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Shark Smart Internship

Organization Description: The Atlantic White Shark Conservancy (AWSC), established in 2012, is a non-profit organization whose mission is to support scientific research, educate the community, improve public safety, and inspire shark conservation.  

Position Summary: In 2019 the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy piloted it’s Shark Smart Beach Program at Lighthouse Beach in Chatham, MA. The program is designed to engage the public and generate awareness for white shark activity and promote public safety initiatives.  

The program has since expanded and is now a full Shark Smart Booth that travels to local beaches. The booth provides sun cover for interns and create an area where educational props and tools can be used to answer the public’s questions and engage beachgoers in conversations around shark activity.  
Throughout the summer, Shark Smart interns will also take on shifts at the Shark Center Chatham. This will provide the interns with an opportunity to see the take part in our museum education programs, and connect with their peers and other professionals within the organization. 

AWSC Interns will become more comfortable and confident teachers/presenters, gain outreach experience, and make valuable professional contacts for future scientific and/or educational endeavors. This internship position provides interns with the ability to design and execute an outreach program, all the while building skills in science communication. 

Internship Period and Schedule: The internship period is from June 5th through Labor Day. Interns work 30-34 hours per week, and for this internship will be required to work on weekends. 

Responsibilities: 
  • Present the Shark Smart Beach Program at various beaches around Cape Cod. 
  • Be responsible and maintain AWSC gear and education props when traveling to and from programs each day. 
  • Engage the public and answer questions related to white shark research and activity. 
  • Work with our partners to ensure a positive experience for visitors and host site partners. 
  • Provide regular summaries to the Education Director. 
  • Capture data from programs and use it to produce reports throughout the summer. 
  • Assist in staffing the Shark Center Chatham, helping to engage museum visitors. 
  • Other projects and tasks as needed. 

Qualifications: Applicants should be pursuing a degree in marine science, environmental conservation, education, or a related field. Must be self-motivated, personable, and hardworking, with an ability to interact effectively with staff and work both independently and collaboratively in a small nonprofit environment. CPR and First Aid are required, and if selected, interns are required to complete a criminal background check upon the time of hire. Candidates are required to have their own means of transportation for this position. 

Ideal candidates should have experience in and be looking to grow the following skills: 
  • Science communication 
  • Public speaking 
  • Ability to engage audiences of all demographics 
  • Ability to spend long days on their feet 
  • Ability to lift 30 lbs 

Training: All Interns will receive intensive and thorough training in marine science topics, education pedagogy and the work of the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy. Interns will also participate in a media training and will work with various AWSC staff during the training period. 

This is an unpaid internship, but housing is provided. AWSC will work with the candidate’s college or university to complete any paperwork if the candidate would like to earn college credit for this internship. Please visit the internship page to review the general information for all AWSC internships prior to completing the application.

Eligibility: Applicants must be enrolled in an accredited university or college program at the undergraduate or graduate level OR be a recent college graduate to be eligible to apply for an Atlantic White Shark Conservancy internship. Students must have a minimum GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.



The Atlantic White Shark Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages candidates of all backgrounds to apply. Diversity of opinions, experiences, and backgrounds is a key asset.