INTERNSHIPS
Creating the scientists of the future.
All of the scientists at ORCA had a transformational education experience when they were younger – a mentor or an opportunity that sparked their passion for science and exploration and changed the course of their lives.
ORCA is committed to offering that type of experience to students today, to help create the scientists of the future.
According to an Allstate/Heartland Monitor Poll, 78% of adults believe that it’s harder for young people to get started today than it was in previous generations. We agree, and it worries us. We strongly believe that it is going to take these young, passionate, innovative professionals to reverse the degradation that has occurred – and continues to occur – in the Indian River Lagoon, as well as in estuaries and oceans throughout the world.
At ORCA, we are committed to mentoring these young professionals. We offer young environmental scientists a unique internship experience. ORCA’s culture and mission provides young staff members a wide range of field and laboratory experiences not common in most internships. It also allows the development of some of the most important skills needed for a successful career in the 21st century – things like problem solving, logistics, project management, and interdisciplinary thinking. An internship at ORCA also means the opportunity to meet and network with professionals and leaders in the many different environmental disciplines – scientists, engineers, policy makers, advocates, politicians, educators.
We offer a 1-year post-baccalaureate internship as staff time and funding allows. We currently have an open position in our Citizen Science and Education department. Click here for the position description. If you are interested in applying, please send your CV and why you are interested in working with our team to bgerovac@teamorca.org.
"I cannot speak enough to the value of my experience as an intern with ORCA. The uniquely interdisciplinary approach that ORCA takes to science makes its research engaging and relevant to a wide range of interests, allowing interns to tailor their experience around the areas they care about most. For a student with little or no professional background, a supportive and encouraging work environment makes a huge difference in one’s ability to learn, work hard, think critically, and improve. The team at ORCA has gone above and beyond in this way, providing support and advice to me long after the end of my internship. Having high expectations, as well as a great amount of respect and faith in their interns made my experience with them challenging and never dull. I felt I was exposed to all sides of their work-- from field research and lab work, to engagement with policy. Their research and the mentality they have while doing it is inspiring to me, and I left far more determined and better equipped to help the environment than I had been coming in."
Ella Merrill
2017
"I joined ORCA for the summer of 2017 with the help of the Environmental Fellow Program at the University of Michigan and the Schmidt Family Foundation. During my time here I’ve had the opportunity to do field work, assist with and conduct my own laboratory research, and attend public policy meetings with county commissioners and congressmen. I can think of few other entry-level positions that would afford me the same range of experiences in such a short period of time. At ORCA I can put my Masters in Marine Biology degree to good use, by seeking solutions for environmental problems affecting Florida citizens right now, such as the toxic algae blooms plaguing the St. Lucie River and Indian River Lagoon. Given the opportunity, I would be thrilled to continue my work at ORCA, and I hope that this chance can be offered to other young scientists."
Victioria Ruddle
2017
“ORCA has been an amazing experience, especially since this summer has been an extension from volunteering last summer. I learned more about my hometown’s waterways, and worked on developing monitoring mechanisms for these waterways. I experienced field work for the first time, and taught middle-school and high-school aged students on sediment collection and nutrient analysis. Education has always been a joy of mine, so teaching students about chemistry was a great experience. Thank you ORCA for providing me with the opportunity to apply and continue my chemistry education in a welcoming and dynamic lab!”
Jaeger Johnson
2019
“After hearing about ORCA’s One Health projects during a lecture at Berry College, I remember turning to my friend and saying ‘that’s exactly what I want to do!’ After interning here for three months, that feeling hasn’t changed. Working with ORCA has confirmed and even ignited my desire to seek positive change for people and the environment through real and applicable scientific research. It’s hard not to be inspired when working with such a highly motivated group of people-research staff and other! Each of whom have encouraged me and taught me everything from practical laboratory skills to skills I can take beyond the lab into my professional life. Even as I move on to the next big thing, I know I will always have the ORCA family.”
Hannah Atsma
2019
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Ocean Research & Conservation Association, Inc.
Mailing Address: PO Box 4291, Fort Pierce, FL 34948
Center for Citizen Science: 2515 Airport N Drive, Bldg B, Vero Beach, FL 32960
Engineering Office: 140 Tomahawk Drive, Unit 6, Indian Harbour Beach, FL 32937
P: 772.467.1600
ORCA is dedicated to the protection and restoration of aquatic ecosystems and the species they sustain through the development of innovative technologies, science-based conservation action and community education and outreach.
Please help support our mission.
ORCA is a non-profit, non-governmental conservation organization tax exempt under Section 501(c)(3) IRS. Contributions are tax-deductible.
COPYRIGHT © 2018-2022 OCEAN RESEARCH & CONSERVATION ASSOCIATION. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.