Overview

The Billion Oyster Project summer Research Associate Technician Internship program is an exciting way for young adults who have completed high school to explore careers in marine, environmental education and engagement, and non-profit-related fields. Apply now to join the 2025 cohort!

Deadline to Apply: Feb 28, 2025

Salary: $19/hour

Start/End Dates: May 21, 2025 – August 23, 2025 (flexibility to start earlier and/or end later)

Job Application Link: https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/0111b3847e0a446283832f9f4fa98f33

Demographic Survey: https://forms.gle/X1YT2UAGwr5JM8bm8

To apply: Applicants (including high school graduates, college undergrads, and postgraduates) will need to submit a resume, short project idea, and cover letter via the enclosed link, addressed to the Public Outreach Program Manager.

What You’ll Do:

The Research Associate Technician interns will provide support to all the departments of Billion Oyster Project through a specific programmatic focus. See below for the programmatic focuses offered. Interns will also have the opportunity to engage with other departments outside of their focus to gain an understanding of an environmental non-profit. The Research Associate Technician will also be responsible for producing a research project* and presenting said project to Billion Oyster Project staff at the end of the season. As a Research Associate Technician intern, you will fully integrate into the organization, attending and reporting at staff-wide meetings and functions. All Research Associate Technicians will have on-site focus supervisors. The Public Outreach Program Manager manages the Research Associate Technician Program with oversight from the Director of Public Impact.

Please note that this program is designed to be a learning experience, and Billion Oyster Project will offer training and career mentorship. We understand that no candidate has 100% of the listed job qualifications. Therefore, we encourage you to apply for this position if you believe you can complete the responsibilities. We encourage anyone interested in or passionate about these programmatic focuses to apply.

  • Research Project Details

Throughout the summer as a Research Associate Technician intern at Billion Oyster Project, you will be expected to develop and present a final project or product that reflects your experience, interests, and skills. This project does not have to be a traditional research paper. Instead, it can take many forms, from creative storytelling to hands-on education tools, data analysis, or community engagement initiatives. Your project does not have to align with the specific department you’re working in, but it should meaningfully contribute to BOP’s mission. We encourage you to think outside the box and propose a project idea in your application that excites you!

Potential Project Ideas:

  • Creative & Artistic – Art installations, interactive exhibits, or multimedia storytelling about New York Harbor.
  • Educational & Outreach-Focused – An educational activity (i.e., card game), workshop, or hands-on activity to teach students or volunteers about marine life.
  • Science & Research-Based – Data visualization, biodiversity surveys, or water quality mapping.
  • Community Engagement & Policy – A social media campaign, event concept, or proposal to improve water access and restoration efforts.

When applying, you will be asked to include a brief idea for a potential final project—this does not have to be a fully formed plan, nor is it set in stone, but it should give us insight into how you’d like to contribute through your work as an intern.

Programmatic Focuses Include:

  • Community Reefs
  • Community Science
  • Donor Relations and Communications
  • Outdoor Learning
  • Public Outreach
  • Restoration Field Support
  • Volunteer and Fabrication
  • Finance and Operations

Read more about the roles here

The Internship Site:

  • Main locations –

Building 20, Nolan Park Governors Island, New York 10004

MAST Center 134 Carder Rd, Governors Island, New York 10004

  • Additional locations – Field Stations and ORS sites across New York Harbor

All Hands on Deck:

All interns will have the opportunity to docent at the Exhibit House, monitor oyster reefs, and collect data at our sites across the city. Additionally, interns will work together at large events such as the Billion Oyster Project Symposium, and City of Water Day.

Requirements Are:

  • Self-motivated, highly organized, upbeat, and flexible
  • Ability to work independently and in collaboration with all teams
  • Positive work ethic
  • Strong communication skills, including verbal, written, and public speaking
  • Strong time management and customer service skills
  • Proficiency in MS Office Suite and/or Google Suite
  • Some duties may require moving equipment or materials weighing up to 50 pounds
  • Some work will take place on boats, wading in the water, and on-shore in various weather conditions
  • Ability to work some weekends

The Ideal Candidate:

  • Familiar with marine science, environmental studies, and/or the maritime industry
  • Familiar with data management
  • Enjoys communicating with the public
  • Enjoys working with students, volunteers, and marine life
  • Ability to perform administrative tasks with an eye for detail
  • Enjoys working in and/or around the water and being outdoors for an extended time
  • Flexible to schedule changes
  • Experience teaching or providing informal instruction to children and/or adults (or willingness to learn)
  • Ability to travel with the crew on small vessels
Apply for job