Job Summary:

The Research Department has one of the longest running sea turtle monitoring programs in the state of Florida. The department is seeking interns to assist staff biologists and seasonal nesting field technicians with long-term sea turtle nesting surveys on a high density 9.5-mile stretch of beach. The survey area annually hosts at least 40,000 sea turtle crawls from March–October, and interns will gain experience conducting nesting surveys for leatherback, loggerhead and green sea turtles. The internship is an unpaid position and housing is not provided. The internship requires a minimum commitment of three months between April and September. The number of work hours will vary over the course of the season and will range from 3–4 days, or 15–30 hours per week.

Core Responsibilities:

1. Assist staff biologists and seasonal technicians with daily beach surveys on all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) starting at sunrise (at work as early as 5:00 AM) between April and September.
2. Learn how to document sea turtle nesting activity and identify each crawl to species and crawl type.
3. Learn how to locate a sea turtle egg chamber and mark nests.
4. Learn how to conduct nest checks and excavations.
5. Learn how to collect data in the field quickly and accurately.
6. Assist staff biologists and seasonal nesting technicians with preparation of datasheets and replenishment of supplies for morning surveys the following day.
7. Conduct basic ATV care including cleaning and fueling.
8. Contribute and compile content for our Marketing Department
9. Interns will have an opportunity to complete a presentation summarizing their field experience, if interested.

Required Skills, Knowledge, and Experience:

1. Current undergraduate or recent graduate with a Biological Sciences-related degree
2. In good physical condition with the ability to work outdoors under adverse conditions for up to 8 hours (humidity, rain, heat and direct sunlight)
3. Strong communication skills
4. Ability to work well with others as a team and to engage professionally with the public
5. Must possess a valid driver’s license
6. Must possess a working cell phone
7. Must be legally authorized to work in the United States

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.

Physical Demands + 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, with a closing date for February 28, 2025.

To Apply:

Interested applicants may submit their resume or curriculum vitae, cover letter with available start date, an unofficial transcript of your current or recent academic experience, and two letters of recommendation to be sent directly from references.