Shark Center Intern

Position: Shark Center Intern

Location: 235 Orleans Road, North Chatham, MA 02650

Organization Description: The Atlantic White Shark Conservancy (AWSC), established in 2012, is a non-profit organization whose mission is to support scientific research, educate the community, improve public safety and inspire shark conservation. 

Position Summary: The AWSC Shark Center Intern will play a critical role in delivering our mission to participants in our education and ecotourism programs. In this position, the Shark Center Intern will engage visitors, assist in daily operations, and lead education programs at the Shark Center. This position will also lead one of our ecotourism programs, Shark Receiver Tours, through Chatham Bars Inn Resort and Spa.

During the internship, one will also work on a project that aligns with your skills and interests, with guidance from your internship advisor. The project will be used in the exhibit hall as either a prop or a new exhibit. 

Internship Period and Schedule: The internship period is from June 2nd through Labor Day. Interns work 30-34 hours per week and follow a Monday to Friday or Tuesday to Saturday schedule.

Responsibilities:

• Engage visitors and assist in daily operations at the Shark Center, the outreach facility of the AWSC, located in Chatham, MA.
• Lead Storytime at the Shark Center one day a week. This involves reading a children's book and creating a sing-a-long with matching movements and a fun activity to go along with the story and song.
• Lead Shark Receiver Tours aboard a small vessel 1-2 times a week. This is one of our ecotourism programs, in which you travel around Chatham Harbor and educate guests about shark research. This is not a shark viewing trip.
• Other projects and tasks, as needed.
•  

Qualifications: Applicants should be pursuing a degree in marine science, environmental conservation, museum studies, education, or a related field. Must be self-motivated, organized, personable, and hardworking. The applicant should also have the ability to interact effectively with staff and work both independently and collaboratively in a small nonprofit environment. If selected, interns are required to complete a criminal background check. 

Ideal candidates should have experience in and be looking to grow the following skills:

• Science communication
• Public speaking
• Ability to engage audiences of all demographics
• Museum operations
• Curriculum planning
• Informal education programming

Training: All Interns will receive intensive and thorough training in marine science topics, education pedagogy, and the work of the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy. CPR/First Aid training and media training will also be provided. Internship participants will work with various AWSC staff and collaborators during the training period.

This is an unpaid internship, but co-ed housing is provided with the other participating interns. If you are unable to bring your own transportation, bikes will be provided. AWSC will work with the candidate’s college or university to complete any paperwork if the candidate would like to earn college credit for this internship. Please visit the internship page to review the general information for all AWSC internships prior to completing the application.

The Atlantic White Shark Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages candidates of all backgrounds to apply. Diversity of opinions, experiences, and backgrounds is a key asset.