Blue Parks Science Intern

Position Overview:

As a leader in the global movement to protect and recover the integrity of vast ocean areas, Marine Conservation Institute uses the latest science to identify important marine ecosystems around the world and advocate for their protection. Our unique effectiveness comes from our vision, expertise, and strong collaborations. Interns have the opportunity to gain important conservation science, communication and advocacy skills.

To safeguard marine ecosystems on a global scale, Marine Conservation Institute launched Blue Parks. Blue Park Awards incentivize governments to protect marine life by recognizing effective marine protected areas that meet science-based standards. We aim to catalyze strong protection for at least 30% of the global ocean by 2030, enough to avert the extinction of most marine life.

Blue Parks Science Interns train closely with the program director and help evaluate marine protected areas (MPAs) for Blue Park Awards. The Science Intern will conduct research on nominated MPAs and write evaluation reports. The intern will also have the opportunity to contribute pieces to the Institute’s blog, On the Tide.

Position Details:

Reports to: Blue Parks Director 

Location: Remote

Period: 3-6 months, beginning in March or April 2024

Hours: Negotiable. We will consider part-time applicants (20+ hours/week) or full-time applicants (35+ hours/week).

Qualifications and Skills

Computer:

Excellent internet research skills
Proficient in Word, Excel and PowerPoint
Ability/willingness to learn new computer programs

Marine Science:

Understanding of ocean conservation issues
Familiarity with marine protected areas
Experience searching and reading scientific literature

Communication:

Interpersonal skills
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Additional language skills a plus

The successful remote candidate is effective working independently and is also a proactive communicator, overcoming the challenges of communicating via Zoom, email, and phone.

Responsibilities may include:

Research activities:

Research and compile information on MPAs from around the world
Research advances in MPA monitoring and enforcement approaches

Conservation program assistance:

Assist with communications – writing blog pieces, etc.
Proofreading a variety of external documents, emails, website pages
Brainstorming a variety of activities and programs

Compensation

Internships are on a volunteer basis; no benefits or relocation costs are provided. We are happy to work with interns and their universities to obtain academic credit for internship work. It is the intern’s responsibility to negotiate this relationship with their institution and verify that the internship training and experience meets academic credit requirements.