The Shark Smart Internship involves creating and setting up an outreach booth that travels to local beaches. The booth provides sun cover for interns and creates an area where educational props and tools can be used to answer the public’s questions and engage beachgoers in conversations around shark activity and research. Throughout the summer, Shark Smart interns will also take on shifts at the Shark Center when weather does not permit you to be on the beach. This will provide the interns with an opportunity to see and take part in educating museum guests, and connect with their peers and other professionals within the organization. AWSC Shark Smart Interns will become more comfortable and confident teachers/presenters, gain outreach experience, and make valuable professional contacts for future scientific and/or educational endeavors. This internship position provides interns with the ability to design and execute an outreach program, all the while building skills in science communication. During the internship, one will work on a project that aligns with your skills and interests, with guidance from your internship advisor.

Internship Period and Schedule: The internship period is from June 2nd through Labor Day. Interns work 30-34 hours per week, and for this internship will be required to work on weekends.

Responsibilities:

● Present the Shark Smart Beach Program at various beaches around Cape Cod.

● Design and update education materials and props for the booth.

● Be responsible for and maintain AWSC gear, education props, and tent when traveling to and from programs each day.

● Engage the public and answer questions related to white shark research and activity.

● Work with our partners to ensure a positive experience for visitors and host site partners.

● Provide regular summaries to the Community Engagement Manager.

● Capture data from programs and use it to produce a report at the end of the internship.

● Assist in staffing the Shark Center on foul weather days in helping to engage museum visitors.

● Other projects and tasks as needed.

Qualifications: Applicants should be pursuing a degree in marine science, environmental conservation, education, or a related field. Must be self-motivated, personable, and hardworking, with an ability to interact effectively with staff and work both independently and collaboratively in a small nonprofit environment. If selected, interns are required to complete a criminal background check upon the time of hire. Candidates are required to have their own means of transportation for this position.

Ideal candidates should have experience in and be looking to grow the following skills:

● Science communication

● Public speaking

● Ability to engage audiences of all demographics Physical requirements of this internship position: ● Ability to spend long days on their feet

● Ability to lift 30 lbs

● Ability to walk 100 yards over sand

Training: All Interns will receive intensive and thorough training in marine science topics, education pedagogy, and the work of the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy. CPR/First Aid training and media training will be provided. Internship participants will work with various AWSC staff during the training period.

This is an unpaid internship, but co-ed housing is provided with the other participating interns. AWSC will work with the candidate’s college or university to complete any paperwork if the candidate would like to earn college credit for this internship.

Please visit the internship page to review the general information for all AWSC internships prior to completing the application.

The Atlantic White Shark Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages candidates of all backgrounds to apply. Diversity of opinions, experiences, and backgrounds is a key asset.

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Shark Smart Intern

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