Intern with the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy
Our internships provide college students, or recent graduates, an opportunity to gain valuable experience in shark conservation and education.
All of our 2024 internship positions have been filled.
We will post positions for 2025 in January of 2025.
INTERNSHIP Program INFORMATION
Duration
Interns will begin their experience on June 3rd, 2024 and will be on Cape Cod with us until Labor Day. We ask interns to make this time commitment, but understand with school schedules that some candidates may need to leave prior to Labor Day.
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.
Financial Support
The positions offered by the AWSC College Intern Program are unpaid.
Housing
AWSC provides housing for interns.
Local Transportation
Interns are required to provide their own means of transportation. For our Shark Smart internship positions, a car is required. For other positions, interns can use local public transit, or we recommend biking.
Please plan accordingly for how you will get around the area as the Cape is larger than most people think. If you don’t have a car, you will need to depend on biking or local transit to get to the grocery store, laundromat, and work.
One of our 2023 interns shared this about her experience biking, “The biking worked out great for me during the summer. I was able to get to work in about 15 minutes and when it got really hot out, I just brought a change of clothes to the center. The bikes were also great for getting to the nearby beach or the shaved ice place by the cottage. The area is pretty hilly, but after a few weeks you develop the muscle and it's not so bad.”
Internship Areas and Intern Duties
Job descriptions for each of the available internship positions can be found below. Interns normally work 30-34 hours per week and follow center and field work rules of safety and regulation. Occasionally longer hours, weekends and/or nights may be required. Dress for most internships is casual with appropriate center or laboratory/field apparel and footwear. Positions in some divisions may require more professional attire.
Application Procedure
Applicants must complete the online application form. As part of their online application all interns must upload a resume or CV.
More detailed instructions for preparing and submitting these materials are provided on the application page.
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.
Testimonials
From Cole, Shark Smart Intern 2021
From Haley, Shark Center Intern 2021
“This internship was such a blast and I learned so much. Specifically how to communicate science effectively, especially with different age groups. It can be hard when you are approached by a family with a wide range of ages and keep everyone engaged and walk away learning something. I also learned how to listen to your audience and make them feel a part of the conversation as well.” -Emma, Shark Smart Intern 2023
AWSC 2024 Internship Positions
All of our 2024 internship positions have been filled.
We will post positions for 2025 in January of 2025.
EDUCATION PROGRAM INTERN
The AWSC Education Programs Intern will play a critical role in delivering our mission to participants in our education and outreach programs. In this position, the Education Intern will assist at the AWSC summer programs, outreach events, and Shark Center programs, and will also be a naturalist onboard one of our ecotourism boats, working in collaboration with Chatham Bars Inn.
SHARK SMART INTERN
The Shark Smart Internship is designed to engage the public and generate awareness for white shark activity and promote public safety initiatives. With a Shark Smart Booth, interns will travel to local beaches where educational props and tools can be used to answer the public’s questions and engage beachgoers in conversations about 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 and take part in our museum education programs, and connect with their peers and other professionals within the organization.
SHARK CENTER EDUCATION INTERN
The AWSC Shark Center Education Intern will play a critical role in delivering our mission to participants in our education and ecotourism programs, as well as expanding our reach through merchandise. In this position, the Education Intern will engage visitors at the Shark Center, assist in daily operations of both the Shark Center and merchandise sales, and will lead one of our ecotourism programs.
If you have questions about any of the above positions, or the application process, please send an email to Kristen Smith, Community Engagement Manager.