Reef Renewal USA Internship Qualifications Thank you for expressing your interest in our exciting spring internship opportunity! This unique internship takes place in the Florida Keys and is hosted by Reef Renewal USA. We are actively seeking two dynamic interns who will embark on a journey of hands-on, immersive training and activities focused on coral reef restoration. Additionally, interns will play a vital role in community engagement and gain valuable experience in nonprofit management. Scheduled to commence on January 6, 2025, and concluding on April 25, 2025 this internship spans approximately four months, offering a comprehensive and enriching experience. Join us in making a positive impact on coral reefs and communities alike! An ideal candidate would have the following: 

● Open Water SCUBA Certified (through a recognized certification body–NAUI, PADI, SSI, etc.) 

Certify that you have at least 30 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 (attached) or dive physical.
• Proof of diving certification
• Proof of active dive insurance (DAN)

● Currently enrolled in a credit-bearing degree program* or a recent graduate 

In order to participate in diving, you must own or have access to working condition and reliable dive gear (excluding tanks). This includes:

• BCD, regulator, mask, fins, snorkel, dive computer, wetsuit, weights, and gloves.
• The internship host will provide all coral related working tools.
• Must have a working computer. 
• Vehicular transportation is the responsibility of the intern. 
• Coral work requires a high level of physical activity and/or physical exertion. Interns must be able to carry 65 pounds and able to lift 35 pounds overhead. 
• A typical work week is 35-40 hours a week but may also include some weekends and holidays. 
• Possess strong communication, interpersonal, and time management skills. 
• Able to work well and interact with the public and our volunteers. 
• Able to engage and educate audiences about marine life and ecosystems of the FL Keys. 
• Ability to work well in a team environment, but also work well independently. 
• Flexible and ability to take initiative and successfully complete assigned tasks. 
• Come with an open and curious mind and a willingness to learn and grow. *If you qualify for school credit, we will work with you and the school to fulfill requirements. 

Benefits:

• $600/month living stipend. Each intern will receive their own stipend. 
• 2-1 supervisory ratio in immersive coral restoration training. 
• Focused attention from RRUSA staff. 
• No office location, remote work required on land days. 

Internship Description & Outcomes:

The internship is designed to be an introduction to coral reef restoration and nonprofit management. It is generally land based but the candidates will have exposure as a RRUSA volunteer diver during their internship. They will report directly to Reef Renewal USA staff. This position represents the opportunity to inspire and train the next generation of coral restoration specialists and marine biologists. They will learn the basics of coral reef restoration theory and nonprofit management, while participating in RRUSA’s innovations. Our hope is to advance the legacy of RRUSA 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 volunteer for Reef Renewal USA and will be required to sign a volunteer waiver to participate in RRUSA on water activities. 

Topics Covered in Internship at RRUSA: 

• Species identification 
• Public speaking 
• Professionalism 
• Nonprofit Management 
• Volunteer Coordination 
• Grant Reporting 
• Grant Writing 
• Data Management 
• Digital Media 
• Science Communications 
• Community engagement 
• Coral husbandry 
• Coral restoration techniques 
• Boulder coral fragmentation 

Internship Learning Outcomes: 

• Identify main coral species that RRUSA grows and works with. 
• Have a basic understanding of coral biology, reproduction, and coral reef ecosystems. 
• Can effectively communicate the basics of RRUSA coral restoration efforts. 
• Can perform coral nursery maintenance techniques. 
• Can effectively coordinate and manage volunteers. 
• Experience in communications across various social media platforms. 
• Experience in grant writing and reporting.