Our Sea Turtle Life Support and Water Quality Internship offers college students and recent graduates a unique, hands-on opportunity to gain experience in water quality management and in maintaining life support systems for aquatic animal care. Interns work under the guidance of KBSTRRC’s Life Support Systems Coordinator, contributing directly to the daily operations of our sea turtle hospital and the care of our patients.

• Free Housing! Free, shared housing with utilities included is provided. Our intern guest house is conveniently located next door to our sea turtle hospital. Housing is co-ed, and interns will have their own room but should expect to share a bathroom with one other intern of the same gender. No pets are allowed. Living on-site is optional during the non-summer semesters. 
• Stipend Available! Full-time or part-time hours available. Full-time interns (40-50 hours per week, 12-week minimum) who meet all internship expectations, complete all internship responsibilities, and work the entire 12 weeks will receive a $1,800 stipend at the end of their internship to help defray the costs of participating. Additional weeks earn a $150/week added stipend.   Part-time interns (20-30 hours per week, 12-week minimum)  who meet all internship expectations, complete all internship responsibilities, and work the entire 12 weeks will receive a $900 stipend at the end of their internship to help defray the costs of participating. Additional weeks earn a $75/week added stipend.
• Other Expenses: All other expenses are the responsibility of the intern. Interns should expect to pay for food, travel to and from the internship, entertainment and recreation, and any other personal expenses which are not part of the internship. If interns choose to live off-site, they are responsible for housing costs. 
• School Credit: School credit may be available from your institution. The intern is responsible for completing all paperwork and paying all fees required by their institution to receive credit for their internship.
• Duration: The Life Support and Water Quality Internship runs for 12-18 weeks. The start date is flexible within October or November. Interns should expect an irregular work schedule consisting of weekdays, weekends, and holidays. Some workdays may exceed eight hours.
• Additional:  Interns should be prepared for physically demanding work. Additionally, because of the nature of working with sick and injured turtles, the work may be emotionally challenging at times.​

​If you have questions, please email Megan, our Internship Coordinator, at internship@seaturtlehospital.org. 

APPLY HERE

Intern Responsibilities: 

• Assist in preparing and pumping saltwater to appropriate sea turtle systems
• Develop a basic understanding of water chemistry, performing daily water quality analysis  (e.g., pH, salinity, dissolved oxygen, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate)
• Accurately maintain  daily logs of sea turtle system water quality, temperatures, and performance 
• Maintain daily logs of activities performed, communicate effectively with the Life Support Systems and Facilities Coordinator and the volunteer water team
• Assist in keeping KBSTC neat, clean, and disinfected, including animal tanks, floor drains, mixing and holding tanks, pipes, sinks, and surrounding areas
• ​Assist with other programs and responsibilities as needed 
• Participate in team building, research, or enrichment projects as designated by KBSTC staff  
• Learn basic information on life support system design and operation, including  pumps, plumbing, and filtration
• Be exposed to and use applied math for life support and for water quality measures

Intern Requirements: 

• College undergraduate or recent graduate, minimum 18 years of age
• Major in environmental or biological sciences, aquaculture, engineering, or related scientific field 
• Interest in learning about life support systems (LSS) such as pumps, filters, chillers, UV sterilizers, and protein skimmers
• Mechanical aptitude and comfort with tools, plumbing, and troubleshooting equipment
• Computer and data entry skills
• Excellent communication and organization skills
• Ability to understand and follow detailed instructions
• Self-motivated, with the ability to work independently or as part of a team
• Positive attitude with a desire to learn
• Flexible schedule 
• Personal laptop or tablet highly recommended
• The ability to get along well with others in a shared housing situation
• Minimum of 12-week commitment
• Up-to-date COVID vaccination (booster within the last 12 months)
• Ability to lift at least 50 pounds
• Ability to pass a background check

​Upcoming Internship Dates and Deadlines: 

• Fall 2026: Application deadline: September 30, 2026.