INTERNSHIPS
LAUNCH YOUR CAREER
Interns can expect to be challenged, mentored, and inspired, working with a dynamic team that is dedicated to helping them find their focus.
CORAL CONSERVATION AND REEF RESTORATION INTERNSHIP
Our Coral Conservation and Reef Restoration Internship introduces individuals to the nonprofit sector of marine conservation, focusing on the restoration of coral reef ecosystems.
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Internships last 4 months and are full-time volunteer positions.
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Interns gain a vast amount of experience through participation in our community engagement programs, daily operations, and fieldwork.
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During their first semester, each intern will be mentored while they undertake a personal intern project.
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Interns who wish to progress further have the chance to be considered for positions as Lead Interns during a second semester, and then Program Interns during a third semester.
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Interns will be provided with a small educational stipend to offset living costs.
Upcoming INTERNSHIPS
Spring 2024
Application Period:
September 18th - October 27th, 2023
Notification of Acceptance:
November 20th, 2023
START DATE:
January 8th, 2024
END DATE:
May 3rd, 2024
Summer 2024
Application Period:
January 22nd – March 1st 2024
Notification of Acceptance:
March 25th 2024
START DATE:
May 13th 2024
END DATE:
August 24th 2024
FALL 2024
Application Period:
May 20th – June 28th 2024
Notification of Acceptance:
July 22nd 2024
START DATE:
September 2nd 2024
END DATE:
December 20th 2024
SPRING 2025
Application Period:
September 16th – October 25th 2024
Notification of Acceptance:
November 18th 2024
START DATE:
January 6th 2025
END DATE:
May 3rd 2025
If there is interest in completing a doctoral or master's thesis through this program, all inquiries regarding this must be disclosed and approved before acceptance into the internship.
Please email info@coralrestoration.org for more info.
QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS
Age & Academic Status
Applicant must be 21+ years of age or older.
Applicant should be enrolled in an undergraduate program having completed at least two years of study at an accredited college or university, be in enrolled in a graduate program, or be a recent graduate from a college or university.
Preference will be given to students who have studied or are studying marine science, specifically coral reefs.
Diving
Applicant should have at least 30 dives; 15 of which must be ocean dives and 5 from a boat. Applicant must have at least one logged dive within a year of the start date of the internship.
Preference will be given to those with Advanced Open Water dive certification and higher, those with boat diving experience, and those with ocean diving experience.
All dive gear (excluding tanks) must be provided by the intern. This means: BCD, regulator, mask, fins, snorkel, dive computer, wetsuit, weights, and gloves.
Upon selection, candidates will be required to provide a dive physical, dive certifications, and log-books as well as proof of active dive insurance, active CPR/First Aid certification, active Oxygen Administration certification, and proof of regulator purchase/servicing.
All selected candidates' dive status is pending the approval of their dive physical by our DSO and Dive Safety Board and proof of COVID-19 vaccination.
Other requirements
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 intern teams share living spaces.
Work requires high levels of physical exertion and/or physical strain. Must be able to carry 65 pounds and able to lift 35 pounds overhead. This position is expected to perform 3 shallow-water scuba dives for up to 5 consecutive days per week. Work environment involves frequent exposure to various elements (sun, heat, wind, rain, cold, etc). Typical work week is 5 days a week, inclusive of weekends or designated days off. Additionally, a willingness to travel and work flexible hours is essential.
Coral Restoration Foundation reserves the right to accept or deny any applications regardless of minimum requirements met.
CURRENT INTERNS
Our current interns join us from around the country, each with unique academic backgrounds and ambitions.
JESSIE DAMBRA
RESTORATION PROGRAM INTERN
Jessie grew up in Davie, Florida, just a short drive to the beach. After receiving her first SCUBA certification, she spent a lot of time diving in the Florida Keys with her family. Her passion for coral reef ecology and marine conservation strengthened with every visit. Jessie holds a B.S. degree in Environmental Science & Policy from Florida State University as well as AAUS scientific diver accreditation from Florida International University.
Following graduation, she aspired to have a more direct, tangible impact on the restoration of the same reefs that ignited her passions as a kid, leading her to become an intern with Coral Restoration Foundation. As a part of the CRF team, Jessie feels very grateful to contribute to reef restoration on a large-scale.
CRF ALUMNI
Our interns have gone on to do some amazing things! Where are they now?
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