Blue Parks Science Internship

Position Details:

Reports to: Blue Parks Director
Location: Remote
Period: 3-6 months, beginning in late January/early February 2025
Hours: Negotiable. We will consider part-time applicants (20+ hours/week) or full-time applicants (35+ hours/week).

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.

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
• 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, and 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.

Application Processes

Applications will be evaluated on a rolling basis, and listings will be posted until filled. To apply to a position, please send the following materials via email to internships@marine-conservation.org:

• Cover letter detailing your interests, relevant experience, goals and dates of availability
• Résumé
• Short formal writing sample
• Course list detailing applicable coursework experience
• List of 3 references

Please reference the position title and your name in the subject line. Please do not call our office regarding this opportunity.

About Marine Conservation Institute

Marine Conservation Institute champions ocean conservation and fuses science with policy and advocacy to protect ocean ecosystems. For more than 25 years we have been providing science-led solutions to protect marine ecosystems and marine life around the world. Marine Conservation Institute is a thought leader in the marine conservation field, working on ocean conservation issues from local to national to international levels. We focus on marine protected areas, high seas biodiversity conservation, endangered species conservation, climate resilience and ocean governance and management.
Learn more at marine-conservation.org at:

• Website: marine-conservation.org
• Instagram: @savingoceans
• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/marine-conservation-institute

Marine Conservation Institute is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination, inclusion and equal opportunity and actively seeks a diverse pool of candidates in this search. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. You can read more about our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and justice here.