Employment and Internship Opportunities
If you have a passion for ocean conservation and believe in our mission of protecting & preserving the coral reef ecosystem check out the opportunities below.
All internships are unpaid, however small stipends may be possible depending on available funding and internship position. Part time internships do not receive a stipend. Full time internships are expected to spend 4 work days with Reef Relief, whereas Part time are expected to spend 2 work days. Full Time employment is expected 40 hours per week.
Interested applicants must send their cover letter and resume to [email protected]. Please be sure to state the position and term you are interested in. All internships are based in person in Key West, Florida.
Your cover letter should cover three main things: stated position of interest, reason for applying, and related qualifications/experience that would make you a good candidate.
**We currently are not accepting applications from candidates outside North America.
To apply: email the required material to [email protected]
Internships:
Conservation Internship – CLOSED
Full Time
Spring (January-May)
Interns selected will help to organize and staff community volunteer opportunities related to Reef Relief’s Stormwater Education Program.
The Conservation internship duties include:
- Recruiting and organizing volunteers for storm water program events
- Distributing stormwater education literature to Key West residents
- Stenciling awareness messages around local storm drains
- Distributing brochures and guides to businesses, hotels, and restaurants throughout Monroe County
- Organizing and leading marine debris removal projects (both land and water based)
- Canvassing businesses to join our Skip the Straw and Protect Your Skin, Protect Our Reefs campaigns
- Assist is Plastic Free Key West program
You will also be familiar with the following areas:
- Helping maintain Key West Marine Park buoys
- Operation of Reef Relief’s environmental center
- Posting informative literature and photographs on Reef Relief’s social media campaigns
- Assisting with fundraisers and community events
Qualifications
- Strong interest in marine/environmental science and conservation.
- Comfortable swimming skills
- Able to lift at least 50 lbs
- Ability to self lead and time manage
- Able to work in warmer conditions
How to apply:
Please send a resume and cover letter to [email protected]
Education Internship – CLOSED
Full Time
Spring (January-May)
Interns selected will help to organize and staff events, promote Reef Relief and its programs, present classroom lessons on marine science, assist in school field trips to the Key West Marine Park, the barrier reef off of Key West, and the Dry Tortugas National Park, help run Spring Break Coral Camp and help maintain the Key West Marine Park Buoys as needed. This internship is a great opportunity to gain hands on experience in marine education and conservation.
You will become familiar with the following areas:
- Environmental education for children and adults
Creating and teaching lessons for children in pre K to college- Teaching children how to safely and successfully snorkel
- Operation of Reef Relief’s environmental center
- Planning and organizing special events, marketing, fundraising
Qualifications
- Applicants must have a degree in marine science or education (or related field) or be actively seeking one.
- Have an interest in marine science
- Able to work with kids
- Strong swimming skills
- Have a personal laptop or tablet to create educational material
How to apply:
Please send a resume and cover letter to [email protected]
Coral Camp Internship – CLOSED
Full Time
Summer (Mid/End of May – Mid August)
Interns selected will present classroom lessons on marine science and provide program support for the summer Coral Camp for Kids Program for kids 6-12 years of age. This internship is a great opportunity to gain hands on experience in marine education and conservation. 
You will become familiar with the following areas:
- Marine and Environmental education for children
- Teaching children how to safely and successfully snorkel in the open ocean
- Operation of Reef Relief’s environmental center
- Helping maintain the Key West Marine Park
Qualifications
- Must have a degree in marine science and/or education (or related field), or the applicant must be actively seeking one.
- Should have specific interest in marine science
- Strong swimming skills
- Previous snorkeling experience
- Able to work with children
- Must have their own technology that can support the creation of educational material
- Able to lift at least 50 lbs
- Able to work in warmer climate and conditions
- CPR/First Aid/ AED certification is preferred
How to apply
Please send a resume and cover letter to [email protected]
Marketing & Media Internship CLOSED
Part Time
Fall (September-December) & Spring (January-May)
Successful candidates will be able to effectively promote Reef Relief’s mission and gain new support through fundraising, recruiting new memberships, setting up and organizing tabling events, and reaching new followers through Reef Relief’s social media outlets. Seeking candidates who are currently in college or who have recently graduated with an interest in marketing, fundraising, and/or marine science.
Responsibilities:
- Organizing at least one new Reef Relief fundraiser or membership drive
- Assisting with annual fundraisers by collecting silent auction and raffle prizes, advertising events on social media, and being present at all fundraisers
- Create new and captivating material for Reef Relief’s social media platforms, e-newsletters, and website blog
- Set up and preform public outreach at all Reef Relief tabling events by talking to the community about our programs, memberships, and our retail selection
- Assist with other Reef Relief programs such as monthly clean up events, visiting schools to help carry out our Discover Coral Reefs School Program, and canvassing businesses to join our Skip the Straw and Protect Your Skin, Protect Our Reefs sunscreen campaigns.
Qualifications:
- Possess a degree or are currently studying marketing, marine science, or related field.
- Strong interest in marine science
- Have their own technology
- Understanding of social media outlets
- Experience with the program Canva
How to apply:
Please send your resume and cover letter to [email protected]