Needs From: Save The Bay

APPLY HERE!

Summary: Are you interested in managing volunteers and organizing events? Do you have excellent communication and writing skills? At Save The Bay, we provide interns with the opportunity to work with 4,000 volunteers annually in a variety of capacities. An internship in the volunteer program will provide students with the skills to organize events, lead volunteers, promote volunteer opportunities and internships, oversee outreach projects, and manage individual volunteer programs.

Location: Providence, RI

Time Commitment: approximately January-May, 14 hours/week minimum, more preferred. Semi-flexible schedule, but generally during Providence office hours (M-F 8:30-4:30) with occasional weekend days as needed.

Transportation: Volunteer Management interns must have access to personal transportation (ex. car)

Age: 18+

Application Items: Online application, cover letter, resume

Deadline: December 10. Rolling interviews/acceptance after this date, though priority will be given to applications received by the December 10 deadline. Decisions will be made by January 9, 2025.

What you will learn:

Leadership skills for projects such as beach cleanups and other volunteer events Event and project management Post projects and communicate with volunteers using Get Connected by Galaxy Digital software Professional communication skills Real-world administrative and office skills

What we require:

Education: undergraduate juniors and seniors, recent graduates, grad students, and beginning professionals Excellent writing and communication skills Comfortable speaking to groups and engaging with the general public on Save The Bay’s behalf Strong organizational skills Must have initiative and ability to occasionally work independently General office skills including proficiency with MS Office and Google Drive Availability to work on some weekends

Details: We offer unpaid internship opportunities. We will gladly work with your university if they offer college credit for unpaid internships. Many colleges offer stipends for students doing unpaid internships. Check out our Student Guide to Internship Funding for tips!

Application link: https://forms.gle/AKUbzB8neVTDYz7E9

APPLY HERE!

Summary: Do you have a passion for marine biology? Looking to develop your skills in aquarium science? At Save The Bay’s Hamilton Family Aquarium, interns build a foundation for a career in marine biology by participating in all aspects of running a hands-on aquarium, including animal husbandry, tank maintenance, and animal collection and release.

Location: Newport, RI

Time Commitment: Approximately January-May, 180 hours total. Weekly requirement is 2 full-day shifts (9:30am-4:30pm), but more is welcome. One weekend day may be required.

Age: 16+

Application Items: Online application, cover letter, resume

Deadline: Applications are reviewed and accepted on a rolling basis. Final decisions will be made by January 9, 2026.

What you will learn:

General marine and freshwater animal care of species local to the Narragansett Bay and surrounding watershed Animal husbandry, including preparing diets, cleaning tanks, removing animal waste Life support system maintenance Water chemistry maintenance Organism collection and release in Narragansett Bay

What we require:

Have a strong interest in maintaining and public aquariums Interested in or have basic knowledge of small marine and freshwater animal care techniques Must be willing and able to work indoors and outdoors Able to lift up to 45lbs regularly, occasionally up to 60lbs Creative, reliable, and flexible team member Prompt arrival for shifts in uniform provided by Save The Bay Undergo a criminal background check Able to follow communication procedures and promptly answer inquiries via phone or email 

Details: We offer unpaid internship opportunities. We will gladly work with your university if they offer college credit for unpaid internships. Many colleges offer stipends for students doing unpaid internships. Check out our Student Guide to Internship Funding for tips!

Application link: https://forms.gle/o6MTDvQBY29gct4d7

For full details on Save The Bay's internship program, visit our internship page. We also have an aquarium volunteer program with education, aquarist, and front desk roles! Visit our aquarium volunteer page for details.

APPLY HERE!

Summary: Are you a go-getting, creative-minded, detail-oriented individual looking for real-world graphic design experience? Do you like developing and producing clear and engaging visual design? Save The Bay is seeking motivated interns to help support the development and production of clear and engaging print and digital materials for Save The Bay’s special events and public programs. This is a flexible internship for students and graduates majoring, or with significant coursework, in marketing, and with skills in graphic design, social media, writing.

Our mission is to protect and improve Narragansett Bay. Our vision is a fully swimmable, fishable, healthy Narragansett Bay, accessible to all.

Location: Work will primarily take place in-person at the Bay Center in Providence, but interns may also travel to our Aquarium in Newport or go out on our educational vessels.

Time Commitment: Semester length, 10-12 hours/week, at least 1-2 days on-site during work hours (10am-3pm), occasional evenings/weekends required for special events; in-person at our Providence office is preferred.

Age: 18+ 

Application Items: Online application, cover letter, resume, writing sample

Deadline: December 10. Rolling interviews/acceptance after this date, though priority will be given to applications received by the December 10 deadline. Decisions will be made by January 9, 2026.

Reports to: Director of Marketing & Communications

What you will learn:

Update and produce graphic identity elements specific to the Save The Bay brandDesign and/or update layouts for internal product design mediaCreate or revise tech/spec packages for apparel and graphics under the guidance of the Communications and Marketing DirectorUpdate Media ListsRepresent Save The Bay at tabling events and other related marketing eventsHelp with communications related to community outreach efforts/projectsAssemble press kits for news conferencesOrganize and update department files, both paper and electronicConduct pick-ups and drop offs to the printer when necessaryParticipate in the fulfillment of assigned graphic design projects and the layout of catalog pages, web pages, marketing graphics, and e-mail graphicsHelp Save The Bay staff update the website to ADA standards to increase accessibility

What we require:

College student, recent graduate, grad student, or beginning professional working towards or having received a degree in some aspect of the communications field (marketing, public relations, writing/journalism, media, graphic/Web design, etc.)Hard-working, self-motivated, proactive person with a creative eye and passion for their workAble to work well in a busy environment, either individually or as part of a teamAble to work independently in partnership with the Communications teamAbility to think creativelyComfortable speaking to groups and making contact with the general public on Save The Bay’s behalfMust be proficient with Adobe Creative Cloud and CanvaMust have knowledge of commonly used concepts, practices and procedures within the graphic design field General office skills including proficiency with G-Suite and Microsoft WordPersonal vehicle for transportation to offsite locations

Details: We offer unpaid internship opportunities. We will gladly work with your university if they offer college credit for unpaid internships. Many colleges offer stipends for students doing unpaid internships. Check out our Student Guide to Internship Funding for tips!

Application link: https://forms.gle/LHQbhssBrWFc8vFE7

APPLY HERE!

Summary: Do you have a passion for marine biology? Looking to develop your skills as an educator? At Save The Bay’s Hamilton Family Aquarium, interns build a foundation for a career in environmental education. Interns educate the public about the ecology of Narragansett Bay.

Location: Newport, RI

Time Commitment: Approximately January-May, 130 hours total. Interns must commit to either 1 full-day shift (9:30am - 4:30pm) +  1 half-day shift (9:30am - 1pm or 12:45pm - 4:30pm) or 3 half-day shifts for a total of 10.5 hours/week. Additional shifts are welcome. Accepted interns must attend an orientation and training during the week of January 26.

Age: 16+

Application Items: Online application, cover letter, resume

Deadline: Preference will be given to applications received by December 10. Rolling review/acceptance after that date. Final decisions will be made by January 9, 2026.

What you will learn:

Visitor relations; greeting and welcoming guests at the Aquarium Hands-on environmental education programming for guests of all ages Marine biology, habitats, and species of Narragansett Bay

What we require:

Have a strong interest in public aquariums Interested in or have basic knowledge of small marine and freshwater animals Excellent communication skills – must be comfortable speaking to and engaging with the general public on Save The Bay’s behalf Enjoy working with children and have a strong interest in environmental education Public speaking skills & strong sense of professionalism Creative, reliable, and flexible team member Prompt arrival for shifts in uniform provided by Save The Bay Undergo a criminal background check Able to follow communication procedures and promptly answer inquiries via phone or email 

Details: We offer unpaid internship opportunities. We will gladly work with your university if they offer college credit for unpaid internships. Many colleges offer stipends for students doing unpaid internships. Check out our Student Guide to Internship Funding for tips!

Application link: https://forms.gle/rJsW9TGQfiYmfEi9A

For full details on Save The Bay's internship program, visit our internship page. We also have an aquarium volunteer program with education, aquarist, and front desk roles! Visit our aquarium volunteer page for details.

APPLY HERE!

Summary: Are you interested in a career in marine science and aquarium care? At Save The Bay, we provide interns with hands-on experience in aquarium maintenance, the care and feeding of our animals, and behind-the-scenes administrative work. Interns will be provided with a thorough training in aquarium maintenance and will work in partnership with other interns throughout the duration of the internship. Interns will also have the opportunity to join educators at our marine science themed after school programs.

Location: Providence, RI at the Bay Center

Time Commitment: Approximately January - mid-May; 10 hours/week. Office working hours are between 8:30am - 3pm on weekdays. After school programs are typically a 2-hour commitment on Mon, Tues, Wed, or Thurs between the hours of 2-6pm. Interns typically commit to 1-2 office days and 1 afterschool program.

Age: 18+

Application Items: Online application, cover letter, resume

Deadline: Initial deadline November 14. Interviews will take place on November 7 & 18. After this date, rolling interview/acceptance. Final decisions will be made by January 9, 2026.

What you will learn:

Water quality testing and monitoring Aquarium tank maintenance Animal husbandry skills Animal feeding techniques, including preparing and weighing the proper amounts of food for each aquarium system Gain knowledge in monitoring animal behavior Gain skills in generating Excel spreadsheets and other administrative work that helps support our education programs.Opportunity to accompany educators on after school programs

What we require:

College coursework in marine science, biology, environmental science or related course of study strongly encouraged Strong interest in environmental science and marine science Must be well-organized, enthusiastic, and reliable Flexibility and ability to work individually as well as in a team Proficient in Excel and Word Prompt arrival for shifts Undergo a background check

Details: We offer unpaid internship opportunities. We will gladly work with your university if they offer college credit for unpaid internships. Many colleges offer stipends for students doing unpaid internships. Check out our Student Guide to Internship Funding for tips!

Application link: https://forms.gle/sohpoeXpUquHAi1f8

Create an account if it is your first time here!
See Youth volunteering for information on how to set up an account as a minor, or on volunteering as a family.
See Team Signup to learn about options for groups

WHAT: Help keep our coasts clean with Save The Bay and Norman Bird Sanctuary! Shoreline trash is ugly and harmful to wildlife, and cleanups are a great way to make a difference. We provide trash bags, sunscreen, hand sanitizer, and insect repellant - you bring the helping hands!

WHERE: We will meet at this lot on Third Beach Road, Middletown, RI ("Navy Beach"). Keep an eye out for Save The Bay signs!

PREPARE

Bring your own water - we recommend a reusable bottle!Bring garden or work gloves (disposable gloves available).Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes, long pants, and dress for the weather.Plan time to shower and change afterward.Optional: Save resources by bringing your own trash grabber and bucket for collecting trash.

SAFETY TIPS

Use tick repellent and sunscreen (provided).Watch for poison ivy and don’t touch it! Learn to recognize it here.Stay within sight of the group.Watch your step! Avoid slippery rocks and sensitive dunes.Don’t overfill trash bags or carry heavy items without help.For sharp items or needles, inform a leader for proper disposal

WHAT NOT TO PICK UP

Embedded items (anything you'd have to dig out of the ground)Natural items such as seaweed, driftwood, or even a dead fish or bird. Nature will take care of it!Anything too heavy, sharp or hazardous to handle safely. Report these items to your cleanup leader.

AFTER THE CLEANUP: Use hand sanitizer, do a tick check, and shower/change at home to minimize exposure to ticks and poison ivy.

REGISTRATION NOTES

Pre-registration required. Age: Cleanups are recommended for ages 8+. Ages 16+ may participate independently; Ages 8-15 may participate with a parent or guardian. Parents with children will be asked to sign a family waiver at the event.  Team volunteering: Signing up as a team? See our Team Signup page for helpful information! If the cleanup is full, join the waitlist! Spaces often open up.

Confirmation of service letters are available upon request! Just ask your cleanup leader at the end of the event.

For questions or registration help, contact July Lewis at jlewis@savebay.org. We want you on our team!

Every year, Save The Bay organizes about 200 shoreline cleanups, removing tens of thousands of pounds of trash and engaging almost 2000 volunteers - and it would not be possible without our cleanup leader volunteers! We are looking for volunteers who are reliable, communicative, eager to lead, willing to learn and follow Save The Bay’s procedures for cleanups, and able to participate frequently.

Cleanups are usually led by a team of 2-3 leaders, with one "beach captain" acting as the main leader for the event (assigning leadership tasks and giving the welcome speech). Leadership tasks include welcoming and checking volunteers in, collecting waivers, distributing supplies, giving instructions, leading volunteers to different shoreline areas, weighing the trash, and thanking everyone at the end. To become a cleanup leader,

Recommended: participate in a shoreline cleanup as a volunteer first!Fill out the application to train as a cleanup leader. Interview with our Volunteer & Internship Manager (15min)"Audition" as an assistant leader at a cleanup (we will provide training materials)If you are a good fit, you are on the team! We'll ask you to assist with leadership at an additional 3 cleanups in the next 2 months to complete your training.OPTIONAL: After 4 total cleanups, you are eligible to become a Beach Captain (main leader of cleanup) if you choose; Beach Captains will be observed leading and take a quiz to be cleared. Once approved, you can be the beach captain at any cleanup and can also work with Save The Bay to plan and schedule cleanups at your favorite sites! Not comfortable being the Beach Captain? That's OK, you don't have to be!

Cleanup leadership is recommended for ages 16+. All leaders who are minors must co-lead with an adult. Motivated leaders under 16 may be accepted into the program, but must be trained alongside a parent or legal guardian who can lead with them. Please note: this training is not eligible for community service hours.

Any questions? Email July Lewis at jlewis@savebay.org. 

NOTE: This is an independent activity. Data submitted through this app is anonymous, and Save The Bay cannot verify users' participation -therefore this activity is not eligible for community service hours. 

The Clean Swell App is a great way to clean up your favorite spots and track what you've accomplished! Download the app and then start cleaning up and recording what you pick up. All the data goes to the Ocean Conservancy for their research on marine debris and their International Coastal Cleanup report. The app will track your progress and you will earn badges to reward your achievements! This is great for those who want to do cleanups on their daily walks, at small access areas, or whenever they feel inspired. For more information and to download the app, visit:

https://oceanconservancy.org/trash-free-seas/international-coastal-cleanup/cleanswell/

You do not need to hit "respond" to this need - just download the app and start cleaning up!

A few guidelines: 

Always use gloves when picking up trash. Use common sense - beware of sharp items, ticks, poison ivy, and don't lift anything too heavy.  Never fill up trash barrels so others can't use them, or leave bags of trash to be picked up without arranging it with the town or park manager. Be prepared to take it home with you! This posting is geared toward individual and small group cleanups. Larger groups must be permitted through the town or park.

 

 

Help Save The Bay document shoreline flooding and coastal conditions with MyCoast!

MyCoast is a portal for collecting and analyzing photos and data about coastal flooding during king (moon) tides and after storms. This information helps us visualize the impact of flooding from sea level rise, and helps enhance awareness among decision-makers and stakeholders. Learn more about this issue here.

To participate, simply download the app by going to the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play (Android) on your smartphone. Once you register, you will receive emails when king tides or coastal storms are expected. You can take photos and document flooding in your area right from your phone.​ Check out this how-to video!

Questions? Contact July Lewis at jlewis@savebay.org. We want you on our team! 

NOTE: This opportunity is not eligible for court ordered community service hours. 

MyCoast Rhode Island is a project of the Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council, URI Coastal Resources Center, Rhode Island Sea Grant, and Save The Bay.