Ocean Advocate Internship

About Turtle Island Restoration Network’s Cocos-Galapagos Swimway Campaign:

Turtle Island Restoration Network (TIRN) is an ocean conservation and advocacy nonprofit organization headquartered in Olema, California, with an office in Galveston, Texas and projects around the world. TIRN is a leading advocate for ocean and marine species protections. Our Cocos-Galapagos Swimway campaign works to create an aspirational bi-national, no-take marine protected area (MPA) that would connect Cocos Island National Park in Costa Rica with Galapagos National Park in Ecuador. This MPA would protect the sea turtles, sharks, and ocean habitat they depend on. Learn more at https://seaturtles.org/the-cocos-galapagos-swimway/

TIRN is seeking an enthusiastic, outgoing Ocean Advocate Intern for a six-month term. Working alongside TIRN’s Special Projects Director and our policy and communications staff, the intern will help increase pressure on the government of Costa Rica to enact its portion of the MPA. They will do this by building support among scientists, other NGOs, and the public through direct outreach, social media, and earned media. This position can be remote or residential at our headquarters in Olema, California. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and the position will be open until filled.

This position is ideal for those looking to gain hands-on experience in advocacy for environmental protection.

Time commitment:

• Term: 6 months
• Stipend: Unpaid for remote interns (a small stipend may be possible). Residential interns receive $100 per month plus free housing.
• Hours per week: 20–40 hours/week, to be negotiated. Residential interns work full time (40+ hours/week).
• Start date: Rolling

Qualifications and skills desired:

• English and Spanish proficiency
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to use a PC or Mac and phone for direct and internet communications
• Ability to work independently and organize oneself
• Ability to project a positive image with target communities
• Creative thinker with an interest in improving and developing new methods and ideas to accomplish goals
• A four-year degree is required for residential positions

Duties and responsibilities may include the following:

• Outreach: Conduct phone and computer outreach to scientists, NGOs, and the public. This position does not involve field work.
• Campaign Promotion: Use proven strategies and creative thinking to reach target audiences and promote petitions, sign-on letters, and action alerts.
• Data Management: Maintain records of outreach in Excel spreadsheets.
• Media: Help generate social and earned media attention for the campaign.
• Team Meetings: Attend weekly meetings to discuss progress.

Learning objectives:

Interns will gain hands-on experience in marine policy advocacy and database management. They will also work as part of a team with professionals in advocacy, communications, and policy. We are happy to work with academic departments to make sure the internship meets requirements for academic credit.

Residential internship and housing:

Residential interns live in a furnished, co-ed house with shared bedrooms, bathrooms, and living spaces. Housing is valued at about $900 per month. The house sits in a redwood forest five miles from our headquarters, next to State and National Parklands and just 25 miles north of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge. Interns can also volunteer at the local food bank in exchange for weekly groceries.

Application instructions:

The following materials should be submitted electronically to Todd Steiner at Tsteiner@tirn.net with the subject line “Ocean Advocate Internship.” Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

• Cover Letter
• Resume