US Oceans Intern

WILDCOAST US OCEANS INTERNSHIPPosition Title: US Oceans InternPosition Type: Paid InternshipEmployment Classification: Hourly Non-Exempt Reports to: Senior Ocean Conservation CoordinatorLocation: This is a hybrid position based in San Diego County, California with office work required at our office in Del Mar, as well as in-field work within San Diego County. Evening and weekend work will be expected, with notice. Timeline: Approximately June 2026 - June 2027Quantity: Up to three positions availableCompensation: This is a part-time, temporary internship paid at an hourly rate of $17.75. Interns accrue paid sick leave at a rate of one (1) hour for every thirty (30) hours worked. Usage is permitted up to 40 hours or five (5) days per year, whichever is greater, in accordance with California law.Personal Time Off: As a part-time, temporary position, this role does not accrue paid vacation hours. Any weeks or days that an intern is unavailable to work due to planned vacations, personal travel, or school breaks will be unpaid. We ask that all such requests be coordinated with your supervisor with as much notice as possible.Academic Flexibility: WILDCOAST supports the academic success of our interns. We offer flexibility for finals weeks and major academic deadlines, provided these schedule adjustments are discussed in advance.Application Period: Opens March 16th, closes at 50 applicants or by April 2nd, 2026Apply via Bamboo HR. About WILDCOAST:WILDCOAST is an international team that conserves coastal and marine ecosystems and addresses climate change through natural solutions. To achieve our mission we establish and manage protected areas, protect and restore blue carbon ecosystems, and partner with local communities, governments, and the private sector. WILDCOAST has helped to conserve millions of acres of some of the most ecologically important coastline, wetlands, islands, and marine wilderness in the world.Internship Description:The US Oceans intern works to advance WILDCOAST's work to conserve, manage, and restore coastal and ocean ecosystems. We are seeking individuals who are interested in community education and outreach, data collection, ecological restoration, and more! A successful intern is a quick-learner and self-starter who is comfortable managing projects without requiring frequent oversight and management. This team member will also thrive with confidence and compassion at outreach events where they will engage with the public to educate them on WILDCOAST and our efforts to conserve the coast and ocean. Internship Benefits: Learn more about ocean conservation, natural climate solutions, leadership, and policy Spend time in nature experiencing the coast and ocean alongside conservation professionals Develop public speaking, writing, research, and engagement skillsValuable experience for resumesLetters of recommendation/reference Paid travel time for all work-related transit between field sites.Internship Requirements: 18 years or olderCommitment for the entire internship, with a maximum timeline of June 2026 - June 2027 / 8-10 hours per week, with occasional peaks up to 15 hours. The schedule includes a mix of weekdays and weekends.Be able to work both in person (San Diego County) and online Ability to work both with a team and individually with minimal supervisionAbility to clearly communicate, both written and verballyIntern is asked to provide as much notice as possible for planned time off*Intern is required to track hours spent on projects, on a weekly basisRegular check in and performance reviews will be held between intern and supervisorDuties and Responsibilities:Conduct weekly MPA Watch Surveys to help us better understand human activity within our local Marine Protected Areas. This includes interviewing beach goers through an intercept survey pilot project. Represent WILDCOAST at tabling, outreach, education, community meetings, and other project-related engagement events.Write blogs on WILDCOAST's conservation efforts to post on our website and social media.Support WILDCOAST restoration efforts in our local lagoons (removing invasive species, planting native species, watering plants, and setting up for restoration events with the community).Provide additional support and assistance to the US Oceans team as needed.Requirements & Travel:Transportation: Must have a valid California driver's license and reliable transportation for local field work. WILDCOAST reimburses for all work-related mileage at the 2026 IRS standard rate ($0.725/mile).Background Checks: In compliance with the California Fair Chance Act, WILDCOAST will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Background checks are conducted only after a conditional offer of employment has been made.Work Environment & Physical RequirementsThis is a hybrid role requiring the ability to work in-office, remotely, and at outdoor event sites. This position could involve working in physically demanding and environmentally challenging conditions, including:Exposure to high heat, humidity, and other variable weather conditions.Exposure to cold water temperatures and variable weather via swimming and boating in urban and occasionally remote coastal areas. Extensive hiking over uneven, steep, or rugged terrain.Regular lifting and carrying of equipment or materials weighing up to 50 pounds.Performing tasks for extended periods in remote outdoor settings with limited amenities.WILDCOAST works to cultivate a collaborative and open learning environment free of bullying, hate speech, and/or discrimination and will expect the same of program participants.Please note that while WILDCOAST is an international team and works in both the US and Mexico, this internship will only be based in San Diego.WILDCOAST provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, gender, sex, gender identity or expression, age, medical condition, sexual orientation, marital status, citizenship, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, military status, caregiver status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Created: 2026-04-02