Sea Otter Research Intern (Jan-Jul 2027)

Monterey Bay Aquarium; Monterey (CA); On-site; USD 21,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Housing provided

College credit available

Job summary

Monterey Bay Aquarium is seeking enthusiastic interns to assist with field observations and data collection of sea otters along the Monterey Peninsula and central California coast. The role requires a current student or recent graduate, ability to work 24 hours per week, and a willingness to work outdoors in variable conditions.

Housing is provided and college credit may be available. The internship emphasizes teamwork, strong communication, and independent work when needed, with a final project

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Current student or recent graduate (1 year post-graduation) at an accredited college, university, tech, or trade school.
• Submit a resume of courses and/or experience related to the position.
• Provide a minimum of 2 letters of recommendation.
• Maintain good academic standing.
• Six-month commitment of 24 hours per week.
• Must obtain a valid California driver’s license within one month of starting internship.
• Must have a personal vehicle to use in the field.
• Must have a cell phone.
• Willingness to perform tasks on a flexible schedule, including weekends.
• Able to lift up to 50 pounds and walk on hilly terrain.
• Willingness to stand in the elements for up to 8 hours at a time.
• Previous fieldwork experience or behavioral data collection, including coursework.

Responsibilities

• Assist with field observations and data collection from shore and small boats.
• Record daily re-sights, movement patterns, forage observations, and activity budget data for marked sea otters.
• Support population monitoring and reporting; prepare a project-based report at internship end.
• Collaborate with team and communicate effectively; work independently when needed.

Skills

Fieldwork experience

Data collection

Communication skills

Teamwork

Able to lift 50 lbs

Valid CA driver's license

Personal vehicle

Mobile phone

Flexible schedule including weekends

Microsoft Office

ArcGIS

R

Education

Current student or recent graduate

Tools

ArcGIS

R

Job description

At the Monterey Bay Aquarium, we are passionate about creating an inclusive workplace that celebrates and values diversity. We firmly believe that having a team of diverse backgrounds and voices working together increases our capacity to serve our visitors and fulfill our mission. We welcome people from all backgrounds into our team and strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, veterans, and people with disabilities to apply.

Job Summary:

For more than 30 years, the Monterey Bay Aquarium has been a key contributor to sea otter recovery in California. Aquarium researchers and policy experts have advanced scientific knowledge, promoted improved management, and raised public awareness of the contributions sea otters make to healthy coastal ecosystems. The Sea Otter Program operates within the Conservation & Science division and strives to understand the health of the wild otter population and to restore southern sea otters along the central California coast.

The Sea Otter Program is seeking enthusiastic and motivated individuals to assist staff with field observations and data collection of wild and previously rehabilitated sea otters along the Monterey Peninsula and other parts of coastal, central California.

Core Responsibilities

Project responsibilities include, but is not limited to, data collection from shore and occasionally on a small boat using radio telemetry equipment and making visual observations with spotting scopes. Will record daily re-sights, movement patterns, forage observations, and activity budget data on marked individual sea otters. Will also assist with sea otter population monitoring and reporting. A project-based report will be required at the end of the internship.

Qualified applicants must be able to work in a team environment, as well as independently without direct supervision, and must have good communication skills.

Skills / Knowledge / Ability / Experience or Education/Absolutely Required

• At least 18 years of age
• Current student or recent graduate (1 year post-graduation) at an accredited college, university, tech, or trade school
• Must submit a resume of courses and/or experience related to the position applying for
• Must provide a minimum of 2 letters of recommendation
• Must be in good academic standing
• Six-month commitment of 24 hours each week
• Must have or obtain a valid California driver’s license within one month of starting internship
• Must have a personal vehicle to use while in the field
• Must have a cell phone
• Willingness to perform project task assignments on a flexible schedule, including weekends
• Able to lift up to 50 pounds and walk short distances over hilly terrain
• Willingness to stand out in the elements for up to 8 hours at a time
• Previous experience in a fieldwork setting or behavioral data collection, including coursework
• A project-based report will be required at the end of the internship

Desired Skills / Knowledge / Ability / Experience or Education

• Strong interest in animal behavior, natural history, and marine science/ecology
• Experience in education and outreach for the general public
• Ability to multitask
• Good organizational skills
• Interpersonal skills and proven ability to work effectively with colleagues
• Ability to work independently with minimal direct supervision
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications
• Familiarity with ArcGIS and R is a plus

This Internship Program is a paid STEM Internship opportunity. Pay rate of $18.00 USD per hour.

• Housing will be provided.
• College credit may also be available. Please refer to your College/University's student services division.

Early submission of applications is encouraged.

The deadline to apply to this opportunity is October 30th, 2026.