Conservation Internship (Fall 2026)

Marine Life; Florida; On-site; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discount pricing in gift store

Free or reduced pricing on programs

Opportunity for community service hours

Job summary

A nonprofit organization focused on marine conservation is seeking interns for their Conservation Department. Interns will participate in marine debris prevention initiatives, conduct outreach, and support the care and treatment of sea turtles. This unpaid internship offers flexible hours and the opportunity to work directly with conservation professionals, gaining hands-on experience in a dynamic environment. Ideal candidates are undergraduates with a passion for marine science or related fields, available 3 days per week.

Qualifications

• Interest and passion for marine science and conservation.
• At least 18 years of age.
• Available to work at least 3 full days during the week including the weekend.

Responsibilities

• Conduct outreach programs and information tables at community events.
• Collect and record data for all conservation projects.
• Prepare materials for conservation projects.
• Present conservation findings in professional settings.

Skills

Marine biology

Environmental science

Conservation outreach

Data collection

Education

Undergraduate enrolled in a 2- or 4-year college/university

Job description

Join us after hours for a lecture series featuring local scientists, conservationists, and photographers with brews!

Loggerhead Marinelife Center’s Guided Tour allows visitors to get a guided experience of our outdoor sea turtle hospital and meet our patients.

You can support Loggerhead Marinelife Center by “adopting” a sea turtle patient starting at just $40. Your adoption directly benefits the continued care and treatment of our sick and injured sea turtles.

As a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, we rely on the generosity of our supporters. You can support our mission financially, by volunteering, or by spreading awareness.

Loggerhead Marinelife Center's Unwrap the Wave Initiative allows for students and community members to get into the "spirit" of conservation by collecting their candy wrappers from Halloween and recycling them.

We offer four society levels, including the Gordon Gray Circle and the Blue Friends Society. Explore all your options.

Loggerhead Marinelife Center offers exciting and rewarding career opportunities and internships.

In the Conservation Department of Loggerhead Marinelife Center (LMC), conservation interns have the opportunity to participate in marine debris prevention initiatives that help improve the health of marine life and oceans. The Conservation internship is open to students (undergraduates or recent graduates) with a focused interest in conservation, sustainability, wildlife, biology, or nonprofits. Interns will have the opportunity to learn all aspects of the Center’s conservation efforts by working directly with LMC staff. Additionally, Interns will have access to special events and programs. The internship experience is considered voluntary, thus it is not paid and housing is not provided. However, LMC can work with schools to provide the Intern with course credit. Start and end dates are flexible to accommodate school and work schedules. Interns are required to complete and present an intern project. All Interns report directly to the Conservation Manager.

Hours

20-30 hours a week, with a commitment of 3 days a week minimum for 3-4 months or the equivalent of a semester. Hours will vary depending on weather conditions and outreach schedule. Days and hours are flexible.

Core Responsibilities

• Conducting surveys with various groups including recreational boaters and anglers on local fishing piers.
• Assisting with preparation and coordination of community workshops.
• Preparing materials for conservation projects.
• Presenting Conservation department findings in professional settings.
• Conducting outreach programs and/or information tables as appropriate for trade shows, festivals, LMC events, and community events.
• Collecting and recording data for all conservation projects.
• Maintaining relationships with conservation partners.
• Sorting, weighing, recording, and recycling or repurposing debris collected from cleanup activities.
• Completing and presenting a required final project based on career objectives. The project will be provided by LMC staff within the first three weeks of the internship. All interns will be required to present their findings to all staff, interns, and volunteers at the end of the internship.
• Collecting water quality and other environmental samples for partner organizations.
• Contribute to blog posts when needed.
• Attend various outreaches and events over the course of the internship.
• Complete other conservation tasks as assigned and needed.
• Further support Loggerhead Marinelife Center’s mission: “To promote conservation of Florida’s coastal ecosystems with a special focus on threatened and endangered sea turtles.”
• Undergraduate enrolled in a 2- or 4-year college/university OR recent graduate
• Majoring or interested in marine biology, environmental science, animal science or a related field
• At least 18 years of age
• Interest and passion for marine science and conservation
• Available to work at least 3 full days during the week including the weekend

Why Intern With US?

Being an intern at Loggerhead Marinelife Center comes with some exclusive perks!

• Discount pricing in LMC gift store
• Free or reduced pricing on LMC programs
• Discounts on SCUBA certifications, boat fees, and gear at Jupiter Dive Center
• On-going training, lectures, and classes with professionals in related content
• Work experience and/or community service hours for education requirements
• Opportunity to grow and acquire essential skills in a professional environment
• Take an active role in ocean conservation alongside people with similar interest

Physical Demands + Work Environment

The physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Successful applicants must be comfortable in a highly dynamic environment in an active and busy office or outdoor setting. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms, and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand and walk. The employee is frequently required to climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 30 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. This position may involve working outdoors in Florida, often in hot and humid conditions, and at events that extend into evening and weekend hours. Must be willing and able to travel for offsite programming and possess a valid driver’s license.

Application Period

Accepting applications for Fall 2026 from March 29-April 26, 2026

Founded in 1983, Loggerhead Marinelife Center is a leading cultural attraction in South Florida that provides open access to all guests. Today the Center is a global leader in the research, rehabilitation, and protection of sea turtles, serving our broader mission to promote ocean ecosystem conservation. Annually we reach 900,000 guests with our transformational education programs and partner with nearly 100 organizations across six continents and 16 countries in ocean conservation. In early 2022, we opened a new 27,500 square-foot campus that greatly expands our exhibition, education, and convening space and doubles our medical facilities.

We love welcoming individuals who are also passionate about ocean conservation and sea turtle rehabilitation, and we'd love for you to explore donating your talents and time.