INTERNSHIP DESCRIPTION  

POSITION TITLE: Reef Renewal USA- Re5 Coral Restoration Internship 

START DATE: January 4, 2027 

END DATE: October 1, 2027 (With possible extension until December 31, 2027) 

LOCATION: Upper Florida Keys 

INTERNSHIP SUMMARY  

Reef Renewal USA is excited to host a hands-on coral restoration internship designed to support our ongoing efforts in establishing and maintaining coral nurseries while advancing critical restoration techniques. This position is offered in partnership with the University of Miami through the Florida Re5 Hub, a collaborative coral restoration project focused on strengthening the resilience of Florida’s Coral Reef to the impacts of climate change.  

Interns will gain valuable experience in coral propagation, nursery maintenance, and restoration site management, contributing directly to the recovery and resilience of Florida’s coral reef ecosystems. This internship also provides an excellent opportunity for early-career scientists to build practical field skills, expand their technical knowledge of coral restoration methods, and develop a strong foundation for future work in marine conservation and research. 

 RESPONSIBILITIES  

• Nursery Setup and Coral Propagation: Assist in establishing and maintaining coral propagation hardware at multiple in-water coral nurseries, contributing to the propagation and restoration of multiple species of Caribbean coral. 
• Coral Propagation and Outplanting: Learn and implement techniques to properly fragment corals for large scale production and outplanting on the Florida reef tract.  
• Maintenance and Data Collection: Engage in regular maintenance dives at coral nurseries to clean coral structures and equipment, as well as monitoring the health, growth, and survival of nursery grown corals and outplants.  
• Database Management: Record, organize, and maintain nursery and restoration data, including coral inventory, genotype tracking, and outplant performance, ensuring accurate documentation and data accessibility for project partners. 
• Coral Distribution and Collaboration: Support the collection, processing, and distribution of coral fragments in collaboration with Re5 partners (UM, NSU, Mote, etc.), ensuring a successful exchange of genotypes and genetic diversity. 
• Community and Partner Engagement: Participate in annual meetings with project partners and contribute to group discussions and strategy sessions. 

LEARNING OUTCOMES  

This internship provides a unique opportunity to gain experience in coral nursery management, propagation techniques, data management, and collaborative conservation work. Interns will develop hands-on coral restoration skills and contribute directly to efforts aimed at restoring Florida’s Coral Reef ecosystem. As part of a small, hands-on team, interns receive direct mentorship and have the opportunity to take on meaningful responsibilities, allowing them to develop a broader range of skills and gain a deeper understanding of coral restoration. Interns will also have the opportunity to work alongside an organization at the forefront of developing and implementing innovative techniques for large-scale coral production and restoration. In addition to gaining valuable technical experience, interns will build professional connections within the coral restoration community and develop a network that can support their future careers in marine conservation. 

 QUALIFICATIONS 

• Open Water SCUBA Certification (through a recognized certification body–NAUI, PADI, SSI, etc.) 
•  Certify that you have at least 50 dives  
• Preferred candidates will have:  
• Training beyond Open Water Scuba  
• Active Oxygen Administration certification  
• Active CPR/First Aid certification  
• Photo and video skills  
• Recent completion of a marine biology or related program. 
• 1 year experience with coral nursery maintenance and propagation.  
• Experience with coral nursery set up and reporting procedures. 
• You must own or have access to reliable dive gear (excluding tanks). This includes:  
•  BCD, regulator, mask, fins, snorkel, dive computer, wetsuit, weights, and gloves  
• The internship host will provide all coral related working tools 
• Possess strong communication, interpersonal, and time management skills.  
• Ability to take initiative and successfully complete assigned tasks.  
• Ability to work well in a team environment and work well independently. 
• You must have a working computer.  
• Vehicular transportation is the responsibility of the intern.  
• Coral work requires a high level of physical activity and/or physical exertion. Interns must be able to carry 65 pounds and able to lift 35 pounds overhead.  
• A typical work week is 40 hours a week but may also include some weekends and holidays. 
• To participate in diving, candidates will be required to provide:  
• RSTC document or dive physical 
• Proof of diving certification  
• Proof of active dive insurance (DAN) 

LOCATION  

• Work will be primarily in the Upper Florida Keys with occasional travel to Miami for workshops and conferences. 
•  The intern is recommended to seek housing in the Upper Florida Keys (Key Largo, Tavernier, or Islamorada).   
• Reliable transportation is required.  

COMPENSATION  

• A living stipend of $2,400/month will be provided.  

HOW TO APPLY  

• Apply through this Form with a prepared resume and cover letter by October 25th, 2026.