Sea Turtle Nighttime Tagging Intern

Note — Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and position is open until filled

Two internship positions are available to help with sea turtle research on Sanibel Island, Florida, from May 1 – early August, 2026. The interns will help survey the beach overnight (~8pm to 6am) on ATVs in search of nesting sea turtles to intercept, tag, and monitor nesting loggerhead and green sea turtles. Morphometric data will be collected for each turtle and the turtles will be tagged with flipper and PIT tags. Successful candidates must be able to operate on a nocturnal schedule and work closely with other staff in hot and buggy conditions. Previous experience conducting nighttime sea turtle nesting surveys and tagging sea turtles preferred but not required. 
 
Weekend/holiday work will be required, and the intern will have 2-3 nights off per week. Pay is $14 an hour and shared intern housing is available on Sanibel (at no extra cost). A start date of May 1st is required.
 
Required qualifications:

• Current undergraduate (must be able to start May 1) or recent college graduate with a background and/or degree in Biology, Marine Science, Env. Science, Ecology, or related field
• Related experience working outdoors in hot, buggy conditions
• Ability and desire to work long hours overnight
• Ability to work under adverse conditions (biting insects, rain)
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team to accomplish set goals
• Ability to maintain a positive attitude & sense of humor
• Ability to persist under stressful conditions in a physically demanding environment
• A valid US driver’s license
• SCCF is a drug-free workplace and the successful applicant will take a drug screening test within 2 weeks of starting the position, as well as a basic background check.

Desired qualifications:

• Previous experience working hands on with wild animals
• Previous experience conducting nighttime sea turtle surveys
• Previous experience tagging sea turtles (flipper and PIT tags)
• Experience driving ATVs or UTVs
• Experience with public outreach (interacting with the public when asked questions)

Work environment & physical demands:

• This position requires nocturnal work in outdoor subtropical conditions of Southwest Florida
• Ability to sit or stand for long periods, may require walking for significant distances throughout the night
• Reaching above shoulder height, below the waist or lifting up to forty (40) pounds, as required throughout the work day; proper lifting techniques required

More information about our sea turtle program can be found here