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 basis
- Communicate with volunteers, including coordinating supply drop off and sample collection
- Follow 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 coordination
- Rights of Way monitoring as available
- Public outreach through tabling events and connecting with local businesses/community centers
- Attend 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 fields
- Experience in marine and environmental sciences
- A passion for nonprofit work and the environment
- Willingness to learn, positive attitude, and ability to work independently and as a team
- Strong time management skills, self-motivated, ability to commit to and complete a project
- Strong communication, writing, and field skills preferred
- Interest in public outreach and environmental education
- Preferred
- Experience with field and laboratory work
- Experience 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.
