Education and Outreach Internship

Position Overview

SeaLife Response, Rehab and Research (SR3) is a 501c3 nonprofit based in Des Moines, Washington (SR3.org). Our mission is to promote the health and welfare of marine wildlife in the Pacific Northwest. The Education and Outreach Intern plays a critical role in public awareness by engaging with community members to educate about local marine wildlife. They will promote SR3 and conservation messaging at events, lead solo and volunteer-based beach education to foster marine mammal stewardship, and assist in the training and support of outreach volunteers. They will practice science communication through verbal and written storytelling, and create themed social media posts throughout the summer. This is a four month, part-time (8-20 hours per week), unpaid position. Interns are responsible for their own housing and must have reliable transportation. This position runs from June 14th-October 4th, 2026.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead weekly solo and volunteer-based beach education to promote marine mammal stewardship
• Engage with the public at community events, promoting SR3 and inspiring marine conservation
• Assist supervisor in training and supporting outreach volunteers
• Maintain and inventory educational materials
• Help with fundraising events as needed
• Communicate regularly with supervisor about volunteer successes and areas for improvement
• Develop 3-5 science communication social media posts about marine mammals, sea turtles, or SR3

Required Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Able to lift/carry 30 lbs and work in an outdoor area with moderate to strenuous physical activity, including walking half a mile on uneven terrain while pulling a cart
• A flexible schedule to accommodate events and programs on weekends, holidays and in the evening
• Proficiency in Google Suite and Meta social media platforms
• Have a valid driver’s license, clean driving record and your own reliable transportation
• Must be able to work independently and as part of a team
• Able to follow directions and protocols effectively
• Willingness to learn and participate in all aspects of work
• Demonstrated strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
• Strong interest and enthusiasm for ocean conservation and sharing knowledge with others
• Ability to remain professional when engaged in sensitive conservation topics
• Applicants should be self-starters with the ability to take responsibility for completing projects

Preferred Qualifications

• Junior or senior standing at a college or university or recent graduate with a background in marine biology, conservation, education, communication, or related field
• Knowledge of the local marine environment and marine wildlife
• Previous experience in public speaking and interacting with diverse audiences
• Previous experience working with children or the general public in an education setting, such as summer camps, naturalists or nature guides, or outdoor education
• Individuals who are adaptable, responsible, hardworking, willing to learn, and have attention to detail are encouraged to apply

Work Environment

• SR3’s facility is in Des Moines, WA, and interns will be expected to be on site when they are not at an outreach event
• You will be working outside in varying weather conditions, and you may be exposed to extreme heat or cold and environmental allergens
• You will be working in a facility that treats wild animals that could result in exposure to zoonotic diseases

Compensation and Accommodations

• This internship is unpaid and housing and transportation are the responsibility of the intern
• Reliable transportation required
• Mileage, tolls and ferry fees will be reimbursed when attending events
• Interns looking to receive academic credit are responsible for making all the necessary arrangements with their school

Internship Deliverables

• Interns will learn about marine mammal life history and rehabilitation
• Interns will acquire verbal science communication skills
• Interns will gain outdoor education experience with an all-ages audience
• Interns will be able to network with established professionals in the field of marine mammal rehabilitation
• Interns will have the opportunity to work on science communication skills through the creation of social media content