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 Narragansett Bay and the salt ponds coastal habitats. 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 and have the option to join the Hamilton Family Aquarium team as a volunteer educator.
Location: Outdoors; sites throughout RI, including salt marsh and dune and coastal buffer planting restoration sites in southern RI; some office work; Aquarium shifts take place in Newport, RI.
Time Commitment: January-May, 7-14 hours/week, intern hours primarily take place on weekdays between 9am-3pm, occasional weekend projects; applicants with at least 1 full day available preferred.
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 December 10. Rolling review/acceptance after that date. Final decisions will be made by January 9, 2026.
What you will learn:
- Field work associated with salt marsh restoration, such as digging drainage features, managing invasive plants, and planting native plants
- 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 data
- Participate in the leadership of volunteer projects, such as shoreline cleanups
- Optional: Interns may also include a weekly shift at the Hamilton Family Aquarium as part of their internship, pending approval
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/rJsW9TGQfiYmfEi9A
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.
