Kelp Forest Ecology Research Internship

Monterey Bay Aquarium • Monterey, CA

2h

About The Position

Monterey Bay Aquarium is offering one internship contributing to research on mechanisms of kelp forest recovery in California. The research is intended to inform climate-ready conservation action and management planning. Work will take place primarily along the Monterey Peninsula and in Carmel Bay, California, and will consist of laboratory assays and field observations through scientific scuba diving. Scuba diving is an essential function. The anticipated schedule is 70% laboratory work and 30% field work, subject to summer research and field needs.

The internship runs from February 2027 through July 2027, with exact dates flexible. The commitment is three full days per week, approximately 24 hours per week, for six months, with no weekends. Interns must complete a project-based report in the form of an oral presentation at the end of the internship. The hourly rate is $18.00 USD.

Requirements

• Be at least 18 years of age.
• Be a current or recent student at an accredited college, university, tech, or trade school; must have been a student during the term immediately preceding the internship, with no more than a one-year education gap.
• Be in good academic standing.
• Commit to three full days each week for six months, approximately 24 hours per week; weekends are not required.
• Have or obtain a valid California driver's license within one month of starting the internship.
• Hold current First Aid, CPR, and Oxygen Administration certification or training.
• Have a minimum of 60 logged cold-water dives.
• Have knowledge of kelp forest taxonomy and species identification, specifically marine invertebrates and algae.
• Provide, prior to employment, a Letter of Reciprocity from a participating AAUS institution certifying qualification as a Scientific Research Diver.
• Be able to work in a team and independently without direct supervision.
• Have strong interpersonal communication and decision-making skills.
• Be comfortable working in a laboratory and conducting field research that may involve prolonged exposure to cold water and frequently adverse sea conditions.

Nice To Haves

• Experience diving in kelp forests.
• Experience diving from small boats.
• Coursework experience conducting research in a laboratory setting.
• Nitrox certification.
• Willingness to spend up to eight hours at a time at sea in small boats conducting scientific diving operations.
• Willingness to conduct three scientific dives in cold water per day; average water temperature is 52 degrees F.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and walk a short distance over hilly terrain.
• Strong interest in marine ecology.
• Detail-driven and highly organized, with the ability to multitask, make effective decisions, and work independently with minimal oversight.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with colleagues.
• Familiarity with basic data management and analysis using R.

Responsibilities

• Conduct laboratory assays, including sea urchin dissections.
• Perform data entry and quality control.
• Support the organization and coordination of logistics for day-to-day field activities.
• Maintain a functioning laboratory and adhere to laboratory safe operating procedures.
• Maintain scientific sampling equipment used in the laboratory.
• Participate in scuba-based data collection at depths less than 70 feet.
• Contribute to the development of technical reports.
• Complete a project-based report in the form of an oral presentation at the end of the internship.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: No Education Listed