REEF Marine Conservation Intern – Key Largo, FL

Organization: Reef Environmental Education Foundation (REEF)

Job Title: REEF Marine Conservation Intern

Location: REEF HQ in Key Largo, FL

Hours and Compensation: 4 months (for Fall September – January). 4 days (28 hours) each week in the REEF office; whenever possible, 1/2 day each week working with another environmental organization and 1/2 day each week of diving.

Position Dates: September – January

Application Deadline: June 30th

Posted On: June 26, 2012

Organization Overview:

REEF was founded in 1990, out of growing concern about the health of the marine environment, and the desire to provide the SCUBA diving community a way to contribute to the understanding and protection of marine populations. REEF achieves this goal primarily through its volunteer fish monitoring program, the REEF Fish Survey Project. Participants in the Project not only learn about the environment they are diving in, but they also produce valuable information. Scientists, marine park staff, and the general public use the data that are collected by REEF volunteers.

Description:

REEF is a nonprofit education and data gathering organization focusing on training volunteer divers and snorkelers in identification of fish and the methodologies used to conduct fish surveys. Interns can expect to be exposed to a wide range of environmental nonprofit activities. These will include: handling incoming data forms, computer data entry, helping to write and layout newsletters and flyers, packaging orders, answering phones and e-mail, and working with members of the public that come into the REEF office for information. Interns will also take part in the numerous courses and seminars conducted by REEF including the Project AWARE Fish Identification Specialties, the Great Annual Fish Count and other REEF marine life talks.

Interns are encouraged to implement individual projects related to their areas of interest. In addition, they are presented with opportunities to volunteer with other local environmental organizations,. Past intern projects have related to biological assessment fieldwork and data analysis, community education and outreach, language translations of REEF materials, writing, artwork, and GIS mapping.

Responsibilities:

• Assist in processing Fish Survey report forms
• Assist with exotic species reports, data management of lionfish sightings/ captures, and lionfish data collection/ dissections
• Assist with invasive lionfish education, outreach, and control programs
• Respond to phone, e-mail and in-person information requests
• Conduct seminars for local and visiting school and dive groups
• Conduct Fish Survey dives to gather sighting information
• Write occasional articles for website and newsletter

Qualifications:

• Interns must be current on their SCUBA diving skills and provide their own diving equipment. Experience in ocean and boat diving is preferred.
• Transportation while living in Key Largo is required.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite is necessary.
• Excellent people and communication skills required. We work with the general public on a continual basis.
• Enthusiasm to teach and instill a connection to the marine environment with a wide array of people.

How to Apply:

Please send the following to REEF’s General Manager, Martha Klitzkie. email: [email protected]or mail: P.O. Box 246, Key Largo, FL USA 33037

• your resume
• a cover letter outlining (a) why you are interested in working with REEF and (b) previous experience(s) that make you a strong candidate for the Marine Conservation Internship
• a letter of reference from at least 1 previous or current professor, supervisor, or other non-related individuals with whom you have worked or studied for a significant period of time