This opportunity is curated through the UF TESI Environmental Leaders Network. Opportunities posted through the Network may not be affiliated with the Florida Museum or TESI, but are shared with UF undergraduate students who want to learn more about environmental research, education and outreach, and civic engagement. 

Host Organization

Coral Restoration Foundation

Location

Key Largo, Florida

Type of position

Unpaid internship with Educational Stipend of $1000/month (no salary)

Position description

Interns can expect to be challenged, mentored, and inspired, working with a dynamic team that is dedicated to helping them find their focus. Our Coral Conservation and Reef Restoration Internship introduces individuals to the nonprofit sector of marine conservation, focusing on the restoration of coral reef ecosystems.

  • Internships last 4 months and are full-time volunteer positions.
  • Interns gain a vast amount of experience through participation in our community engagement programs, daily operations, and fieldwork.
  • During their first semester, each intern will be mentored while they undertake a personal intern project.
  • Interns who wish to progress further have the chance to be considered for positions as Lead Interns during the second semester and then Program Interns during the third semester.
  • Interns will be provided with a small educational stipend to offset living costs.

Qualifications

AGE/ACADEMIC STATUS

  • Applicants must be 21+ years of age or older.
  • Applicants should be enrolled in an undergraduate program having completed at least two years of study at an accredited college/university, be enrolled in a graduate program, or be a recent graduate.
  • Preference will be given to students who have studied/are studying marine science, specifically coral reefs.

DIVING

  • Applicants should have at least 30 dives (at least 15 in the ocean, 5 from a boat, and 1 within a year of the internship start date).
  • Preference will be given to Advanced Open Water divers and higher, those with boat diving experience, and those with ocean diving experience.
  • All dive gear (excluding tanks) must be provided by the intern: BCD, regulator, mask, fins, snorkel, wetsuit, weights, and gloves.
  • Upon selection, candidates will be required to provide a dive physical, dive certifications and log-books, proof of active dive insurance, active CPR/First Aid/O2 training, regulator purchase/service, and COVID-19 vaccination.
  • All candidates’ dive status is pending review of their physical by our DSO.

OTHER

  • Housing and reliable vehicular transportation must be provided by the intern.
  • Applicants should keep in mind the cost of living in the Florida Keys can be between $800 and $1,200 monthly. Rent will be less expensive if interns share living spaces.
  • Applicants must be physically fit and able to work on the water and in the sun for long periods of time (8 hours a day 7 days in a row).

Coral Restoration Foundation reserves the right to accept or deny any applications regardless of the minimum requirements met.

Start Date

01/08/2024

Application Due

10/27/2023

To apply:

Volunteering with the Coral Restoration Foundation

To learn more:

Contact Emma Thomson, 305 453 7030