NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries
West Coast Region
Ocean Policy
Host: Office of National Marine Sanctuaries (ONMS), a branch of NOAA, is responsible for managing 15 special marine protected areas designated by the federal government. The
West Coast Regional Office (WCRO) manages 15,333 square miles of marine protected areas around Channel Islands, Cordell Bank, Greater Farallones, Monterey Bay, and Olympic Coast. Each of the five west coast national marine sanctuaries is a jewel unto itself. Yet each sanctuary is intimately connected not only with the others, but also to the entire coast from Alaska to Baja and to the far reaches of the world ocean via ocean currents. The WCRO coordinates programs and initiatives that affect resources within and beyond the boundaries of the five west coast national marine sanctuaries to ensure natural and cultural resources are protected while allowing uses that are sustainable.
Location and Format: Based in Monterey (map) with possible travel within California. In-person participation highly preferred; option for hybrid/remote participation if WCRO staff are working remotely during the internship.
Internship Dates: June 3 - August 16, 2024
Stipend: $8,000
Time Commitment: The internship is a full time, 11-week commitment. Over the 11 weeks, the intern may take up to five days off for personal reasons, vacation or illness. If participation is less than 100%, the stipend will be prorated.
Position Description and Responsibilities: One internship (1) is offered with the WCRO to work side-by-side with the policy coordinator, policy analyst and other sanctuary staff on a project(s) focused on ocean policy. This could entail developing or working on outreach products and/or actions plans for a potential new national marine sanctuary designation; developing actions based on recommendations from a previous assessment of marine debris; or developing various outreach projects for a partnership with the US Forest Service. The intern would likely work on two of these three projects. For each of these projects, the individual will work closely with sanctuary staff.
Project Responsibilities: The intern may work on any of the projects listed below. It is reasonable that the intern may work on up to two of the projects simultaneously. Project selection will be based on the intern’s interests and sanctuary staff’s most pressing needs.
- Assist with key projects for a proposed new national marine sanctuary.
- In November 2021, ONMS initiated a process to consider designating a portion of waters along and offshore of the central coast of California as a new national marine sanctuary. The intern will assist staff in finalizing draft designation documents for this proposed sanctuary in summer 2024.
- The intern will develop an Indigenous heritage outreach product on the flora and fauna of the proposed sanctuary.
- Recommend a more detailed approach to implement wildlife disturbance and research and monitoring action plans for the proposed sanctuary.
- Develop content for a website for the proposed sanctuary, including various map products.
- Work with the Regional Policy Coordinator to develop various outreach products for a U.S. Forest Service/ONMS partnership.
- Outreach products may include display materials, a five-minute video on the partnership, and salmon-related outreach materials.
- Marine Debris across west coast sanctuaries.
The intern will work as an effective member of the WCRO by participating in regular meetings, and contributing to various reporting requirements (e.g., weekly accomplishment reports).
Preferred Experience and Capabilities: Skilled in environmental or biological science, environmental policies, and regulations of marine protected areas; ideally experienced in marine resource management. The successful candidate must be highly organized with the ability to work independently as well as within a team setting, and effectively communicate (orally, in person, on the phone, and in writing) with researchers, partners, and sanctuary colleagues. Also important is the ability to effectively manage multiple projects. Very strong writing skills are required.
Skills Gained: The intern will learn about how the U.S. manages its national marine sanctuaries, as well as how to incorporate complex scientific concepts into resource protection and management strategies. The intern will learn how to operate within a small professional office and interact with colleagues remotely, and possibly in person.
Eligibility/Requirements: This internship is geared toward upper class undergraduate (juniors and seniors) and graduate students. Intern must be at least 18 years old and a U.S. citizen. The intern must pass a federal background investigation, including fingerprints. The intern must be able to work independently and interact in a professional manner with WCRO and sanctuary staff, and partners throughout California. Travel within California may be necessary. Applicants are also subject to general eligibility requirements.
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