Position Overview

As a leader in the global movement to protect and recover the integrity of vast ocean areas, Marine Conservation Institute uses the latest science to identify important marine ecosystems around the world and advocate for their protection. Our unique effectiveness comes from our vision, expertise, and willingness to partner with others. Interns gain hands-on experience in conservation science, marine protected area (MPA) evaluation, and science communication.

To identify, track, and advocate for fully and highly protected areas, Marine Conservation Institute launched the Marine Protection Atlas (MPAtlas). MPAtlas applies a scientifically supported assessment framework to reported MPAs to calculate the area of global marine protection that is implemented on the water and fully or highly protected from direct human impacts. By focusing on the quality, in addition to the quantity, of marine protection, MPAtlas supports international progress toward effective marine conservation.

MPAtas Interns train closely with the program team and help evaluate MPAs to grow and update the MPAtlas assessment database. They conduct research on selected MPAs and carry out MPA Guide assessments to determine MPA Stage of Establishment and Level of Protection. Interns also have the opportunity to contribute to the Institute’s blog, On the Tide.

Position Details

Reports to: Marine Protection Atlas Director 
Location: Remote
Period: 12 weeks with the possibility of extension, start date flexible beginning in September 2026
Hours: 20 hours per week, minimum

What Interns Gain

MPAtlas Interns develop practical skills at the intersection of marine science, conservation policy, and science communication. Working with the MPAtlas team, build real fluency in MPA science and policy by evaluating MPAs against a rigorous, science-based framework used globally. Marine Conservation Institute provides interns with ongoing education in marine conservation and training in real world application of science to conservation.

Interns leave the program with experience synthesizing scientific literature and management documents into open-access data – a skill directly transferable to graduate research, agency work, or conservation careers. Those who contribute to On the Tide also gain experience translating technical science for a broader public audience.

Beyond technical skills, interns gain exposure to how a science-based conservation program operates at the international level, including how science informs advocacy and how partnerships with governments and MPA managers advance protection goals. Through engagement with MPA management teams and conservation partners around the world, interns also begin building a professional network in the marine conservation science community. The remote work structure builds professional communication and self-direction skills increasingly valued across conservation and research sectors.

Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in marine science or a related relevant field (current master's students are also encouraged to apply.)
• Understanding of ocean conservation issues and familiarity with marine protected areas
• Experience reviewing scientific literature
• Experience or interest in reviewing management and policy documents
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English
• Effective at working independently
• Proactive communicator who thrives in a remote work environment
• Professional working proficiency of English language; additional language skills highly desirable
• Experience with AI tool development is a plus

Responsibilities may include:

Research activities: 

• Research and compile information on MPAs from around the world from scientific publications, management documents, and policies
• Use the information to carry out MPA Guide assessments and determine the Stage of Establishment and Level of Protection for MPAs around the world
• Engage with MPA management teams and partners to gather and clarify information

Conservation program assistance: 

• Assist with communications, such as writing blog articles
• Explore and brainstorm a variety of activities and opportunities that will advance the program’s goals