Indigenous Summer Program Fellow

Indigenous Summer Program Fellow 

2026 Opportunity

Interest Areas: Indigenous Cultural Education, Environmental Education, Marine Science

Location: USFWS Kettle Pond Visitor Center, 50 Bend Rd, Charlestown, RI 02813 (Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge)

Duration: June 6 – Summer Program Training, June 29 – July 10– Program Preparation and Mentor Training, July 13 – July 24 – Summer programming. Approx. 40 hours per week. Some flexibility is possible.

Compensation: $3,200 for project period

Specific Project: Collaboration between the Narragansett Tribe, Tomaquag Museum, and Mystic Aquarium to offer high quality and equitable summer programming for Indigenous youth. This summer program is designed to be a fun and safe nature-based experience that organically integrates STEM and Indigenous cultural activities.

Placement Description:

The Summer Program Fellow will join a dynamic team of indigenous and environmental education professionals as we deliver our mission to inspire people to care for and protect our ocean planet through conservation, education and research. The Fellow will have the opportunity to gain hands-on professional experience through participation in all aspects of our summer programming. The Fellow’s work will include engaging with youth of all ages and outreach into the community, and through field-based conservation experiences. The individuals will become an integral part of the team and will help with visioning and planning to advance our mission focused work in community education and engagement.

Required Qualifications:

• Must be a current college student or graduate.
• As required by the state, due to the nature of work with children, the Fellow must pass a background check.
• Must have reliable transportation. 
• In order to carry out programmatic commitments, the Fellow must have the ability to lift up to 50 lbs (with or without accommodations), ability to swim, and comfortable working outdoors and in all weather conditions.
• Must be willing to disconnect from personal technology during programming. 

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience and/or interest in working with a diverse group of youth. 
• Experience and/or interest in working in the natural environment implementing field-based stewardship projects and teaching marine science. 
• Enthusiastic, collaborative and collegial with a positive can-do attitude. 
• Critical thinking and communication skills. 
• Ability to be proactive, adaptable, and work both independently and as part of a team.

Expectations: 

• Work collaboratively as part of our broader team. 
• Work directly with Fellowship Supervisor to refine the scope of work, with explicit activities, outcomes, and deliverables for the duration of the fellowship. 
• Have regular engagement with Fellowship Supervisor to discuss experience and progress.
• Work 40 hours a week, for five days per camp week, at the fellowship site or in the local community during the camp week. 
• Mandatory training on June 6th.
• Work with a diverse group of teens and young people and develop and deliver quality educational experiences that meet their needs.
• Follow the direction of the Aquarium operational policies and procedures.
• Be flexible and adaptable to changes as needed.

To Apply:

Please submit a statement of interest and resume prior to May 1st to MaryEllen Mateleska at mmateleska@mysticaquarium.org. Once reviewed by members of the Summer Program Committee, candidates will be onboarded as a fellow of Mystic Aquarium.