Ocean Internship: Marine Mammal Center Community Conservation

Internship Opportunity

Essential Functions:

Response Program Support: 50%

• Answer calls from the public, partner agencies, and others, gathering detailed information from callers about location and situation.
• Utilize scoring rubric to determine the need for response and dispatch responder as the situation demands.
• Positively represent the organization at community outreach events.
• Complete data entry with regard to calls for hauled out Hawaiian monk seals and responses into partner databases.
• Update photo server and database accurately.

Team Support: 20%

• Assist in collection and analysis of social science data.
• Support a variety of education programs for 4th grade high school students.
• Assist staff at youth events with professionalism, enthusiasm, and cultural sensitivity.
• Shadow animal care crew as the opportunity arises.

Capstone Project: 15%

• Design project to engage community members at outreach events.

Other Duties as Assigned: 15%

• May represent and promote the Center through donor cultivation participation in partnership with the department as opportunities arise.
• Perform special projects and research as assigned.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Interest in marine and environmental conservation.
• Ability to understand and follow written and oral instructions and priorities as set by management.
• Ability to work collaboratively and maintain open communication in a team environment.
• Ability to maintain flexibility in a changing environment.
• Ability to learn from change, challenges, and feedback.
• Ability to learn Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, SharePoint, Word) and video conference technology (Slack, Teams, Zoom).
• Ability to learn custom-build computer systems for data entry.
• Ability to conduct oneself in a calm and professional manner when engaging with the public, volunteers and/or difficult situations.
• Ability to practice self-awareness and respect while engaging with staff, volunteers, and members of the public.
• Willingness to support and participate in The Marine Mammal Center's diversity, equity, and inclusion programs.

Qualifications and

Experience:

Must receive college credit for this internship and be currently enrolled in a college or university. No prior experience is required.

Internship Classification:

• This is a grant-funded internship from September 1, 2025, through December 1, 2025.
• This internship is onsite at Ke Kai Ola located in Kailua-Kona 2 days per week.
• Optional additional experiences offsite in the field may be available
• Days and hours of the internship may vary according to the needs of The Marine Mammal Center.

Stipend: $2,813.50 total

Learn more about this opportunity and how to apply.