Intern

Sustainable Ocean and Reefs Internship Description

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 begin in September and 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.

An ideal candidate would have the following:

• Open Water SCUBA Certified (through a recognized certification body – NAUI, PADI, SSI, etc.)
• Must have completed at least 40 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

Preferred candidates will have:

• Training beyond Open Water SCUBA
• Active Oxygen Administration certification
• Active CPR/First Aid certification
• Photo and video skills

To participate in diving, candidates will be required to provide:

• RSTC document or dive physical
• Proof of diving certification
• Proof of active dive insurance (DAN)

Other requirements:

• Currently enrolled in a credit-bearing degree program or a recent graduate
• Must own or have access to reliable dive gear (excluding tanks): BCD, regulator, mask, fins, snorkel, dive computer, wetsuit, weights, and gloves
• 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, including some weekends

Ideal candidate traits:

• 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

Benefits

• $800/month living stipend
• 1:1 supervisory ratio in immersive restoration training
• Focused attention from SOAR’s Founder and Director
• No office location – remote work required

Internship Description & Outcomes

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 represents the opportunity to inspire and train the next generation of reef restoration specialists and marine biologists. They will learn about the first in-situ invertebrate reef grazer nursery in the Tropical Western Atlantic and research/development, while participating in SOAR’s various projects. Our hope is to advance young marine biologists by passing on this passion for restoring Florida’s Coral Reef and reefs around the world onto the next generation.

While in this position, you will act as a 1099 contractor for Sustainable Ocean and Reefs and will be required to sign a liability waiver to participate in SOAR in-water activities.

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
• Have a basic understanding of Diadema antillarum biology, reproduction, and coral reef ecology
• Can perform grazer nursery maintenance techniques
• Advanced experience in communications across various social media platforms
• Advanced experience in grant writing and reporting
• Independent experimental design and research project (M.S. level work)
• Direct collaboration with University of Florida
• 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