Education Intern

This full-time internship position with Clean Ocean Action (COA) is an exciting opportunity for a student to learn and engage in actions to address pollution in coastal watersheds in New Jersey. The Education Intern will update, enhance, and evaluate COA’s various education programs, presentations, and materials to expand reach. The Intern also will assist with the coordination and implementation of annual educational events for students of all ages, from the middle school Spring Student Summits to the community-wide event Rally for the Rivers Eco-Fest. Also, the intern will update various resources and materials for sharing in educational programming.

The intern will coordinate volunteers and Education Ambassadors to fulfill Watershed Mindfulness presentations and COA tabling events on request. The Education Intern will help improve COA’s overall education offerings, all under the supervision of the Education and Volunteer Manager. The Education Intern will also coordinate with other staff, specifically the Seaside Environmental Academy Director, as necessary.

The specific program tasks the Education Intern will perform include:

• Updating various lesson plans, activities, toolkits, packets, brochures, and other educational materials.
• Assisting with event setup, logistics, implementation, and completion.
• Becoming trained in all COA presentations and presenting hands-on youth programs
• Coordinating and developing new complimentary educational activities.
• Making detailed observations and evaluations of activities and programs.
• Updating and utilizing key education contact lists. 
• Communicating about COA’s education programs and opportunities to various age groups.
• Obtaining commitments from schools, activity participants, and organizations for education events and programming.
• Enhancing relationships with educational professionals and leaders.
• Coordinating the logistics and carrying out presentations for various groups on request.
• Helping train and coordinate volunteers to staff informational tables at events. 
• Building awareness and support for COA’s education programs.
• Assisting with guided field trips of Gateway National Recreation Area – Sandy Hook, with COA’s Seaside Environmental Academy.

In sum, this intern will gain a greater understanding and firsthand experience in: 

• Developing and delivering education presentations, activities, and programs for all ages.
• Informal teaching for diverse audiences.
• Planning and implementing successful education events.
• Understanding ocean and water quality threats and solutions in coastal watersheds.
• Raising public awareness through education and community engagement. 
• Coordinating volunteers and materials to fulfill various presentation and tabling requests.

Qualifications

• Pursuing a degree in environmental studies/science and/or education, or a related field. 
• Formal and/or informal teaching experience preferred (any grades K-12).
• Proficiency with Microsoft and Google applications.
• Knowledge of local environmental issues and threats a plus.

Requirements
The summer internship is full time and located at COA’s office in Long Branch, NJ. Location for programs and events related to the internship position will vary. Early start and late evenings, while not routine and usual, can occur depending on position-related events, programs, and meetings. Monthly stipend and travel expenses (excluding commuting) are paid. College credit (arranged by the student with the university/college) is available.

It is essential to the success of the programs and the overall internship experience that the applicant lives within close proximity to the Long Branch office to sustain commuting. No housing or transportation is provided. Usual office hours are 9am to 5pm, Monday – Friday; however, the position requires flexibility and availability to work early morning and early evening hours, if needed. COA offers flexibility for excessive hours when necessary. The position requires use of a reliable vehicle, the ability to pack and deliver supplies, and a willingness to travel throughout Monmouth and Ocean Counties. Business casual attire is expected and can vary depending on the activities. Position may include offsite work in all weather conditions, including extreme heat and/or rain and wind. The start date is mid-May and the end date is mid-late August. 

Application Instructions

Interested applicants should demonstrate enthusiasm and basic knowledge of environmental issues, organizational and communication skills, creativity, and willingness to work hard. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. 

To apply, send (i) a cover letter (including local address), (ii) resume, (iii) a writing sample that reflects your written and/or visual skills, and (iv) a list of 3 references with affiliations and contact information to: Office@CleanOceanAction.org with “Education Internship_YOUR NAME” as the subject line. 

 About COA  

Clean Ocean Action is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization dedicated to protecting marine water quality in the New York Bight (those waters between Montauk Point, NY, and Cape May, NJ, and extending to the continental shelf). COA spearheads campaigns with broad-based coalitions of boating, business, community, conservation, diving, environmental, fishing, religious, service, student, surfing, and women’s groups. COA identifies sources of pollution and takes actions to stop them using research, education, and citizen action. For more information about COA visit www.cleanoceanaction.org.

COA is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and staff members without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds, not just to do the right thing, but because it makes the organization stronger.