MARINE SUSTAINABILITY INTERN

Willoughby Marina | Norfolk, Virginia
Paid, Part-Time Internship | $15–$17/hour

ABOUT WILLOUGHBY MARINA

Willoughby Marina is a waterfront marina located on Willoughby Bay in Norfolk, Virginia. We serve recreational boaters, liveaboards, marine businesses, and transient guests. As our marina grows and redevelops, our goal is to incorporate sustainability, responsible waterfront practices, and environmentally conscious improvements throughout the property and our future operations.

INTERNSHIP PURPOSE

Willoughby Marina is seeking a Marine Sustainability Intern to help research, develop, communicate, and implement practical sustainability initiatives across the marina.

This role goes beyond our upcoming redevelopment project. The intern will work with marina leadership to research ideas, identify resources and funding opportunities, obtain information and quotes, develop recommendations, assist with appropriate hands-on projects, and help communicate our efforts to the public.

The intern will not be expected to act as an engineer, environmental consultant, or other certified professional. Any recommendations requiring specialized expertise will be reviewed by the appropriate qualified professionals.

RESPONSIBILITIES MAY INCLUDE

• Research sustainable materials, products, technologies, and practices for marina operations and future waterfront improvements
• Research ways to reduce environmental impacts on surrounding waterways and marine habitats
• Help develop improved recycling, rainwater collection, water conservation, and waste-reduction initiatives
• Explore native landscaping, natural screening, and living-fence concepts
• Research renewable-energy ideas such as solar lighting and small-scale wind-energy options
• Research recycled or repurposed materials for signage, art, landscaping, or other marina features
• Explore oyster restoration, marine habitat, and other environmental projects
• Research grants, partnerships, funding opportunities, vendors, pricing, and quotes
• Organize findings and present practical recommendations to marina leadership
• Help plan and implement appropriate sustainability projects
• Assist with environmental education and community outreach
• Help document sustainability efforts and redevelopment progress
• Create and post approved content across Willoughby Marina’s social media channels
• Develop social media content related to marina life, sustainability, environmental education, redevelopment, events, and community projects
• Take or organize photos and short videos for social media
• Help maintain a consistent posting schedule and track basic engagement
• Assist with additional projects based on the intern’s interests and the marina’s evolving needs

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN

• How sustainability is applied in a real marina and waterfront environment
• How environmental considerations interact with marina operations and redevelopment
• How to research and evaluate sustainable products, technologies, programs, and funding opportunities
• How to turn research and ideas into practical recommendations and projects
• How to research vendors, pricing, grants, and partnerships
• How sustainability projects are evaluated for practicality, cost, and environmental benefit
• How environmental information can be communicated through social media and community outreach
• How to create content for a real operating waterfront business
• How to work with marina management and outside professionals on real projects

WHAT YOU’LL NEED TO GET THE JOB DONE

• Currently pursuing studies related to marine science, environmental science, sustainability, marine biology, coastal resilience, environmental studies, coastal or environmental engineering, conservation, natural resources, or a related field
• Interest in sustainability, waterways, marine environments, conservation, or environmental improvement
• Strong research, organization, and communication skills
• Creativity and willingness to bring new ideas to the table
• Ability to work independently once clear goals and expectations are established
• Ability to communicate findings and recommendations clearly
• Interest in helping move projects from research into practical implementation
• Comfort creating written and visual content for social media
• Willingness to spend time onsite and learn how the marina operates

Experience with photography, video, Canva, social media, environmental outreach, or content creation is helpful but not required.

LOCATION AND SCHEDULE

This internship is primarily based at Willoughby Marina in Norfolk, Virginia, with some work-from-home flexibility available for appropriate assignments once projects, expectations, and attainable goals have been established and approved.

The intern should expect regular onsite involvement to understand the property, docks, shoreline, marina operations, and project needs.

The position requires a minimum of 15 hours per week, with the opportunity for additional hours when there are clearly defined projects and goals.

The internship must consist of at least 120 total hours over a minimum of eight weeks.

COMPENSATION

$15–$17 per hour, depending on qualifications and experience.

INTERNSHIPSVA ELIGIBILITY

Applicants must:

• Be currently enrolled, or intend to enroll in the upcoming semester, at a Virginia college or university, including public or private two-year or four-year institutions
• Have a high school diploma
• Not have already completed an undergraduate degree

Willoughby Marina is a proud participant in the InternshipsVA program. #InVA

WHY APPLY

This is an opportunity to contribute to real sustainability efforts at an active marina undergoing significant redevelopment.

Rather than working on hypothetical assignments, the intern will have the opportunity to research ideas, present recommendations, create public-facing content, and help move practical environmental initiatives forward at Willoughby Marina.