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REEF Marine Conservation Internship (Spring 2020)

Reef Environmental Education Foundation (REEF) is currently seeking applicants for our Spring 2020 session of the REEF Marine Conservation Internship Program. The deadline to apply is October 20, 2019. Please see below for details. Visit www.REEF.org/internship for complete information on how to apply. Application materials will not be accepted through Handshake.

REEF Marine Conservation Internship
REEF is a non-profit, marine conservation organization with citizen science, education, and research programs. Participants in the Marine Conservation Internship program support REEF’s educational programming and general operations from the REEF Campus in Key Largo, Florida. The REEF Campus, with an Interpretive Center and educational trails, serves as an educational center for visitors and groups. It is also the Headquarters for supporting a membership of over 70,000 engaging in REEF’s international programs.

REEF Marine Conservation Interns gain leadership experience as they engage in activities focused on citizen science, community outreach, and education. They learn skills in a variety of areas, including partnership development, non-profit operations, donor relations, communication, marketing and promotions, data management, event planning, graphic design, and public speaking. And they have ample opportunities to enjoy all that the Florida Keys has to offer in their free time, including diving, snorkeling, kayaking, and interfacing with other non-profits and government agencies in the area.
 
Program Overview
REEF Interns support the organization’s innovative marine conservation and education projects, working as part of a dynamic and fun team in the beautiful Florida Keys. Interns have varied opportunities to be involved in both the office and the field, and support REEF’s marine conservation research, education, and outreach programs. REEF Interns play a key role in the day-to-day operations of REEF, and gain valuable insight in to the workings of a non-profit ocean organization. Interns work closely with all REEF team members. Ideal candidates for the internship program are passionate about the ocean, and are detail-oriented, organized, thrive on variety, and take initiative.

This unpaid program is open to college students with at least 2 years of coursework, as well as recent graduates. Four interns serve in each session (January – May and June – December). An intensive summer internship (June – August) is also sometimes available. Start and end dates are flexible depending on University schedules and other school or work commitments. REEF’s Lead Internship program provides qualified Marine Conservation Interns the opportunity to stay with the organization in a specialized capacity for up to a year beyond the original session.

Marine Conservation Intern Responsibilities and Opportunities
Program activities and tasks vary by internship session depending on the organization’s current projects and priorities. Responsibilities include, but may not be limited to:
  • Engaging with and assisting REEF members and donors, on the phone and via email, as well as in person at events
  • Assisting REEF Campus visitors, including answering questions about REEF’s programs and processing in-person purchases from the REEF store
  • Filling and mailing online store orders
  • Facilitating educational programing, including Explorers Summer Camp, Classroom Programs, and Field Courses
  • Coordinating and implementing special events like the monthly Fish & Friends seminar series, annual REEF Fest celebration, and Lionfish Derby Series
  • Creating promotional and marketing materials such as flyers and social media content
  • Updating web content and social media platforms
  • Facilitating invasive lionfish education, outreach, and control programs
  • Participating in conservation field work and data management

Interns are sometimes able to implement independent projects at REEF related to their areas of interest. For example, a graphic design major could create new infographic posters or an education major could create fish identification lesson plans for elementary school classrooms. Interns are provided professional development and networking opportunities, and are able to interact with a variety of other organizations and agencies throughout the Florida Keys and South Florida region. There are also frequent opportunities to dive, snorkel, and kayak in the region, depending on the Intern’s interest and training.