Adv Sea Turtle Conservation Program Intern

Clearwater Marine Aquarium•Clearwater, FL

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Advanced Sea Turtle Conservation Program Intern supports activities authorized under Clearwater Marine Aquarium’s Marine Turtle Permit and follows applicable FWC guidance, CMA policies, and city, state, and federal regulations. The position primarily contributes to conducting and documenting sea turtle nesting surveys during the seasonal nesting period, approximately April or May through the end of October. Duties include locating nesting activity, marking and monitoring nests, evaluating nests, documenting field observations, and entering and maintaining data. The intern also assists with intern and volunteer training, research, educational outreach, public communications, equipment and supply management, and vehicle care. The role involves coordination with CMA staff and municipal entities, responding to stranding events, supporting hatchling release or transport as directed, and helping complete permit and contract reports. Flexible hours and the ability to adjust to changing priorities are required.

Requirements

Be earning or possess a bachelor’s degree in Biology, Marine Biology, Environmental Science, Zoology, or a related field, or be within one year after graduation.
Have completed prior Sea Turtle Conservation Program work experience.
Have experience and familiarity with the FWC Marine Turtle Conservation Handbook, or the ability to learn its guidelines.
Have strong oral and written communication skills and be comfortable interacting regularly with the public.
Maintain positive working relationships with staff, volunteers, interns, and municipal, county, state, and federal employees.
Be capable of working in a high-stress environment and adaptable in a fast-paced setting.
Have experience with data entry and maintenance.
Have basic knowledge of Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
Be able to work a flexible schedule, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
Have experience safely operating four-wheel-drive vehicles and all-terrain vehicles.
Have strong time-management skills and be able to plan, organize, and prioritize multiple tasks.
Be self-motivated, confident, disciplined, and have an excellent work ethic.
Be able to work independently and as part of a group.
Possess a valid driver’s license and an operational mobile phone.
Pass a basic swim test annually.
Be able to work long hours in extreme weather and outdoor conditions and routinely perform physically demanding work.
Be able to ride an ATV or UTV and drive vehicles over unexpected terrain for extended periods.
Be able to lift up to 50 pounds to waist level frequently and up to 20 pounds to shoulder level and above the head at moderate frequency.
Be able to walk or stand for long periods, maneuver on uneven terrain or in tight spaces, squat, bend, kneel, twist, reach, push and pull equipment, and climb ladders when needed.
Be able to work outdoors in all weather and indoors in covered areas without air conditioning or heat.

Responsibilities

Lead and assist with daily sea turtle nesting surveys in compliance with FWC guidance and applicable laws and CMA policies.
Identify, document, and mark nesting activity and record predation, human disturbance, and hatching evidence.
Enter and maintain survey data in the Excel database and assist with database management.
Conduct nest evaluations and assess and document obstructed nesting attempts and disorientation events, submitting required forms to FWC.
Coordinate with municipal entities after surveys so mechanical beach cleaning can proceed.
Ensure safe release or transport of hatchlings as directed by the Supervisor, Senior Biologist, and FWC.
Assist with night monitoring of protected nests and respond to and document sea turtle strandings within the survey area.
Complete weekly escarpment surveys and help prepare required reports by applicable deadlines.
Assist with intern and volunteer training, including pre-season and in-season training on locating and documenting nesting activity.
Support intern projects, data entry, field work, and daily tasks alongside seasonal and full-time staff.
Prepare for and participate in educational outreach; assist with public speaking and media and public relations activities.
Maintain and store program equipment and supplies, manage inventories, and communicate supply needs to the Supervisor.
Safely operate CMA vehicles, including on beaches and while traveling to and from CMA; assist with vehicle cleaning, maintenance, service transport, and inspections.
Understand, follow, enforce, and help improve program standard operating procedures.
Assist with research projects and money-generating programs involving the Sea Turtle Conservation Program.
Maintain flexible working hours and adapt to shifting priorities and other changes.
Pass the annual basic swim test and perform other duties as needed.