Naturalist/Wildlife Conservation Summer Internship

Coastal Expeditions is a premier outfitter based in Charleston, SC that facilitates outdoor adventures in the lowcountry of South Carolina. We are seeking two college interns to assist with our conservation efforts on Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge. Our company works in tandem with US Fish and Wildlife Service and SC Department of Natural Resources to facilitate public access to the refuge and ensure that all parts of the refuge remain as wild and undisturbed as possible. The interns will work closely with wildlife experts, biologists, seasoned captains and naturalists to gain a comprehensive understanding of the refuge in order to complete the required duties.

The required duties include but are not limited to:
• Loggerhead sea turtle nest protection program (locate and translocate nests, install predator guards, assess hatch success, etc.)
• Assistance monitoring shorebird nesting sites
• Complete projects at Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge Headquarters and the Environmental Education/Visitors Center
• Weekly maintenance of bathroom facilities on Bull Island -Parking attendant for Bull Island Ferry

Qualifications:
• Currently enrolled in an undergraduate program relevant to our conservation efforts (wildlife ecology, resource management, environmental science, marine science, biology, etc.)
-Ability to work in adverse weather and harsh conditions of South Carolina barrier islands and salt marsh estuaries (heat, bugs, salt, sand, etc.)
• Ability to do physically demanding work for extended periods of time
• Heavy lifting is required
• Must be willing to travel via boat to and from the island each day with the ferry crew, US Fish and Wildlife, or DNR
• Must be willing to work weekends, evenings, and holidays
• Experience leading interpretative or environmental education programs
• Knowledge of local flora and fauna is preferred

Compensation and Additional Details:
• 10 week long internship 05/31/2022 – 08/09/2022
• Field crew housing is provided on the mainland at the boat landing where the ferry departs. Garris Landing is located in Awendaw, SC – just north of Charleston
• $2,000 stipend
• Access to kayaks and paddleboards at various Coastal Expeditions locations in the greater Charleston area

We are accepting applications through 04/10/2022. Please email Annie@coastalexpeditions.com with a letter of interest and a resume including three professional references or a letter of recommendation with one additional reference