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.

Current Openings

RESEARCH INTERN

The Research Intern position is a 3 month-long internship designed for degree-seeking or graduate students who are interested in gaining more experience in their related science field (marine science, microbiology, marine biology, environmental science, habitat restoration, and conservation) through an internship with the Ocean Research & Conservation Association (ORCA).  Interns will assist with ongoing research projects, including laboratory and field work, with particular attention and emphasis on the One Health Fish Monitoring Citizen Science project.  Interns will gain valuable hands-on experience as they are fully immersed in ORCA’s research and citizen science programs.  If necessary, we can structure the internship position to meet specific university requirements for credit. This is a paid internship which requires a commitment of 40 hours per week for at least 12 weeks in the summer. The goal of the internship is to gain experience in collaboration, literature review, data collection and analyses, and dissemination of results while working as part of a productive research team.

Please note: ORCA is unable to offer housing as part of our internship.

 If you are interested in applying, please send your CV and why you are interested in working with our team to mweiss@teamorca.org.