Needs From: Save The Bay

APPLY HERE!

Overview: 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 3,000+ 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 September-December, 14 hours/week minimum, more preferred. Semi-flexible schedule, but generally during Providence office hours (Mon-Fri, 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: August 1. Rolling interviews/acceptance after this date, though priority will be given to applications received by the August 1 deadline. Decisions will be made by August 18, 2026.

What you will learn:

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

Qualifications:

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/AiuYaCPzBsBdaZRj7

APPLY HERE!

Overview: Are you a creative-minded individual looking for real-world graphic design experience? Save The Bay is seeking motivated interns to help support the development and production of clear and engaging print and digital materials for marketing and communications outreach. This is a flexible internship for students and graduates majoring, or with significant coursework, in marketing, and with skills in graphic design, social media, and writing.

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: Approximately September-December, 10-15 hours/week. Internship primarily takes place on weekdays. 1-2 days on-site between 9am-4pm at our Providence office is required. Occasional weekends required for beach cleanups.

Age: 18+ 

Application Items: Online application, cover letter, resume, graphic design sample/portfolio

Deadline: August 1. Rolling interviews/acceptance after this date, though priority will be given to applications received by the August 1 deadline. Decisions will be made by August 18, 2026.

Reports to: Director of Marketing & Communications

Responsibilities:

Update and produce graphic identity elements specific to the Save The Bay brandDesign and/or update layouts for internal product design mediaUpdate Media ListsRepresent Save The Bay at tabling events and other related marketing eventsHelp with communications related to community outreach efforts/projectsHelp with the capture images for Save The Bay (photos and/or videos)Assemble press kits for news conferencesOrganize and update department files, both paper and electronicParticipate in the fulfillment of assigned graphic design projects and the layout of catalog pages, web pages, marketing graphics, and e-mail graphicsWrite blogs or blog posts about Save The Bay Programs, cleanups, or eventsWrite captions for social media postsHelp Save The Bay staff update the website to ADA standards to increase accessibility

Qualifications:

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.)Must be proficient with Adobe Creative Cloud and CanvaMust have knowledge of commonly used concepts, practices and procedures within the graphic design field Hard-working, self-motivated, proactive person with a creative eye and passion for their workAble to work well in a busy environment, both independently and in partnership with the Communications teamComfortable speaking to groups and making contact with the general public on Save The Bay’s behalfMust have an interest and/or be willing to learn camera photography (no experience required)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/jV3eb4xiG5LaUxBw7

APPLY HERE!

Overview: Are you interested in nonprofit law and advocacy? Join Save The Bay's staff attorney to learn more about environmental regulation and governance related to coastal management. Interns will perform research tasks, investigate the impact of Rhode Island state laws and regulations, communicate their ideas through written briefings, and perform data analysis to identify trends in coastal ecosystems.

Location: Save The Bay Center in Providence, RI

Time Commitment: Approximately September-December, 10 hours/week. At least 1-2 days on-site during work hours (Monday-Friday, 10am-3pm) in-person at our Providence office is preferred. Some remote work is available.

Age: 18+ 

Application Items: Online application, cover letter, resume

Deadline: Rolling interviews/acceptance. Decisions will be made by August 18, 2026.

What you will learn:

How to investigate the efficacy of state law and regulation to address the impacts of human interaction on the state’s coastal environment and ecosystems.How to conduct literature review and research on environmental policy related to areas such as coastal management, access, and habitat protection.Research and reading techniques for RI statutory and common law, public policies, and other literature relevant to the ocean and coastal zone.Cultivation and effective communication of thoughtful ideas on contemporary and challenging issues in our marine and coastal environments, developing strategies inclusive of varied and diverse viewpoints.Access and examination of public government records.Data assembly to identify trends in human impacts to the coastal zone and ecosystems.

Qualifications:

Undergraduate juniors and seniors, recent graduates, grad students, and beginning professionalsInterested in learning more about environmental regulation and governance related to coastal managementMust be well-organized, diligent, and reliable

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/BXg9KAWH7DrD5ngGA

APPLY HERE!

Overview: Are you interested in putting your science and ecology education to work doing hands-on ecological restoration? Save the Bay Habitat Restoration Interns gain experience through participating in salt marsh restoration projects, conducting restoration monitoring and data analysis, and planning associated with the restoration of coastal habitats in Narragansett Bay and the salt ponds. Interns will gain an understanding of applied ecological restoration techniques, field monitoring protocols, and stressors impacting our coastal habitats. Interns will also participate in Save The Bay's shoreline cleanup program.

Location: Outdoors at salt marsh, dune, and coastal buffer planting restoration sites throughout RI. Some office work at the Bay Center in Providence, RI.

Time Commitment: Approximately September-December, 7-14 hours/week. Intern hours primarily take place on weekdays between 9am-3pm with occasional weekend projects or early morning hours. Applicants with at least 1 full weekday available preferred.

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

Age: 18+

Application Items: Online application, cover letter, resume

Deadline: August 1. Rolling interviews/acceptance after this date, though priority will be given to applications received by the August 1 deadline. Decisions will be made by August 18, 2026.

What you will learn:

Field work associated with salt marsh restoration, such as digging drainage features, managing invasive plants, and planting native plantsSpecific monitoring activities may include: assisting with pre and post salt marsh restoration monitoring including vegetation, water level and elevation monitoring Site assessments of potential restoration projects including marsh migration corridors, impoundments targeted for dam removal and culverts impairing river connectivity     Data entry and data analysis of marsh restoration monitoring dataHow to lead volunteer projects, such as the International Coastal Cleanup

Qualifications:

Education: undergraduate juniors and seniors, recent graduates, grad students, and beginning professionals working towards or having obtained a BA/BS or higher degree in biology, education, marine studies, or related fields Positive attitude and ability to do physical, outdoor work in a team environment Strong communication skills, writing, and field skills preferred Computer experience (Excel) and GIS experience preferred Personal 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/AiuYaCPzBsBdaZRj7

Note: If you feel unable to commit to a full internship, please check out our habitat restoration volunteer opportunities. "Become a fan" of the page to receive emails when we post new events.

APPLY HERE!

Overview: Save The Bay is seeking a highly motivated intern to support its communications team in a specialized role dedicated to photography and filmmaking. In addition to learning about and providing support to the communications department in general, special tasks and projects will be customized for the Photography/Videography intern. Projects will include collecting and editing footage using Save The Bay equipment and software, including Adobe Creative Cloud programs.

This internship will have a strong focus on content related to Save The Bay’s Hamilton Family Aquarium in Newport, including exhibits, marine animals, educational programming, visitors, staff, and behind-the-scenes storytelling. Interns will also help document fall events and programs, including the International Coastal Cleanup, a global volunteer effort where communities come together to remove trash and debris from beaches, shorelines, and waterways.

Location: Work will primarily take place at the Bay Center in Providence and the Hamilton Family Aquarium in Newport. Interns may also go out on education vessels or visit sites throughout Rhode Island to cover events such as shoreline cleanups.

Time Commitment: Approximately September-December, 10-12 hours/week. 1-2 days in-person during business hours (Monday-Friday, 10am-4pm) is required. Internship primarily takes place on weekdays, though some cleanup coverage may take place during weekend events.

Age: 18+ 

Application Items: Online application, cover letter, resume, photography/videography portfolio

Deadline: August 1. Rolling interviews/acceptance after this date, though priority will be given to applications received by the August 1 deadline. Decisions will be made by August 18, 2026.

What you will learn:

Gear Management and Maintenance: organize, prepare, and maintain photography and filmmaking equipment, making sure all gear is in optimal condition Lighting Techniques: gain insight into effective lighting techniques for both photography and videography Event Coverage: develop skills in documenting fast paced events so no opportunity goes unnoticed Skills to extract meaningful moments from your captured footage to create impactful edits How to collaborate with team members to generate innovative and original concepts for video and photo projects

Qualifications:

Education: undergraduate juniors and seniors, recent grads, grad students, and beginning professionals Creative vision and ability to work independently as well as collaboratively High levels of initiative, curiosity, and attention to detailAbility to embrace feedback and seek input from peers A passion for nonprofit work and the environment Any combination of the following: Proficiency and familiarity with a wide range of video and photo equipment, including Blackmagic, Canon, Aputure, Atomos, DJI, Godox, Tascam, and/or Sigma Skills in Lightroom CC and Davinci Resolve, enabling seamless editing and enhancement of multimedia content Prioritize asset management to ensure content is organized and easily accessible for future use Familiarity with social media business principles and strategy (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram) Bonus skills: experience with animation (not required)

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/DqsyKy42YLuBWCha8

APPLY HERE!

Summary: Are you a creative-minded 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 marketing and communications outreach. This is a flexible internship for students and graduates majoring, or with significant coursework, in marketing, and with skills in graphic design, social media, and writing.

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: Approximately May-August, 10-12 hours/week. Internship primarily takes place on weekdays. 1-2 days on-site between 10am-3pm at our Providence office is required. Occasional evenings/weekends required for special events. Interns must be available for the Save The Bay Swim on Saturday, August 8.

Age: 18+ 

Application Items: Online application, cover letter, resume, graphic design and/or writing sample

Deadline: April 12. Rolling interviews/acceptance after this date, though priority will be given to applications received by the April 12 deadline. Decisions will be made by May 6, 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/HALfU65R6N4ZYwWq5

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 our Aquarium Volunteer page for an overview of the program.

We are now accepting applications for the October 1, 2026 - January 31, 2027 cycle. 

APPLY HERE

As a member of Save The Bay’s Hamilton Family Aquarium aquarist team, aquarist volunteers are responsible for assisting with the care and maintenance of our collection of live animals 100% sourced in Rhode Island waters. You will have the opportunity to assist with our nursery, breeding, conservation, and rescue programs based out of our aquarium. Volunteers provide assistance in the maintenance and cleaning of the exhibits, life support systems, and the care and feeding of animals. See a quick tour of our Aquarium here!

Note: There are extremely limited positions for this role. Interviews for selected applicants will begin in August.

Time Commitment: 2 full-day shifts (9:30am-4:30pm) per week for a period of 4 months.

Cohorts run from February-May, June-September, and October-January. We can accommodate semester length schedules for students (Jan-May, May-Aug, Sept-Dec).We occasionally have openings for half-day morning shifts (9:30am-1pm), also 1x/week for a period of 4 months. These special opportunities will be listed here if available: there are no half-day opportunities at this time.

Role & Responsibilities

General marine and freshwater animal care of species local to the Narragansett Bay and surrounding watershed, including day to day animal care, handling, moving animals from tank to tank, receiving new animals Animal husbandry, including preparing diets, cleaning tanks, removing animal waste Life support system maintenance, including washing filters, protein skimmers, water changesAssist with cleaning all quarantine and life support areas: cleaning nets, foot baths, floorsCare and management of exhibits: scrubbing tanks, water chemistry monitoring, aquascapingOrganism collection and release in Narragansett BayAdditional responsibilities are assigned as volunteer masters given tasks

Requirements

Have a strong interest in maintaining and public aquariums (experience preferred) Interested in or have basic knowledge of small marine and freshwater animal care techniques, water quality management, aquarist duties, feeding techniques, and/or the maintenance of exhibits and life support systemsWilling 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 Enjoy working with people of various agesWilling to get wet and dirty

Application Items: APPLY HERE! You must submit a PDF file of your cover letter and resume to be considered for an aquarist volunteer position.

Internship Credit: This opportunity is open to all ages. If you are a student, we will gladly work with your university if they offer college credit for unpaid internships or work study. Many colleges offer stipends for students doing unpaid internships. Check out our Student Guide to Internship Funding for tips!

Additional Save The Bay internships available here! 

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 our Aquarium Volunteer page for an overview of the program.

We are now accepting applications for the October 1, 2026 - January 31, 2027 cycle. 

APPLY HERE

At Save The Bay’s Hamilton Family Aquarium, our volunteer educators welcome visitors, educate them about the ecology of Narragansett Bay, and help them interact with our live exhibits. See a quick tour of our Aquarium here. Volunteer educators will undergo a training program to allow them to learn information about the species and habitats of Narragansett Bay and master environmental education techniques. Check out our volunteer manual for an overview!

Time Commitment: 1 half-day shift per week for a period of 4 months. Multiple or full-day shifts are welcome. Additional training opportunities are offered proportional to time commitment and length of service.

Role & Responsibilities

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

Requirements

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 

Shift Times

Cohorts run from February-May, June-September, and October-January. We can accommodate semester length schedules for students. We occasionally offer cohorts starting in April, August, and December as staffing needs arise.Shift Times: Custom shifts are NOT available.Fall/Winter/Spring shift timesAM 9:30am - 1pmPM 12:45 - 4:30pmFULL DAY 9:30am - 4:30pm w/ lunch breakSummer shift times: July & AugustAM 8:30am - 12:30pmPM 12:15pm - 4:30pmFULL DAY 8:30am - 4:30pm w/ lunch break

Application Items: APPLY HERE! Students seeking internship credit should include PDF files of their cover letter and resume.

Internship Credit: This opportunity is open to all ages. If you are a student, we will gladly work with your university if they offer college credit or work study for unpaid internships. Generally, 1.5 shifts/week (10.5 hours) is appropriate for college credit requirements. Many colleges offer stipends for students doing unpaid internships. Check out our Student Guide to Internship Funding for tips!

Additional Save The Bay internships available here!