Internship at Sustainable Ocean and Reefs

Internship at Sustainable Ocean and Reefs

We are a pioneering organization dedicated to advancing marine conservation through innovative approaches.

Focused on the development of in situ rearing mariculture systems, SOAR aims to harness the potential of sea urchins for restorative purposes. By carefully cultivating urchins in their natural habitats, SOAR seeks to contribute to the enhancement of marine ecosystems, particularly coral reefs, through the ecologically sound deployment of these sea creatures

This unique internship takes place in the Florida Keys and is hosted by Sustainable Ocean and Reefs Inc. (SOAR). We are seeking one intern who will embark on a journey of hands-on, immersive training and activities focused on invertebrate reef grazers and reef restoration. Additionally, the intern will gain valuable experience in research and development.

This internship session will run for 4 to 6 months, depending on the candidate's preference. The experience will offer ample 1 : 1 time with SOAR's Founder and Director, offering the intern direct research experience, potential for an independent project, and network expansion.

The internship is designed to be an introduction to invertebrate reef grazers in coral reef restoration and research/development. It will include both land-based work and in-water work. The intern will report directly to SOAR's Director.

This position offers a unique opportunity to inspire and train the next generation of reef restoration specialists and marine biologists. Interns will gain hands-on experience with the first in-situ invertebrate reef grazer nursery in the Tropical Western Atlantic and engage in ongoing research and development. Participants will also contribute to a variety of SOAR's restoration projects. Our goal is to cultivate the next wave of marine scientists by sharing our passion for restoring Florida's Coral Reef and coral reefs around the world.

Topics Covered in Internship at SOAR

• Species identification
• Nursery Setup & Development
• Data Analysis
• Data Management
• Social Media
• Novel Research
• Experimental Design
• Grant Writing and Reporting
• Digital Media
• Science Communications
• Research & Development
• Grazer Restoration Techniques

Internship Learning Outcomes

• Identify the main invertebrate species that SOAR grows and works with
• Gain a deeper understanding of Diadema antillarum biology, reproduction, and coral reef ecology
• Can perform mariculture nursery maintenance and installation techniques
• Advanced experience in communications across various social media platforms
• Advanced experience in grant writing and reporting
• Independent experimental design and research project (graduate level work)
• Collaboration with universities
• Collaboration with Florida's main coral restoration practitioners and Mission:
  Iconic Reefs
• Can effectively communicate the basics of SOAR's restoration efforts
• Hands-on boating experience and knowledge

Requirements

• Open Water SCUBA Certified (through a recognized certification body–NAUI, PADI, SSI, etc.)
• Must have completed at least 30 dives
• 10 of which must be ocean dives, and 10 from a boat
• At least one logged dive within a year of internship start date
• Training beyond Open Water SCUBA
• Active Oxygen Administration certification
• Active CPR/First Aid certification
• Photo and video skills
• Currently enrolled in a credit-bearing degree program or a recent graduate
• Must have a working computer
• Vehicular transportation is the responsibility of the intern
• Diving requires a high level of physical activity and/or physical exertion. Interns must be able to carry 65 pounds and lift 35 pounds overhead
• A typical work week is 32 hours a week but may also include some weekends
• Possess strong communication, interpersonal, and time management skills
• Able to work well and interact with the public and volunteers
• Able to engage and educate audiences about marine life and ecosystems of the Florida Keys
• Ability to work well in a team environment, but also independently
• Flexible and able to take initiative and successfully complete assigned tasks
• Come with an open and curious mind and a willingness to learn and grow

Salary and benefits

$800/month living stipend

Start date

TBC

How to apply

Apply at https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./internship