Stella Maris Environmental Research Internship Program

Minimum of 3 month commitment with optional extension

Spring, Summer, & Fall Internships (Dates can be adjusted on an individual basis)

Current Openings: Education Intern

Summer 2025: May 15th - August 10th

Fall 2025: August 15th - November 15th

Spring 2026: January 15th - April/May 10th

Offers of extending internships will depend on performance and scheduling.

Education Intern

Become an Education Intern with Stella Maris Environmental Research and learn how to inspire the community around you to conserve and be stewards of the coastal environment! In this position, you will become more experienced in public speaking, education, team collaboration, and more.

Below is a catch-all for responsibilities as some responsibilities depend on when you intern. For example, interning in the Fall/Spring will have more education curriculum and event outreach opportunities whereas interning in the summer will have more sea turtle and summer camp-related opportunities. Roles and responsibilities will be split between education interns, if possible, and training will be provided (including the FWC training needed to be on permits). While we prefer applicants with previous education experience, we understand that this is a learning opportunity to gain experience and all are encouraged to apply, even if they have no education experience.

Responsibilities can be adjusted/added at the employer’s discretion; however, we understand this is not ideal and we will do our best to avoid adding more responsibility than originally stated.

Roles/ Responsibilities:

1. Education

• Eco Camp Guides (Ft. Pierce, FL and Melbourne Beach, FL)
• Explorations Guide (our science programming for multiple ages)
• Education curriculum creation (any topic in science)
• Assist (and eventually lead) classes/programs/dissections
• Assist with homeschool labs

2. Social Media 

• Creating Canva flyers
• Posting/promoting events on Instagram/Facebook

3. Outreach 

• Beach clean-ups
• Tabling Events
• Public presentations

4. Research Assistance/Sea Turtle Conservation

• Nest Excavation/Inventory Assistance (Permit/FWC training required)
• Turtle Walks (Permit/FWC training required) 
• Assist with Light Intensity Data Collection
• Assist head of Citizen Science Program, if needed

5. Attend team meetings (may be in-person or online)

Required Qualifications:

• 18 years or older
• Reliable transportation to Brevard, St. Lucie, and Indian River Counties
• Interest in environmental education and the marine science field
• Be available to intern for 15-20 hours per week (can be up to 35 hours per week if that is preferred by applicant)
• Comfortable being involved in specimen dissections
• Confident swimmer
• Effective communicator

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Completed or in-progress Bachelors (or Masters) degree in Biology, Marine Sciences, Education, or applicable field
• Previous education and/or classroom management experience in any capacity, especially in the STEM field

Working Conditions:

• Walking/digging/fieldwork on the beach in hot or cold climates (depending on the season) for extended periods
• Working on the beach at night (will be paired with another SMER person/intern)
• Lifting up to 50lbs (accommodations can be made if this is not possible)
• Being in loud environments that can be overstimulating at times
• Public speaking & social interactions both indoors and outdoors
• In the presence of and conducting dissections
• Water activities in the hot climate, such as paddleboarding and kayaking, especially for summer camp

Compensation:

• All internships are unpaid, however, they provide the opportunity to learn in an understanding environment with a supportive team.
• We can work with you in creating a schedule that balances our internship and other employment. However, it is important to note that you will need to be available for at least 15-20 hours during the week at reasonable times. 

Questions/ Concerns:

Please reach out to Julia at julia@stellamarisresearch.org if you have any questions or concerns.

Note: all applicants are encouraged to apply even if they do not meet the preferred qualifications.

For more information, please visit www.stellamarisenvironmentalresearch.org/internships