About:
The Coastal Expeditions Foundation was established in 2018 in response to the increasing need for habitat and wildlife protection and environmental education in the Lowcountry. One of our founding programs is the Sea Turtle Nest Protection program at Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge. This program has been in existence for over 30 years and is responsible for protecting thousands of sea turtle nests each nesting season. Working with our program partners Coastal Expeditions Inc. and US Fish & Wildlife, this position provides the rare opportunity to make a positive difference in the environment and learn about three unique organizations. Interns will work closely with wildlife experts, biologists, seasoned captains, naturalists, and volunteers from US Fish & Wildlife and Coastal Expeditions Inc. gaining valuable hands-on experience with sea turtle nest protection, shorebird stewardship, and environmental education.

Coastal Expeditions Inc. (CEX) is a premier outfitter based in Charleston, SC that facilitates outdoor adventures in the Lowcountry. Founded in 1992, CEX has outposts on Shem Creek, Isle of Palms, Kiawah River, and Bulls Island in Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge. CEX is the only licensed outfitter to provide public access to the refuge through their Bulls Island Ferry and field trips. They are committed to ensuring that all parts of the refuge remain as wild and undisturbed as possible.

US Fish & Wildlife Services and the SC Department of Natural Resources oversee sea turtle and shorebird conservation in the refuge and grant the permits for all work conducted.

The required duties include, but are not limited to:
1. Loggerhead Sea Turtle Nest Protection Program – (US Fish & Wildlife, Lighthouse and N. Cape Islands)

• Assist refuge staff while conducting daily beach surveys: determine where nests are laid (probing), relocate nests when needed, install predator nest protection (caging), collect genetic samples, document and transcribe field data in statewide database (seaturtle.org), document nest emergences, conduct nest inventories, release of live hatchlings, and assist in live/dead sea turtle strandings.
• Additional responsibilities: Daily operation of ATVs including driving and fueling, cutting additional caging for nest protection when needed, acting as “first mate” when aboard refuge boat vessels & assisting team with anchoring, assist in boat cleaning, and willing to work with/lead turtle patrol volunteers.

2. Shorebird Stewarding – (SCDNR, Refuge)

• Assist staff in monitoring and protecting at risk shorebird and seabird species during nesting and hatching season.
  b. Act as an educator to members of the public during surveys and “beach drops”.

3. Coastal Expeditions Ferry (CEX, Bulls Island)

• Willing to act as a First Mate/Dockhand and Naturalist/Env. Educator
• Assist in Bulls Island projects when needed: cleaning public bathrooms, clear trails when needed, etc.

Qualifications:

• Currently enrolled in an undergraduate program relevant to our conservation efforts (wildlife
  ecology, natural resources 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
  & 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 05/29/2023 – 08/04/2023
• Shared intern housing is provided on the mainland at the boat landing where the ferry departs.
  (Garris Landing, 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 04/09/2023.

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
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