Our signature Internship offers college students and recent graduates an in-depth, hands-on opportunity to learn about sea turtle husbandry and conservation. Additionally, interns practice science communication by delivering environmental education programs and public tours. Interns also learn about nonprofit organizations through an in-depth project involving education, marketing, communications, facilities, or another area of interest. 

• Free Housing! Free, shared housing with utilities included is provided. Valued at $400/month, our intern guest house is conveniently located next door to our sea turtle hospital. No pets are allowed.
• Stipend 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 $1,440 stipend at the end of their internship to help defray the costs of participating. Additional weeks earn $120/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 that are not part of the internship.
• 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 fall and spring semester internships are 12-18 weeks, 40-50 hours per week. Interns should expect an irregular work schedule consisting of days, weekends, and holidays. Some workdays will exceed eight hours.
• Additional: Interns should be prepared for work that is physically demanding. Additionally, because of the nature of working with sick and injured turtles, the work may at times be emotionally challenging.

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

APPLY HERE

Intern Responsibilities:

• Cut and weigh food for turtles (i.e., fish, squid, other types of seafood, vegetables); Feed turtles
• Change tank water, scoop, and clean tanks
• Hold and restrain turtles
• Weigh and measure turtles
• Maintain the water and life support system
• Maintain accurate records (e.g., food log, therapy pool log, EED log, weekly weighing, admission of injured turtles)
• Wash and dry sea turtle dishes; Wash and fold sea turtle laundry
• Clean, disinfect, sweep, mop the facility including restrooms, hallways, the animal food prep kitchen, the break room, treatment areas, public spaces, etc.
• Assist with medical care as needed
• Educate the public and lead daily visitor tours
• Answer the phone in a professional manner and take accurate messages
• Complete one or more intern projects
• Present a summary of your internship at the completion of the session
• Other duties as assigned

Intern Requirements:

• College undergraduate or recent graduate, minimum 18 years of age
• Major in environmental or biological sciences or similar
• Solid 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
• Valid drivers' license preferred
• Personal laptop or tablet highly recommended
• The ability to get along well with others in a shared housing situation
• Minimum 12 week commitment
• Up to date covid-19 vaccination
• Ability to lift at least 50 pounds
• Ability to pass a background check

Upcoming 2025-2026 Internship Dates and Deadlines:

• Fall 2025: 9/29/25 - 12/31/25 (Application Deadline: August 15, 2025)
• Spring 2026: 1/6/26 - 5/3/26 (Application Deadline: November 1, 2025)