Gulf of Mexico Program Internship

1028 Broadway, Galveston, TX 77550 – Office Phone: (409)795-8426

About Turtle Island Restoration Network’s Gulf of Mexico Program:

Turtle Island Restoration Network (TIRN) is an ocean conservation and advocacy non-profit organization. TIRN has offices in Olema, California and Galveston, Texas, along with projects all around the world. The Gulf office works to protect and restore populations of endangered sea turtles and marine biodiversity on the Texas coast and throughout the Gulf of Mexico. For over 30 years, our efforts have safeguarded sea turtles and engaged the public in our conservation efforts through education, outreach, classroom visits and other habitat protection efforts.

TIRN is seeking an intern for May 11th- September 11th (4 months). The position is based in Galveston, Texas and you must have reliable transportation to and from the Gulf Office and to programs in the Galveston & Harris Counties. This position will begin on May 11th. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis starting in March and will be due by April 17th at 8:00 AM. This position will be open until filled.

Time commitment:

  • May 11th- September 11th: 4 month term
  • Hours per week: 20 hours $15/hr
    • Varying hours depending on  programs and schedule for the week
    • Must be available Monday-Saturday.

Qualifications and skills desired:

  • Experience in education and outreach program presentations
  • Ability to project a positive image within the community
  • Ability to communicate effectively within a team and to members of the public
  • Experience collecting, entering, and organizing data
  • Ability to work independently and organize oneself
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Basic PC or Mac proficiently (Windows Office and Google Documents)
  • Strong organization skills with attention to detail
  • Must be reliable and responsible, and comfortable presenting ocean conservation topics in front of youth and adults
  • Must have reliable transportation to and from Galveston, Texas

Duties and responsibilities may include the following:

  • Outreach and education: Responsible for working events, festivals and in-classroom presentations. Present information about specific programs and TIRN. Organize materials prior to events.
  • Microplastics Research: Field sampling of beach sand and water. Laboratory analysis of samples. Conduct outreach of collection and sampling activities with students and teachers. Help host beach cleanups, including recording data, taking pictures during events, and leading the program
  • Monofilament: Collect, clean, weigh, and record recycled monofilament fishing line.
  • Cigarette Buttler Program: Collect, clean, weigh, and record recycled cigarette butts. Submit cigarette butts to Galveston Surfrider.
  • Straw campaign: Recruit individuals and businesses to take the pledge. Prepare information to provide to establishments. Track participating establishments (reduction in number of straws distributed at each location, establishments that switch to paper straws, establishments that sell reusable straws).
  • Comments: Research topics in relation to comments. Write comments, usually in regards to ocean conservation issues.
  • Social Media: Assist in creating content to post. Aid in creating social media calendar/strategy.
  • Research: Assist GOM staff researching a variety of topics related to GOM projects.
  • Other duties: Tasks as assigned by Ocean Program Director or Program Coordinator.

Application instructions:

The following materials should be submitted electronically to Brittany McWhorter, Gulf of Mexico Program Coordinator, at brittany@seaturtles.org no later than April 17th at 8am. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

  1. College transcript – unofficial copy is suffice
  2. Schedule and availability – in calendar format
  3. Resume or curriculum vitae – no more than 2 pages
  4. Cover Letter – express your interest in the position, why you meet qualifications and skills, how this position will help meet your career goals, and how TIRN’s programs and work aligns with your experience and goals. No more than 2 pages.
  5. 2 References – from a previous employer, supervisor or professor. Reference information: Name, title, relationship to applicant, email and phone number.