Summer Field Sustainable Seafood 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, Hawai‘i. 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 Hawai‘i, 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. 

The intern focused on sustainable local seafood will gain invaluable hands-on knowledge and familiarity with tools and strategies for improving local seafood sustainability through experiential learning.  This includes gaining insight in market-based strategies for seafood sustainability and deeper understanding of small scale fisheries and seafood supply chains. The intern may engage in project work related to seafood traceability, fisheries improvement project development; and/or social enterprise via our partner community supported fishery (CSF) venture.  This position is generally 60% work in the office and 40% 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; be able to communicate effectively with a broad range of partners and collaborators; and demonstrate proficiency in the use of web-based technologies (i.e. websites, social media platforms) .

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

• Development of socioeconomic surveys designed to examine the economic, social, and cultural aspects of seafood consumption in Hawai?i, including consumer preferences and willingness to pay for sustainable, local seafood products;
• Conduct price monitoring survey and data collection at select local grocery, seafood specialty, restaurant and other consumer outlets;
• Work with program partners including fishermen, retail buyers, chefs and restaurant owners/managers, to identify program challenges and opportunities;
• Assist with project marketing and awareness building (e.g. building consumer awareness around seafood traceability, Fishery Improvement Projects, community supported fishery);
• Provide logistical support to CI Hawai?i staff and partners at various program-related events and workshops;
• Work with CI Hawai?i 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
• Basic knowledge or understanding of business principles including marketing, accounting, supply chain operations, entrepreneurship.
• Basic understanding of fisheries and fishery resources.
• Strong quantitative analytical abilities
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Must be physically able to safely lift up a maximum 50 lbs. The candidate may work in environments near open water (dockside). The position does not involve driving, diving, or climbing.
• Basic knowledge of supply chain and operations management principles; advanced knowledge of managerial accounting principles; advanced knowledge or marketing principles and tools; knowledge of marine ecology; experience or familiarity of fishing industry and fishing methods are strongly preferred

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.