Internships
LAUNCH YOUR CAREER IN MARINE SCIENCE
Our internships introduce individuals to the nonprofit sector of marine conservation, focusing on the restoration of coral reef ecosystems. Interns can expect to be challenged, mentored, and inspired, working with a dynamic team that is dedicated to helping them find their focus.
CORAL CONSERVATION & REEF RESTORATION INTERNSHIP details
- Both entirely land and combination water-land internships are available
- Internships last 4 months and are full-time volunteer positions
- Interns gain a vast amount of experience through participation in our community engagement programs, daily operations, and fieldwork
- During their first semester, each intern will be mentored while they undertake a personal intern project
- Interns who wish to progress further have the chance to be considered for positions as Lead Interns during a second semester, and then Program Interns during a third semester
- Interns will be provided with a small educational stipend to offset living costs
- Interns must currently be eligible to work in the U.S.
QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS
Requirements for ALL applicants:
- Applicant must be 21+ years of age or older.
- All applicants must be or get CPR, First Aid, and O2 Administrator certified.
- Applicant should be enrolled in an undergraduate program having completed at least two years of study at an accredited college or university, be in enrolled in a graduate program, or be a recent graduate from a college or university.
- Active CPR/First Aid Certification
- Active oxygen administration certification
Additional requirements for DIVE applicants:
- Minimum Advanced Open Water SCUBA certified. Preference will be given to Rescue certified or higher
- CPR and First Aid certification
- Oxygen Administration certification
- Dive Insurance
- All SCUBA equipment (mask/fins/snorkel, regulator, BCD, wetsuit, weights, gloves, safety equipment).
- Proof of regulator service within the past year
- Minimum 30 logged dives (15 from a boat, 5 in the ocean, 1 within the past year)
Other Requirements
- Housing and reliable vehicular transportation must be provided by the intern.
- Applicants should keep in mind the cost of living in the Florida Keys can be between $800 and $1,200 monthly. Rent will be less expensive if intern teams share living spaces.
- Work requires high levels of physical exertion and/or physical strain. Must be able to carry 65 pounds and able to lift 35 pounds overhead. This position is expected to perform 3 shallow-water scuba dives for up to 5 consecutive days per week. Work environment involves frequent exposure to various elements (sun, heat, wind, rain, cold, etc). \
- Typical work week is 5 days a week, inclusive of weekends or designated days off. Additionally, a willingness to travel and work flexible hours is essential.
- Any intent to use this internship to complete requirements for school must be disclosed and approved before accepting the internship.
Coral Restoration Foundation reserves the right to accept or deny any applications regardless of minimum requirements met.
Upcoming internships
Spring 2025
Application Period:
September 16th – October 25th 2024
Notification of Acceptance:
November 22nd, 2024
START DATE:
January 6th, 2025
END DATE:
May 4th, 2025
Summer 2025
Application Period:
January 20th – February 28th, 2025
Notification of Acceptance:
March 24th, 2025
START DATE:
May 12th, 2025
END DATE:
August 24th, 2025
Fall 2025
Application Period:
May 26th – July 4th, 2025
Notification of Acceptance:
July 28th, 2025
START DATE:
September 1st, 2025
END DATE:
December 21st, 2025
Spring 2026
Application Period:
January 19th – February 27th
Notification of Acceptance:
March 23rd, 2026
START DATE:
May 4th, 2026
END DATE:
August 23rd, 2026
If there is interest in completing a doctoral or master’s thesis through this program, all inquiries regarding this must be disclosed and approved before acceptance into the internship.