuals who are interested in promoting wildlife conservation through stranding efforts and marine mammal rehabilitation.

Qualifications:

• Strong writing, communication, and organizational skills
• Enrolled in or a graduate from a four-year college program pertaining to the field
• Physically capable of lifting up to 50lbs
• Flexible hours (possibly working on weekends, after hours, overnights, and holidays)
• Ability to perform physically demanding duties (possibly working extended shifts, on your feet, and outdoors, in various conditions).
• Ability to work in adverse weather conditions (heat, humidity, direct sunlight)
• Previous experience in animal care or the marine science field is preferred

Stranding Response and Rehabilitation interns will:

• Learn to respond to stranding events through first response, triage, crowd control, monitoring, transport, data collection, rehabilitation, release, carcass recovery, and/or necropsy as well through following sanitation and quarantine protocols. It is important to note that stranding events are variable and are thus not guaranteed.
• Monitor the 24-hour Emergency Stranding Hotline
• Learn to educate the public through workshops, aquarium presentations, and outreach events
• Learn and practice following sanitation and quarantine protocols
• Learn about and assist with the maintenance of stranding facilities, equipment, and supplies
• Learn and participate in the care of resident and/or rehabilitating aquatic mammals through diet preparation and conducting ethograms
• Complete assigned internship projects (e.g., developing presentations, leading outreach events, etc.)

Dates:

Fall 2025: August 5, 2025 – January 9, 2026
Applications Due: June 1, 2025

Spring 2025: January 6^th – May 16^th
Applications Due: October 15

Summer 2025: May 6^th, 13^th, 20^th – August 15^th or 22^nd
Early application deadline March 1
Final application deadline due April 1

Aquatic Biology Internship

The Aquatic Biology Internship at Clearwater Marine Aquarium provides interns with a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience with sea turtles, elasmobranchs and various fish systems. The Aquatic Biology team is seeking adaptable and positive individuals to inspire guests to connect with our animal collection in a fun and relatable way through presentations, feedings, training and enrichment.

Qualifications:

• Currently or recently enrolled in a four-year college program in biology, environmental science, psychology, zoology or related fields.
• Able to perform physically demanding duties (i.e. lift up to 50lbs, work 8-hour shifts primarily active and on your feet).
• Pass a Basic Swim Test
• Able to work in adverse weather conditions (heat, humidity, direct sunlight).
• Commit to a set 40 hour per week schedule, including holidays.
• Experience with animal care is beneficial but not essential.
• SCUBA certification preferred.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Develop general knowledge of Clearwater Marine Aquarium, natural history, and biographies of resident animals
• Assist in the care of resident sea turtles and aquatic species including food preparation (handling fish, shrimp and squid), feeding, behavioral training and enrichment, exhibit maintenance, cleaning and sanitizing working areas, animal records and routine medical care.
• Responsible for daily facility maintenance and care abiding by USDA, FWC, and CMA standards. May be required to work in sometimes slippery environments or use narrow walkways.
• Follow all Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC) requirements for all aspects of sea turtles.
• Give presentations to the public regarding resident and rehabilitating animals, general marine animal knowledge, and conservation messaging.
• Complete internship projects and group tasks as assigned.
• Abide by all CMA policies and procedures.

Dates:

Fall 2025: August 5, 2025 – January 9, 2026
Applications Due: June 1, 2025

Spring 2025: January 6^th – May 16^th
Applications Due: October 15

Summer 2025: May 6^th, 13^th, 20^th – August 15^th or 22^nd
Early application deadline March 1
Final application deadline due April 1

Sea Turtle Rehabilitation

The Sea Turtle Rehab team is seeking individuals who are positive, driven, and adaptable; and who are also interested in expanding their knowledge and skills in marine animal, husbandry, biology or wildlife conservation and rehabilitation. Please note that this is not a veterinary focused internship.

Qualifications:

• Currently or recently enrolled in a four-year college program in veterinary science, biology, marine biology, environmental science, or related fields.
• Commit to a set five-day per week schedule, including holidays.
• Possess a valid driver’s license.
• Possess the ability to work well within a group and individually.
• Maintain a good attitude through busy or long days.
• Experience with animal care is beneficial but not essential.
• Able to perform physically demanding duties (i.e. lift up to 50lbs, work 8-hour shifts primarily active, on your feet, and outdoors).
• Able to work in adverse weather conditions (heat, humidity, direct sunlight), sometimes slippery environments and use narrow walkways.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Learn and understand the components that go into rehabilitation which includes knowledge of sea turtle species (i.e. sea turtle external and internal anatomy), husbandry and medical care.
• Learn daily facility and habitat maintenance and care, governmental agencies’ policies, procedures, permitting, and reporting for all aspect of endangered species.
• Follow all Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC) requirements for all aspect of sea turtles.
• Provide assistance with necropsy, including but not limited to documentation, tissue handling, set-up, cleaning, and other duties as assigned.

Dates:

Fall 2025: August 5, 2025 – January 9, 2026
Applications Due: June 1, 2025

Spring 2025: January 6^th – May 16^th
Applications Due: October 15

Summer 2025: May 6^th, 13^th, 20^th – August 15^th or 22^nd
Early application deadline March 1
Final application deadline due April 1

Senior Sea Turtle Conservation Program Intern

The Senior Sea Turtle Conservation Program Intern will support the completion of all activities as listed in the Marine Turtle Permit held by Clearwater Marine Aquarium.  The incumbent will adhere to all policies outlined in the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Marine Turtle Conservation Handbook, Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA) Employee Handbook, CMA Sea Turtle Conservation Program Manual, and all city, state and federal regulations in a collaborative effort to complete FWC-authorized activities each sea turtle nesting season.  The primary responsibility of this position is to contribute to the completion and documentation of sea turtle nesting surveys, including, but not limited to, locating evidence of all nocturnal and daytime nesting activity, nest marking, monitoring and evaluations within the survey area, and for regulatory projects, as they may apply, during the seasonal nesting season (April-October).  The incumbent will also contribute to regular data entry and maintenance.  The incumbent will be responsible for maintenance and storage of equipment, maintaining supply inventories, and communicating needs to the Supervisor.  They will also be responsible for regular vehicle maintenance and cleanliness.  Regular tasks may also include educating internal and external customers, public speaking, and participating in PR promotions.  These job responsibilities will require the Intern to maintain flexible working hours, be amenable to shifting priorities and other changes, and be able to adjust accordingly.

Essential Job Functions:

• Lead and assist with the daily completion of sea turtle nesting surveys within the survey area in compliance with FWC Marine Turtle Conservation Handbook, city, state and federal laws, and CMA policies (April-October)
• Assist with intern projects, data entry and field work in coordination with the Intern Coordinator 
• Assist seasonal and full-time staff with daily tasks.
• Assist with skill training of interns and volunteers. 
• Work with authorized personnel to complete all aspects of nesting surveys, including, but not limited to:
  • Identify and document all sea turtle nesting activities within the survey area
  • Mark all nest sites
  • Document all evidence of predation, human disturbance and nest hatching
  • Enter all data into Excel database
• Once surveys are complete, communicate with municipal entities in a professional manner to allow mechanical beach cleaning to occur
• Conduct nest evaluations
• Assess and document all obstructed nesting attempts, and submit appropriate forms to FWC
• Assess and document all disorientation events, and submit appropriate forms to FWC
• Ensure the safe release of, or transport of hatchlings found within the survey area, as instructed by Supervisor, Senior Biologist and FWC
• Assist with proper night monitoring of nests outfitted with restraining cages, silt screens, or any additional protection measures, as approved by FWC
• Assisting with response to and documentation of sea turtle stranding events within the survey area
• Assist with accurate data collection and database management
• Assist with the completion of weekly escarpment surveys
• Assist with the completion of all required reports by deadlines identified in the FWC Marine Turtle Permit, FWC Marine Turtle Conservation Handbook, and any contracts with Pinellas County or for regulatory projects
• Assist with the training of volunteers and interns to locate, identify and document all sea turtle nesting activity within the survey area, to include pre-season and during-season training
• Assist with the preparation of, and participate in, various educational outreach opportunities
• Assist with the inventory and storage of all equipment and supplies needed for the Sea Turtle Conservation Program
• Responsible for the safe operation of CMA vehicles while on the beach, and traveling to and from CMA
• Assist with vehicle cleaning, maintenance, service transport and completion of vehicle inspections
• Understand, enforce, and assist with the improvement of all standard operating procedures (SOPs) in the Sea Turtle Conservation Program
• Assist with research projects as needed
• Assist with the implementation of money generating programs involving the Sea Turtle Conservation Program
• Assist various CMA departments by providing information for various media outlets, both in-house (CMA Facebook, blogposts, etc.) and for external outlets (TV, print, radio, etc.)
• Must pass basic swim test annually
• Perform other duties as needed

Education/Professional Requirements:

• In the process of earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology, Marine Biology, Environmental Science, Zoology, related field or a recent graduate (within 1 year) of comparable degree
• Experience with and an understanding of to find references within the FWC Marine Turtle Conservation Handbook 
• Must possess a valid driver’s license
• Strong communication skills, both oral and written, and an ability to comfortably interact with the public on a regular basis
• Be able to maintain positive working relationships with all internal and external entities, including, but not limited to, staff, volunteers, other interns, and municipal, county, state and federal employees at all times
• Be adaptable in a fast-paced ever-changing environment
• Open to accept and adapt to performance feedback. Proven ability to provide all types of performance feedback in a constructive manner
• Be able to work independently, as well as in a group setting
• Experience with data entry and maintenance
• Basic knowledge of MS Office, including Word, Excel, Power point and Outlook
• Ability to work flexible schedule, including nights, weekends and holidays
• Experience with the safe operation of four-wheel drive vehicles and all-terrain vehicles
• Strong time management skills, with an ability to plan, organize, and prioritize multiple tasks at once

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to work long hours in extreme weather conditions, including, but not limited to, heat, high humidity, direct sunlight, rain, wind and outdoor conditions (insects, sand, etc.) – Frequently
• Ability to ride on an ATV and drive vehicles in unexpected terrain for extended periods of time – Frequently
• Lift up to 50lbs to waist level – Frequently
• Lift up to 20lbs to shoulders and above head – Moderate Frequency 
• Reach above the shoulders – Frequently
• Walk/stand for long periods of time – Frequently
• Maneuver safely on uneven terrain or in tight spaces – Frequently
• Safely climb ladders when needed – Occasionally
• Squat, bend, kneel, twist and reach – Frequently
• Push and pull larger equipment – Frequently
• Work indoors, under cover without air conditioning or heat – Frequently

Schedule Requirements:

Sea Turtle Conservation Program Intern

Interns for the Sea Turtle Conservation Program will support the completion of all activities as listed in the Marine Turtle Permit held under the Sea Turtle Conservation Program.  The incumbent will adhere to all policies outlined in the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Marine Turtle Conservation Handbook, CMA policies and all city, state and federal regulations in a collaborative effort to complete FWC-authorized activities during the sea turtle nesting season.  The primary responsibility of this position will be to contribute to the completion and documentation of sea turtle nest surveys, including by not limited to, locating evidence of all nocturnal nesting activity, nest marking, monitoring and evaluations within the survey area, and for regulatory projects as they may apply during the nesting season (April – October).  The intern will also contribute to regular data entry and maintenance.  They will be responsible for other tasks such as education with internal and external customers, participating in PR promotions, and the cleaning and maintenance of all equipment.  These job functions require the intern to maintain flexible working hours, be amenable to shifting priorities and other changes, and be able to adjust accordingly.

Essential Job Functions:

• Assist the CMA Sea Turtle Conservation Program to ensure daily completion of sea turtle nesting surveys within the survey area in compliance with FWC Marine Turtle Conservation Handbook, city, state and federal laws, in addition to CMA policies and SOPs
• Work with authorized personnel to correctly identify and document all sea turtle nesting activities, to include, but not limited to:
  • sea turtle crawl tracks –for each species 
  • differentiating between a nest and a false crawl 
  • marking a nest site
  • check each nest daily, identifying signs of predation, vandalism, and/or hatching
  • identifying disorientation events or obstructed nesting attempts
  • performing nest inventories
• Professional communication to municipal entities once surveys are completed to allow for beach cleaning activities to commence
• Accurate data collection, entry and maintenance
• Educate the public about:
  • sea turtle nesting behavior
  • the impact of lighting, beach debris, habitat destruction, and marine pollution with regard to sea turtles
  • the mission, vision and values of CMA
• Clean and stock nesting equipment daily
• Safe operation of CMA vehicles, 4-wheel drive trucks or ATVs, on the beach and in roadways as applicable
• Responsible for executing all vehicle cleaning, maintenance, service transport, and completion of vehicle inspections
• Perform all other duties as needed

Required Skills:

• Strong communication skills, both oral and written, and ability to comfortably interact with the public on a regular basis
• Able to maintain a positive working relationship with all internal and external entities including, but not limited to, staff, volunteers, interns, municipal employees, and members of the press at all times
• Capable of working in a high stress environment with restrictive timelines
• Strong problem solving and time management skills, with an ability to plan, organize and prioritize multiple tasks at once 
• Self-motivated, confident, and disciplined with excellent work ethics
• Team oriented attitude
• Ability to work independently as well as in a group setting
• Familiarity with computers, including but not limited to MS office software (Word/Excel) and Adobe Acrobat Reader

Physical Requirements:

• Lift up to 50lbs to waist level – Frequently
• Lift up to 20lbs to shoulders and above head – Occasionally
• Walk/stand for long periods of time – Frequently
• Maneuver safely on uneven terrain or in tight spaces – Frequently
• Safely climb ladders when needed – Occasionally
• Squat, bend, kneel, twist and reach – Frequently
• Reach above the shoulders – Frequently
• Push and pull larger equipment – Frequently
• Work outdoors in all weather conditions and adapt to changing weather – Frequently
• Work indoors, under cover without air conditioning or heat – Frequently
• Ability to work long hours in extreme weather conditions, including, but not limited to, heat, high humidity, direct sunlight, rain, wind and outdoor conditions (insects, sand, etc.) – Frequently
• Ability to ride on an ATV and drive vehicles in unexpected terrain for extended periods of time – Frequently

Schedule:

• Sea Turtle and Conservation Program Intern job responsibilities will require the intern to maintain flexible working hours, be amendable to shifting priorities and other changes, and be able to adjust accordingly
• STCP Intern will make a commitment to working 5 days a week for morning patrol shifts throughout the internship (usually a 6-8 hour shift scheduled in advance)
• Commit to one on-call shift a week at night to release hatchlings or check cages, if needed
• Schedule during peak season will be approximately 40 hours per week

Schedule Requirements: