Summer Field Marine Management Internship- Hawaii

IMPORTANT:  This Advertiser has requested that applicants MUST be National Residents / Valid Work Permit-holders.  Other applicants need not apply.

 

Conservation International Board Member Byron Trott has generously provided Conservation International with funding to support immersive field based summer internships for US based students. These internships will provide selected students with a unique opportunity to experience the hands-on conservation work in our programs and provide exposure to management and leadership skills in a non-profit organization.

For the summer of 2015, Conservation International is offering a summer internship for two students with our  Hawai`i program based in Honolulu, Hawaii. Conservation International’s Hawai`i program has a unique opportunity for motivated, passionate young leaders looking to broaden their horizons and to learn more about Hawai`i, its fishing culture, and small-scale fisheries management while experiencing rich Polynesian culture and heritage within the US.  While working alongside our team in Hawaii, the two internships will be focused on two different tracks.  One internship will focus on project work related to sustainable local seafood.  The second internship will focus on project work related to community based marine resource management in the real-life context of a Pacific Island.  

The intern focused on community-based marine resource management issues may work on project activities related to restoration of traditional fishponds for food production, contribute to the development of guidance materials to fishing communities on sustainable collaborative management of marine resources and assist with the collection of biological and human use information related to marine resources.  Knowledge and insight gained during these community-based marine resource management activities will include understanding of water quality monitoring techniques, traditional systems of natural resource management in the modern world, coastal natural resources of Hawaii and survey techniques and the development of effective outreach materials.  This position is generally 70% work in the office and 30% work in the field.

The ideal candidate will have the ability to work independently and thrive in challenging situations; be highly adaptive and work well in dynamic work environments; have a willingness to learn and adapt to a variety of cultural situations and be able to communicate effectively with a broad range of partners and collaborators.

The internships will include a one week orientation at Conservation International Headquarters in Arlington, Virginia. Conservation International will cover all travel expenses including, travel to Hawaii, accommodations, and food.  Interns must supply their own health insurance and sign a volunteer waiver.

Internship Duties

• Promote sustainable fishing practices through education and outreach activities
• Collect and enter demographic and fishing data from local fishing communities with CI-Hawaii staff and local partners.  Data will be used to inform long-term community-based fisheries management decisions and in the development of a mobile tablet technology for community-based citizen science monitoring initiatives
• Collect and process fish samples to determine local spawning times with the University of Hawai`i, CI-Hawaii, and local community members
• Provide logistical support to CI-Hawaii staff and community partners at sustainable family fishing camps/workshops, fishing tournament(s), and/or other fisher events;
• Participate in coastal permaculture project to remediate reef sedimentation;
• Learn about integrated marine resource monitoring techniques (coupling Hawaiian and western science) and apply them in the field;
• Aid in garnering support with small boat commercial fisherman for a Community Supported Fishery;
• Aid in educating and recruiting commercial fishers to the Community Supported Fishery;
• Work with CI-Hawaii team to help communicate activities through social media;
• Create a one to two page experiential learning report capturing impressions, experiences, and lessons learned
• Deliver a formal p resentation on internship experience and lessons learned
• Other duties as assigned

Requirements

• Current student pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree
• Experience in educational work and community or outreach work.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Basic understanding of marine resources and their use.
• Must be physically able and prepared to work outdoors in what can be hot, humid and wet conditions.  Ability to drive preferred.
• Preferred skills include knowledge of water quality monitoring techniques, marine sciences, survey techniques and website development.

The selected student must be able to work in the United States, commit to the full internship period from June 22, 2015 to August 7, 2015 and sign a volunteer waiver release.

To Apply:  Submit your resume, cover letter expressing interest and two recommendation/reference letters by March 29, 2015.