Interpretation/Resource Management Internship

We are looking for interns to assist for the 2025 summer season. This internship will cover many aspects of interpretation and resource management. Selected candidates will assist with the operations of our Learning Center and with our daily surveys and programs during loggerhead nesting season. Each week will vary in tasks and have varying hours.

For the Environmental Learning Center, responsibilities include but not limited to:

• Educating visitors on the park rules and regulations to maintain a safe environment
• Assisting with animal husbandry and tank maintenance
• Performing public programs and assisting with school groups
• There will be opportunities to develop your own program
• Supervising the front desk, answering phones, and using our POS system to ring up retail items and park admission
• Daily cleaning (sweeping, mopping, etc)
• Assisting with large events, like our annual Turtle Fest.

For sea turtle patrol, responsibilities include but are not limited to:

The field work includes:

• conducting early morning patrols to monitor for sea turtle nesting and hatching activity
• marking new nests and relocating them if needed
• excavating hatched nests
• protecting nests against predation
• recording data accurately and completely on all data forms

Night patrols consists of:

• documenting members of the public on the beach at night
• engaging with our guests to inform them on our nesting sea turtles
• interns will assist the Sea Turtle Specialist with leading an educational night walk for the public, three nights a week
  • It begins with a 45-minute presentation and then a 3-mile walk to look for a nesting sea turtle or emerging hatchlings.
  • Nearing the end of July, the interns will have the opportunity to give the presentation and lead the walk.

Qualifications:

• Currently enrolled in post-secondary education, working towards a bachelor’s degree in a related area of study
• Comfortable with public speaking and engaging with guests
• Able to work independently as well as in a team setting with staff and volunteers
• Have access to own vehicle during your stay
• Physically able to walk long distances while carrying supplies in soft sand
• Must be able to work early mornings and late nights while maintaining a positive attitude in hot, humid, sunny, rain, and buggy conditions!
• Comfortable living in a remote area in shared housing
• Passion for the environment, the ocean and of course, sea turtles!
• Knowledge of native flora/fauna of Edisto Island and the Lowcountry, preferred.
• Comfortable with handling reptiles, preferred
• Represent Edisto Beach State Park proudly and professionally at all times