Ocean Policy Intern
This full-time internship position with Clean Ocean Action (COA) is an exciting opportunity for a student to learn, lead, and engage in public policy, advocacy and outreach, and actions to address current ocean pollution and industrialization threats in the New York/New Jersey region. The intern will gain hands-on experience in grassroots organizing as part of an action campaign for ocean advocacy.
COA organizes campaigns to inform and involve the public on ocean issues, actions, and solutions. Campaigns are held in cooperation with organizations, businesses, beach clubs, shore communities, and volunteers. The Ocean Policy and Advocacy Intern will play a key role in supporting the “Clean Ocean Zone” Campaign and assisting with other policy and legislative priorities. COA’s Clean Ocean Zone (“COZ”) is an initiative to protect the NY/NJ Bight by creating a zone in the ocean where pollution and industrialization are prohibited. In 2011, COA led a campaign for COZ legislation where harmful industrialization is locked out and clean ocean economy uses (e.g., fishing, boating, responsible renewable energies) are supported. However, the bill never passed. Today, industrial proposals and new technologies have accelerated at a massive scale and beyond imagination 15 years ago. Now, COA is relaunching the COZ in response to the large-scale threats the ocean is now facing.
The Intern will also pursue an independent research project, to be identified during the internship and developed in collaboration with COA staff. This intern will be working under the direction of the Ocean Policy Advocate with guidance from the Executive Director.
Specific Responsibilities
- Advance outreach for the “Clean Ocean Zone” Campaign
- Research and become familiar with current ocean policy issues
- Implement actions to engage people, businesses, and organizations
- Coordinate media activities, including potential media releases and events,
- Develop outreach materials and conduct literature reviews and technical/legal writing
- Coordinate and schedule community outreach information/action tables
- Attend information/action tabling events on COA’s behalf
- Assist in the planning of meetings and webinars
- Assist in other policy priorities
- Complete an independent research project that advances intern’s and COA’s policy and advocacy goals.
Qualifications
- Pursuing a degree in an environmental or policy field such as environmental studies, environmental policy, biology (focus or minor), political science (focus or minor); all years welcome
- Strong research, communication, and organizational skills
- Enthusiasm for and basic knowledge of environmental issues
- Passion for public engagement in issues and actions to defend the ocean
- Specific independent project ideas
- Demonstrated proficiency in writing (e.g., technical, legal, scientific)
- Willingness to work hard
General Program Coordination
- Represent COA in a positive, professional, and friendly manner,
- Maintain focus and message,
- Stay conversant and current on COA priorities and programs,
- Assist with and/or update relevant COA materials, fact sheets, and write monthly newsletter articles,
- Be flexible to help with any project at any time, as needed.
Requirements
The summer internship is full time and located at COA’s office in Long Branch, NJ. Location for programs and events related to the internship position will vary. Early start and late evenings, while not routine and usual, can occur, especially for position-related events, programs, and meetings. Monthly stipend and travel expenses (excluding commuting) are paid. College credit (arranged by the student with the university/college) is available.
It is essential to the success of the programs and the overall internship experience that the applicant lives within close proximity to the Long Branch office to sustain commuting. No housing or transportation is provided. Usual office hours are 9am to 5pm, Monday – Friday; however, the position requires flexibility and availability to work early morning and early evening hours, if needed. COA offers flexibility for excessive hours when necessary. The position requires use of a reliable vehicle, the ability to pack and deliver supplies, and a willingness to travel throughout Monmouth and Ocean Counties. Business casual attire is expected and can vary depending on the activities. Position may include offsite work in all weather conditions, including extreme heat and/or rain and wind. The start date is mid-May, and the end date is mid-late August.
Application Instructions
Interested applicants should demonstrate enthusiasm and basic knowledge of environmental issues, organizational and communication skills, creativity, and willingness to work hard. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
To apply, send (i) a cover letter (including local address), (ii) resume, (iii) a writing sample that reflects your written and/or visual skills, and (iv) a list of 3 references with affiliations and contact information to: Office@CleanOceanAction.org with “Ocean Policy Internship_YOUR NAME” as the subject line.
About COA
Clean Ocean Action is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization dedicated to protecting marine water quality in the New York Bight (those waters between Montauk Point, NY, and Cape May, NJ, and extending to the continental shelf). COA spearheads campaigns with broad-based coalitions of boating, business, community, conservation, diving, environmental, fishing, religious, service, student, surfing, and women’s groups. COA identifies sources of pollution and takes actions to stop them using research, education, and citizen action. For more information about COA visit www.cleanoceanaction.org.
COA is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and staff members without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds, not just to do the right thing, but because it makes the organization stronger.