Sustainability and Education Intern

Summary

Coastal Connections, Inc. (CCinc), is a 501(c)(3) environmental nonprofit with a mission to advance sea turtle survival by educating and connecting people to the environment.  We are seeking one sustainability volunteer intern to help with community-driven sustainability programs in Vero Beach, Florida. Selected candidates must be available May through August (approximately 15-week commitment); start and end dates are semi-flexible. Volunteer interns will be offered a free or highly discounted housing solution and a stipend of $575 to supplement their cost of living expenses. Volunteer interns will be expected to provide up to 30 hours per week in an office, remotely at home, and outside in the elements. 

All applicants are expected to fulfill roles professionally.

Primary Responsibilities

• Collect and learn to manage data for a variety of recycling and cleanup programs
• Help lead volunteer participation during Coastal Cleanup events
• Assist the Sustainability Programs Coordinator with ongoing sustainability programs, including updating current programs to fit the needs of the community and our business partners
• Conduct online research on sustainability practices, environmental policies, or innovative programs to enhance Coastal Connections’ initiatives
• Help manage and organize the International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) event
• Assist in onboarding local businesses into the WRAP Recycling Program
• Assist the Sustainability Coordinator in hosting public WRAP education events
• Develop, plan, and implement a summer project of your choosing based on your interest and the skills you desire to learn and practice throughout your internship
• Assist the Education Team in the development and implementation of summer camp programs with local partner organizations
• Assist with public outreach and tabling at festivals and local events
• Give presentations during outreach events to groups of up to 100 people
• Assist the Education Team in the development and implementation of new educational activities for people of varying ages and backgrounds

Other Duties

• Assist with sea turtle conservation tasks as needed, including morning nest monitoring, turtle walks, and turtle digs
• Assist with collecting and organizing social media photo and video content 
• Participate in and represent CCinc at various small fundraising events
• Be present in the CCinc office at least two days /week
• Transport and load/unload gear from storage location to event and program location using a personal, four-wheel vehicle
• Provide feedback throughout the summer and at the end of your internship to enhance current sustainability and recycling  programs

Qualifications

Applicants must be 18 years or older. Applicants must be college students or recent graduates with a conservation, sustainability, environmental science, business, or related degree who are responsible, adaptable, self-motivated, and have good attention to detail. Maturity and professionalism are necessary when interacting with the public and when working with CCinc staff and volunteers. Applicants must be eligible to work in the US, possess a valid US driver’s license, have a four-wheeled personal vehicle for daily work with valid insurance, be able to work well in teams and independently, and be willing to work in adverse weather conditions. Applicants should also be proficient in Microsoft Office or Google Suite. Applicants will be expected to commit 15  weeks during the summer, use proficient public speaking skills, and work a flexible, non-traditional, non-structured schedule. A volunteer waiver will need to be executed before any work with CCinc can begin. 

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by a Sustainability Volunteer Intern to successfully perform essential functions. It is up to the applicant to gauge whether they are able to perform the physical requirements of this position prior to applying for the position.

Requirements Include:

• Standing and sitting for extended periods of time while instructing and interacting with students and adults
• Walking long distances on and standing in sand for long periods of time
• Spending long periods of time in the sun and in a hot climate
• Spending long periods of time in buggy conditions without wind
• Working long periods of time in rain or shine
• Lifting and/or moving up to 50 pounds at a time

Many field duties will be completed outside, where the environmental elements of heat, rain, and bugs are present. Interns will be required to work early mornings and late nights until all duties have been completed through all types of weather conditions. 

How to Apply

After reviewing the job description above,  all interested applicants should submit the following materials by February 20, 2026 @ 5:00 p.m. EST:

• Resume or curriculum vitae
• 1-page letter of interest (including summer availability and contact information)
• College transcripts (unofficial is acceptable)
• Two Letters of Recommendation (one academic and one professional). These reference letters should come directly from your references.

Please email all materials to:

Kendra Bergman, M.S.                     Copy Correspondence

Founder and Executive Director      CC: Jeanna@coastal-connections.org

Kendra@coastal-connections.org   CC: Olivia@coastal-connections.org