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 plants
- Conducting 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 data
- Participate 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.
