Please note: you MUST APPLY THROUGH OUR WEBSITE at https://www.seaturtlehospital.org/lead-intern---rehabilitation-conservation-education-internship.html.
We DON'T ACCEPT other applications. Thank you.

The two Lead Intern positions co-lead and co-supervise ten college students and recent graduates participating in the Sea Turtle Rehabilitation, Conservation, and Education Internship during the Summer Session. This leadership position offers college students and recent graduates supervisory experience as well as an in-depth, hands-on opportunity to learn about sea turtle husbandry and conservation. Lead interns also practice science communication by delivering environmental education programs and public tours. Lead Interns are not required to complete an intern project, but may if they are interested. Projects offer an opportunity to learn about nonprofit organizations through delving deeper into some aspect of education, marketing, communications, facilities, or another area of interest. Lead interns also supervise and mentor high school Junior Interns and Sea Turtle Camp volunteers, in cooperation with the Education Coordinator.

• Free Housing! Free, shared housing with utilities included is provided. The two Lead Interns have a double bedroom with private bathroom on the first floor, valued at $500/month. Our intern guest house is conveniently located next door to our sea turtle hospital. The house is co-ed. No pets are allowed.
• Stipend Available!
  The Lead Interns will receive a stipend of $325/week, provided they are meeting all managerial and internship expectations and completing their responsibilities in a satisfactory manner. There are no benefits offered beyond the stipend and free housing.
• Other Expenses: All other expenses are the responsibility of the Lead Interns. Lead Interns should expect to pay for food, travel to and from the internship, entertainment and recreation, and any other personal expenses that are not part of the internship.
• School Credit: School credit may be available from your institution. Lead Interns are responsible for completing all paperwork and paying all fees required by their institution to receive credit for their internship.
• Duration: The summer internship is 12 weeks, 40-50 hours per week, with the opportunity to add a week at the end of the internship. Lead Interns should expect an irregular work schedule consisting of days, weekends, and holidays. Some workdays will exceed eight hours.
• Additional: Lead Interns should be prepared for work that is physically demanding. Additionally, because of the nature of working with sick and injured turtles, the work may at times be emotionally challenging.

Lead Intern Responsibilities:

• Co-Lead and co-supervise team of ten interns
• Manage daily husbandry of the sea turtles, ensuring all turtles are cared for and all protocols are followed
• Schedule daily responsibilities, ensuring all tasks are covered
• Manage the intern house, ensuring house rules are followed and the house is kept clean and tidy
• Maintain a positive, team oriented, proactive approach towards the entire KBSTRRC community
• Serve as liaison between the interns and other KBSTRRC staff, both unpaid and paid
• Attend Team Leader meetings, represent Intern concerns to the Team Leaders and vice versa

General Intern Responsibilities:

• Cut and weigh food for turtles (i.e., fish, squid, other types of seafood, vegetables); Feed turtles
• Change tank water, scoop, and clean tanks
• Hold and restrain turtles
• Weigh turtles
• Maintain the water and life support system
• Maintain accurate records (e.g., food log, therapy pool log, EED log, weekly weighing, admission of injured turtles)
• Wash and dry sea turtle dishes; Wash and fold sea turtle laundry
• Clean, disinfect, sweep, mop the facility including restrooms, hallways, the animal food prep kitchen, the break room, treatment areas, public spaces, etc.
• Answer the phone and take accurate messages
• Educate the public and lead visitor tours
• Supervise junior interns and students in summer sea turtle camp
• Assist with medical care as needed
• Survey an assigned beach segment at sunrise, one morning a week looking for sea turtle tracks; Assist with protecting any nests found
• Other duties as assigned

Lead Intern Requirements:

• Demonstrated leadership ability
• Supervisory experience a plus
• Demonstrated ability to manage and motivate a team
• College undergraduate or recent graduate, minimum 18 years of age
• Major in environmental or biological sciences or similar
• Solid computer and data entry skills
• Excellent communication and organization skills
• Ability to understand and follow detailed instructions
• Self-motivated, with the ability to work independently or as part of a team
• Positive attitude with a desire to learn
• Flexible schedule
• Valid drivers' license preferred
• Personal laptop or tablet highly recommended
• The ability to get along well with others in a shared housing situation
• Minimum 12-14 week commitment, depending on semester of service
• Covid vaccination
• Ability to lift at least 50 pounds
• Ability to pass a background check

Upcoming 2024 Lead Intern Dates and Deadlines:

• Summer: 5/18/25 - 8/9/25 (Application Deadline: January 15, 2025)
  Please note the Lead Interns start a minimum of one week before the rest of the interns arrive.  

If you have questions, please email Megan, our Internship Coordinator at internship@seaturtlehospital.org.

The Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center offers internship opportunities without discriminating on the basis of race, gender, gender identity, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, disability, age, economic status, or veteran status.