Sea Turtle Conservation Program Entry Level I

Clearwater Marine Aquarium•Clearwater, FL

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Sea Turtle Nesting Intern supports activities authorized under the Sea Turtle Conservation Program’s Marine Turtle Permit, following the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Marine Turtle Conservation Handbook, Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA) policies, and applicable city, state, and federal regulations. During the nesting season (April–October), the intern helps conduct and document daily sea turtle nest surveys and regulatory projects in the survey area. Work includes locating nesting activity, identifying and marking nests, monitoring and evaluating nests, and entering and maintaining data. The intern also communicates with the public and municipal entities, takes part in public relations promotions, and cleans, stocks, and maintains equipment and vehicles. The position requires flexible hours, adapting to shifting priorities, and working morning patrols five days a week, with one weekly on-call night shift for hatchling releases or cage checks if needed. The internship has a minimum hour commitment determined by its duration: 500 hours for three months, 650 for four months, 800 for five months, or 950 for six months. Attendance is mandatory.

Requirements

Currently enrolled in an upper-level degree program in marine biology, zoology, environmental conservation, or a related field.
Familiarity with the FWC Marine Turtle Conservation Handbook, or ability to learn its requirements.
Strong oral and written communication skills and comfort interacting regularly with the public.
Ability to maintain positive working relationships with staff, volunteers, interns, municipal employees, members of the press, and other internal and external entities.
Ability to work in a high-stress environment with restrictive timelines.
Strong problem-solving and time-management skills, including the ability to plan, organize, and prioritize multiple tasks.
Self-motivated, confident, disciplined, and professional work ethic.
Team-oriented attitude and ability to work independently as well as in a group.
Familiarity with computers, including Microsoft Word and Excel and Adobe Acrobat Reader.
Ability to meet the physical demands of the role, including lifting, prolonged walking or standing, navigating uneven terrain, climbing ladders when needed, bending and reaching, pushing and pulling equipment, and working outdoors in varied weather and indoors without climate control.
Ability to ride an ATV and drive vehicles over unexpected terrain for extended periods.
Commitment to the minimum internship hours applicable to the internship duration and to the scheduled shifts; attendance is mandatory.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience with the FWC Marine Turtle Conservation Handbook.

Responsibilities

Follow the requirements of the FWC Marine Turtle Conservation Handbook, CMA policies and procedures, and applicable city, state, and federal regulations.
Assist with daily sea turtle nesting surveys in the assigned survey area.
Identify and document sea turtle crawl tracks by species, and distinguish nests from false crawls.
Mark nest sites; check nests daily for predation, vandalism, or hatching; identify disorientation events and obstructed nesting attempts; and perform nest inventories.
Communicate with municipal entities after surveys so beach-cleaning activities can proceed.
Collect, enter, and maintain accurate data.
Educate the public about sea turtle nesting behavior, threats from lighting, beach debris, habitat destruction, and marine pollution, and CMA’s mission, vision, and values.
Clean and stock nesting equipment daily.
Safely operate CMA vehicles, including four-wheel-drive trucks and ATVs, on beaches and roadways as applicable.
Clean and maintain vehicles, transport them for service, and complete vehicle inspections.
Participate in public relations promotions and carry out other duties as needed.
Work morning patrol shifts five days a week and commit to one on-call night shift per week for hatchling releases or cage checks if needed.
Maintain flexible working hours and adapt to shifting priorities and other changes.