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 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 May-August, 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. Must be available Saturday, August 8 between 4am-12pm for the Save The Bay Swim.

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

Age: 18+

Application Items: Online application, cover letter, resume

Deadline: April 10. Rolling interviews/acceptance after this date, though priority will be given to applications received by the April 10 deadline. Decisions will be made by May 6, 2026.

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/HALfU65R6N4ZYwWq5

APPLY HERE!

Summary: Save The Bay is seeking a highly motivated intern to support its communications team in a specialized role dedicated to photography and filmmaking – all of which directly support the organization’s efforts to effectively distribute mission-based content about protecting and improving Narragansett Bay!

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 editing software, including Creative Cloud programs.

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 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, photography/videography portfolio

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.

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 Develop the skill 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

What we require:

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 detail 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 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 The ability to embrace feedback and seek input from peers 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/HALfU65R6N4ZYwWq5

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

APPLY HERE!

Summary: 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 in 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 May-August, 7-14 hours/week. Intern hours primarily take place on weekdays between 9am-3pm with occasional weekend projects or early morning hours (6am) for salt marsh bird monitoring. Applicants with at least 1 full weekday available preferred. Interns must be available for the Save The Bay Swim on Saturday, August 8.

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

Age: 18+

Application Items: Online application, cover letter, resume

Deadline: Preference will be given to applications received by April 10. Rolling review/acceptance after that date. Final decisions will be made by May 6, 2026.

What you will learn:

Field work associated with salt marsh restoration, such as digging drainage features, managing invasive plants, and planting native plantsConducting early morning (6am) avian/bird surveys of saltmarsh sparrows using salt marsh restoration sites Specific 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 dataParticipate in the leadership of volunteer projects, such as shoreline cleanups

What we require:

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/zXqmJmc1rZANVUN27

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!

Summary: Are you interested in water quality, public engagement, and environmental policy? Save The Bay is seeking an intern to assist our Narragansett Baykeeper and Volunteer Manager with water quality monitoring, shoreline cleanups, storm drain marking, rights of way monitoring, and public outreach. Interns who are residents of or strongly familiar with the Upper Bay community are preferred (Warwick, Cranston, Providence, East Providence).

Location: Save The Bay Center in Providence, RI

Time Commitment: 10-15 hours/week minimum

Water quality monitoring occurs weekly between ~7:30am-12:30pm; exact dates TBD. Occasional weekend work may be necessary for special events. Interns must be available on Saturday, August 8 for the Save The Bay Swim.

Transportation: Waterkeeper interns must have access to their own reliable transportation (i.e. car). Sample drop off to URI and the Department of Health in Providence may be required. Some travel reimbursement is available on a case-by-case basis.

Age: 18+ 

Application Items: Online application, cover letter, and resume

Deadline: April 10. Rolling interviews/acceptance after this date, though priority will be given to applications received by the April 10 deadline. Decisions will be made by May 6, 2026.

What you will learn:

Assist with water quality monitoring through the Department of Health and Watershed Watch programs on a weekly basisFollow scientific protocols and data entry guidelines to process samples.Lead shoreline cleanups, including weekly cleanups at Oakland BeachStorm drain marking in applicable project areasRights of Way monitoring as availablePublic outreach at tabling events in the Upper Bay areaAttend weekly Zoom meetings for check-ins with supervisors and other interns

What we require:

Education: undergraduate sophomores, juniors, seniors, recent graduates, grad students, and beginning professionals working towards or having obtained a BA/BS or higher degree in biology, education, marine studies, marine affairs, or related fieldsExperience in marine and environmental sciencesA passion for nonprofit work and the environmentWillingness to learn, positive attitude, and ability to work independently and as a teamAbility to do physical, outdoor work; capable of spending up to 4 hours on a small boat, leaning over the edge to put instruments in and out of the water, and working a variety of weather conditions (e.g. light rain and wind). Strong time management skills, self-motivated, ability to commit to and complete a project Strong communication, writing, and field skills preferredPreferred Experience with field and laboratory workExperience with data analysis and spreadsheets using Microsoft Excel and/or RInterns who live in or are familiar with the Upper Bay community

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/nAnBebYzAFggFCLZ9

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

APPLY HERE!

Summary: Are you interested in water quality, public engagement, and education? Save The Bay is seeking an intern to assist our Narragansett Baykeeper and Volunteer Manager with water quality monitoring, storm drain marking, rights of way monitoring, and outreach for the Hamilton Family Aquarium. Interns will also commit to one half-day shift per week as an educator at the Aquarium. Interns who are residents of or strongly familiar with the Aquidneck Island community are preferred.

Location: Save The Bay Center in Providence, RI and Hamilton Family Aquarium in Newport, RI

Time Commitment: 10-15 hours/week minimum

Water quality monitoring occurs every other week between between ~7:30-11:00am; exact dates TBD. Occasional weekend work may be necessary for special events. Interns must be available on Saturday, August 8 for the Save The Bay Swim.

Transportation: Waterkeeper interns must have access to their own reliable transportation (i.e. car). Some travel reimbursement is available on a case-by-case basis.

Age: 18+ 

Application Items: Online application, cover letter, and resume

Deadline: April 10. Rolling interviews/acceptance after this date, though priority will be given to applications received by the April 10 deadline. Decisions will be made by May 6, 2026.

What you will learn:

Assist with water quality monitoring through the Department of Health programs on a weekly basisCommunicate with volunteers, including coordinating supply drop off and sample collectionFollow scientific protocols and data entry guidelines to process samples.Lead shoreline cleanups in the Aquidneck Island area (Newport, Jamestown, Portsmouth, Middletown)Storm drain marking in Newport, RI, including supply pickup coordinationRights of Way monitoring as availablePublic outreach through tabling events and connecting with local businesses/community centersAttend weekly Zoom meetings for check-ins with supervisors and other interns

What we require:

Education: undergraduate sophomores, juniors, seniors, recent graduates, grad students, and beginning professionals working towards or having obtained a BA/BS or higher degree in biology, education, marine studies, marine affairs, or related fieldsExperience in marine and environmental sciencesA passion for nonprofit work and the environmentWillingness to learn, positive attitude, and ability to work independently and as a teamStrong time management skills, self-motivated, ability to commit to and complete a project Strong communication, writing, and field skills preferredInterest in public outreach and environmental educationPreferred Experience with field and laboratory workExperience with data analysis and spreadsheets using Microsoft Excel Interns who live in or are familiar with the Aquidneck Island community

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/AnzPmynFPjLZgJYc8

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

APPLY HERE!

Summary: Are you interested in water quality, public engagement, and environmental policy? Save The Bay is seeking an intern to assist our South County Coastkeeper and Volunteer Manager with water quality monitoring, shoreline cleanups, storm drain marking, and rights of way monitoring. Interns who are residents of or strongly familiar with the South Coast community are preferred.

Location: Save The Bay Center in Providence, RI and South Coast Center in Westerly, RI

Time Commitment: 10-15 hours/week.

Water quality monitoring occurs every other week ~7:30am-4:30pm; exact dates TBD.Must be able to drive samples to URI Coastal Institute in Kingston, RI, for 3:30 pm delivery time.Occasional weekend work may be necessary for special events. Interns must be available on Saturday, August 8 for the Save The Bay Swim.

Transportation: South Coast Waterkeeper interns must have access to their own reliable transportation (i.e. car) between Westerly (both the South Coast Center & Viking Marina) and URI Main Campus in Kingston (for sample drop off). Some travel reimbursement is available on a case-by-case basis.

Age: 18+ 

Application Items: Online application, cover letter, and resume

Deadline: April 10. Rolling interviews/acceptance after this date, though priority will be given to applications received by the April 10 deadline. Decisions will be made by May 6, 2026.

What you will learn:

Assist with water quality monitoring through the Little Narragansett Bay watershed watch program programs every other weekFollow scientific protocols and data entry guidelines to process samples.Lead shoreline cleanups in the South Coast area (Narragansett, South Kingstown, Charlestown, Westerly) Storm drain marking in Narragansett and Hopkinton, including supply pickup coordinationRights of Way monitoring as availablePublic outreach through tabling events, including the Charlestown Farmer's MarketAttend weekly Zoom meetings for check-ins with supervisors and other interns

What we require:

Education: undergraduate sophomores, juniors, seniors, recent graduates, grad students, and beginning professionals working towards or having obtained a BA/BS or higher degree in biology, education, marine studies, marine affairs, or related fieldsExperience in marine and environmental sciences A passion for nonprofit work and the environmentWillingness to learn, positive attitude, and ability to work independently and as a teamAbility to do physical, outdoor work; capable of spending up to 4 hours on a small boat, leaning over the edge to put instruments in and out of the water, and working a variety of weather conditions (e.g. light rain and wind). Strong time management skills, self-motivated, ability to commit to and complete a project Strong communication, writing, and field skills preferredPreferred Experience with field and laboratory workExperience with data analysis and spreadsheets using Microsoft Excel and/or RInterns who live in or are familiar with the South Coast community

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/AnzPmynFPjLZgJYc8

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

APPLY HERE!

Summary: Do you love both administrative work and aquarium maintenance? At Save The Bay, you’ll be part of a hardworking behind-the-scenes administrative team helping ensure our summer Bay Camps are set up for success. As much as we love a good spreadsheet, we also love the marine animals that temporarily stay in our care. Interns gain hands-on experience with aquarium maintenance, monitoring animal behavior, and supporting the care and feeding of our animals. This internship is perfect for someone who can combine strong administrative skills with a love for caring for aquarium tanks and marine life!

Location: Providence, RI

Time Commitment: Approximately Memorial Day - Labor Day, 2 shifts/week minimum (9:30am-3:30pm), weekdays only.

Age: 18+

Application Items: Online application, cover letter, resume

Deadline: April 10. Rolling interviews/acceptance after this date, though priority will be given to applications received by the April 10 deadline. Decisions will be made by May 6, 2026.

What you will learn:

Creating and/or updating education resourcesCollaboratively working with other interns to gather information from different platforms (pulling important information from Jumbula into excel documents, creating sign in/out sheets, photo release documents, etc)Aquarium maintenance and husbandry skills, including water quality testing and animal behavior monitoringAnimal feeding techniques, including preparing and weighing the proper amounts of food for each aquarium system

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/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.

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!

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.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.

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 docent 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.Shift Times: Custom shifts are NOT available.Summer shift times: July & AugustAM 8:30am - 12:30pmPM 12:15pm - 4:30pmFULL DAY 8:30am - 4:30pm w/ lunch breakFall/Winter/Spring shift timesAM 9:30am - 1pmPM 12:45 - 4:30pmFULL DAY 9:30am - 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!