Internships

Marine Conservation Technician Internship

Location: South Shore Estuary Reserve 

Join our conservation team as a marine technician Intern this summer and contribute to important conservation efforts in the South Shore Estuary Reserve. This internship offers a unique opportunity to assist a conservation scientist with a cutting-edge project focused on monitoring tern species and diamondback terrapin populations on marsh islands using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). In addition, the marine technician will assist in a pilot project to monitor oyster larval recruitment in the Great South Bay alongside the conservation director and conservation technician.

Key Responsibilities:

• UAV Flight Monitoring: Observe and monitor bird populations during UAV flights above marsh islands to ensure minimal disturbance to wildlife.

• Wildlife Observation: Identify and record bird species, paying particular attention to signs of distress such as bird flushing, which may indicate disturbance.

• Data Digitization: Assist with the processing and digitization of field data, ensuring accurate entry into databases for further analysis.

• Wildlife Identification: Support the identification of species and behaviors from 4K video footage captured during UAV flights.

• Field Assistance: Participate in fieldwork and help with the setup and operation of UAVs; assist in the collection and replacement of oyster shell bags at various study sites for recruitment analysis.

Qualifications:

• Strong interest in wildlife conservation, particularly birds, reptiles, and shellfish 

• Experience or coursework in ecology, biology, environmental science, or related fields

• Ability to identify local bird species and basic wildlife behavior

• Comfortable working outdoors for extended periods of time (particularly on a boat)  and in varying weather conditions

• Familiarity with data entry and experience with video analysis is a plus.

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds

This unpaid internship requires a two or three day a week commitment. It will provide hands-on experience in field data collection, UAV technology, and wildlife monitoring, and will contribute to important conservation initiatives on Long Island. If you’re passionate about wildlife conservation and eager to learn in a dynamic field environment, we encourage you to apply! Please apply by emailing [email protected] with the subject title “Marine Conservation Technician Internship” alongside a cover letter and resume.

• Summer Conservation Internships –

 Seatuck hosts several college students each summer for a variety of volunteer internship opportunities.  These positions, which focus on different aspects of the organization’s work, are intended to last for 8 to 12 weeks, with interns working a weekly schedule that can vary depending on availability. Seatuck interns are tasked with substantive projects within their area of interest, but are also expected to wear multiple hats in contributing to the various work of the organization. 

How to Apply:  

Email [email protected] with your resume and a brief cover letter explaining your interest in the fellowship. Include “Summer Internship” in the subject line. For the summer positions, the deadline to apply is April 25, 2025.

• Schoolyear Internships –

Seatuck offers volunteer conservation and education opportunities for college and high school students throughout the school year. These can be ongoing year- or semester-long arrangements, or short-term participation with various projects. For more information please reach out to [email protected].

Fellowships

• Laskowski Fellowship –

This summer position, established and supported in honor of the naturalist & conservationist, Robert Laskowski, is based at the South Shore Nature Center in East Islip. The position is focused on improving/maintaining a native pollinator garden (The Laskowski Garden), as well as serving as a public ambassador and assisting with Seatuck’s summer educational programming. The position includes a compensation stipend. 

How to Apply:  

Email [email protected] with your resume and a brief cover letter explaining your interest in the fellowship. Include “Laskowski Fellowship” in the subject line. For the summer positions, the deadline to apply is April 25, 2025.

• ISLE Project Fellowships –

New for 2025, Seatuck is excited to announce the ISLE Project Fellowships, a new opportunity (both during the summer and the school year) for college students to gain hands-on experience in conservation and education. The ISLE Project, which stands for Introducing Students to Long Island’s Estuaries, is an education initiative that engages students in in-school lessons, field trips and hands-on experiences related to estuaries, including helping to raise juvenile oysters. The fellowship positions are designed to support all aspects of the project. They will provide valuable experience working with Seatuck and the Town of Islip Shellfish Cultivation Facility on oyster cultivation and education efforts around the Great South Bay. 

Position Description:

ISLE Project Fellows will assist in various aspects of the project, from hatchery operations to educational programming. Your responsibilities may include:

• Hatchery Operations – Assisting hatchery staff with algae cultivation & feedings; oyster broodstock conditioning & spawning; and care of juvenile oysters through various stages
• Equipment Maintenance – Keeping hatchery systems clean and operational
• Oyster Fieldwork – Tending to and monitoring oysters in grow-out site
• Public Outreach & Education – Leading hatchery tours, engaging the public in oyster conservation and assisting with educational programming

Fellowship Details:

• Duration: 8 to 11 weeks
• Time Commitment: 25 to 35 hours per week
• Location: Seatuck Environmental Association and Town of Islip Oyster Hatchery (East Islip) and Shorefront Park (Patchogue)
• Compensation: $16.50 per hour

How to Apply:  

Email [email protected] with your resume and a brief cover letter explaining your interest in the fellowship. Include “ISLE Project Fellowship” in the subject line. For the summer positions, the deadline to apply is April 25, 2