Ocean Career: Center Coastal Studies Marine Debris and Plastics Research Assistant

CCS Marine Debris & Plastics Program

The Center's MDPP investigates and responds to abandoned, lost or discarded fishing gear (ALDFG), end-of-life fishing gear and aquaculture equipment, beach debris, microplastics and other marine plastic debris issues.

Since its inception in 2012, the primary focus of the program has been removal of ALDFG from the waters of Cape Cod Bay, recently expanding to include collaborative efforts from southern New England to the Canadian border, working with dozens of partners in the region. The program has two full-time staff and over 150 active volunteers who support field work and data collection.

An additional 40+ artists work with the program's debris collection to encourage public awareness of marine debris issues.

We are seeking a graduate student or recent graduate with a background in marine science, political or social science, or any related/relevant topic with a keen interest in marine debris and in pursuing a career in ocean conservation to assist the Director of the Marine Debris & Plastics program, advancing specific projects related to the program's marine debris data. This nine-month position is 32-40 hours a week with a flexible schedule based at the Center for Coastal Studies in Provincetown, Massachusetts.

• Assist with alignment of CCS, regional and national debris databases.
• Assist with updating the GEAR Team website (gear-hub.org) with news stories, project write-ups, maps and data depiction.
• Contribute to external presentations and other communication tasks (such as scientific posters, factsheets, flyers and blogs).
• Provide support at special project functions and other activities.
• Participate in ghost gear removal field work and data collection.
• Participate in shoreline clean ups, debris surveys and impact assessments of debris.
• Assist with collating, visualizing and sharing shoreline and at-sea removal data.
• Attend staff, partner and program meetings.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the Director.

• Dedication to the stewardship of the oceans and an interest in marine debris.
• Ability to visually depict data including locations, type, amount and year for use in story maps, reports and outreach.
• Recent graduate of a program in a related/relevant field. Current students considered but position requires up to 40 hours/week.
• Desire to learn more about the environmental impact of ghost gear, marine debris and how it impacts relevant stakeholders.
• Excellent computer skills including Microsoft Office suite and ArcGIS or similar mapping software.
• Strong communication skills and reliability; strong logistical skills.
• Ability to meet deadlines and to manage multiple simultaneous projects.
• Attention to detail.
• Experience working in a collaborative office or professional environment.
• Self-motivation, flexibility, and a positive "can-do" attitude.
• Ability to lift 40 pounds.

Final date to receive applications is November 12, 2025.

Learn more about this opportunity and how to apply.