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Rehabilitation, Education, and Conservation Intern

Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center
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Please note: you MUST APPLY THROUGH OUR WEBSITE at https://www.seaturtlehospital.org/rehabilitation-conservation-education-internship.html 
We DON'T ACCEPT HANDSHAKE applications. Thank you.

The Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center's signature Internship offers college students and recent graduates an in-depth, hands-on opportunity to learn about sea turtle husbandry and conservation. Additionally, interns practice science communication by delivering environmental education programs and public tours. Interns also learn about nonprofit organizations through an in-depth project involving education, marketing, communications, facilities, or another area of interest. Interns working in the summer session also practice leadership by mentoring high school Junior Interns and Sea Turtle Camp volunteers.

  • Free Housing! Free, shared housing with utilities included is provided. Valued at $400/month, our intern guest house is conveniently located next door to our sea turtle hospital. Housing is co-ed, and interns should expect to share a room with one other intern of the same gender. No pets are allowed.
  • Stipend Available!
    Full-time interns (40-50 hours per week, 12 week minimum) who meet all internship expectations, complete all internship responsibilities, and work the entire 12 weeks will receive a $1,440 stipend at the end of their internship to help defray the costs of participating. Additional weeks earn $120/week added stipend. Part-time interns (Fall and Spring only, 20-30 hours per week, 12 week minimum) who meet all internship expectations, complete all internship responsibilities, and work the entire 12 weeks will receive a $720 stipend at the end of their internship to help defray the costs of participating. Additional weeks earn $60/week added stipend.
  • Other Expenses: All other expenses are the responsibility of the intern. Interns should expect to pay for food, travel to and from the internship, entertainment and recreation, and any other personal expenses that are not part of the internship.
  • School Credit: School credit may be available from your institution. The intern is responsible for completing all paperwork and paying all fees required by their institution to receive credit for their internship.
  • Duration: The summer internship is 12 weeks, 40-50 hours per week, with the opportunity to add a week at the end of the internship. The fall and spring semester internships are 12-18 weeks, 20-50 hours per week. Interns should expect an irregular work schedule consisting of days, weekends, and holidays. Some workdays will exceed eight hours.
  • Additional: Interns should be prepared for work that is physically demanding. Additionally, because of the nature of working with sick and injured turtles, the work may at times be emotionally challenging.

Intern Responsibilities:

  • Cut and weigh food for turtles (i.e., fish, squid, other types of seafood, vegetables); Feed turtles
  • Change tank water, scoop, and clean tanks
  • Hold and restrain turtles
  • Weigh turtles
  • Maintain the water and life support system
  • Maintain accurate records (e.g., food log, therapy pool log, EED log, weekly weighing, admission of injured turtles)
  • Wash and dry sea turtle dishes; Wash and fold sea turtle laundry
  • Clean, disinfect, sweep, mop the facility including restrooms, hallways, the animal food prep kitchen, the break room, treatment areas, public spaces, etc.
  • Answer the phone and take accurate messages
  • Educate the public and lead daily visitor tours
  • Supervise junior interns and students in summer sea turtle camp
  • Assist with medical care as needed
  • Summer only: survey an assigned beach segment at sunrise, one morning a week looking for sea turtle tracks; Assist with protecting any nests found
  • Complete one or more intern projects
  • Present a summary of your internship at the completion of the session
  • Other duties as assigned

Intern Requirements:

  • College undergraduate or recent graduate, minimum 18 years of age
  • Major in environmental or biological sciences or similar
  • Solid computer and data entry skills
  • Excellent communication and organization skills
  • Ability to understand and follow detailed instructions
  • Self-motivated, with the ability to work independently or as part of a team
  • Positive attitude with a desire to learn
  • Flexible schedule
  • Valid drivers' license preferred
  • Personal laptop or tablet highly recommended
  • The ability to get along well with others in a shared housing situation
  • Minimum 12 week commitment
  • Covid vaccination
  • Ability to lift at least 50 pounds
  • Ability to pass a background check

Upcoming 2024 Internship Dates and Deadlines:

  • Summer 2025: 5/18/25 - 8/9/25 (Application Deadline: January 15, 2025)
  • Fall 2025: 9/29/25 - 12/31/25 (Application Deadline: August 15, 2025)
  • Spring 2025: 1/6/26 - 5/3/26 (Application Deadline: November 1, 2025)

TO APPLY to be an INTERN:

If you have questions, please email Megan, our Internship  Coordinator, at internship@seaturtlehospital.org.

The Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center offers internship opportunities without discriminating on the basis of race, gender, gender identity, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, disability, age, economic status, or veteran status.