Coral Reef Ecologist and Field Lead Intern, Artificial Reefs

Company Description Ocean Rescue Alliance International (ORAI) is a science-based marine conservation and restoration nonprofit that develops innovative techniques to restore ocean ecosystems. ORAI creates artificial reefs and marine infrastructure that enhance marine habitats, protect coastlines, and connect communities through art and education. Through solutions like OceanBridge and the Coral Rangers program, the organization focuses on healing oceans, inspiring environmental stewardship, and empowering communities to engage in conservation. ORAI advances scalable restoration of corals, oysters, mangroves, and seagrass while conducting cutting-edge research that supports the blue economy and marine innovation. Partnering with global organizations, ORAI aims to build thriving marine habitats and inspire future generations to protect the underwater world.

Role Description The Coral Reef Ecologist and Field Lead Intern, Artificial Reefs will support on-site marine restoration activities in Hollywood, FL. This internship role involves assisting with ecological surveys, monitoring artificial reef installations, and collecting field data on coral and associated marine species. The intern will help coordinate fieldwork logistics, maintain equipment, and ensure safety and data integrity during dives and coastal site visits. The ideal candidate has a background in marine science, is local to South Florida (relocation assistance is not available), is a diver (preferably an AAUS scientific diver), has worked with Caribbean fish and coral, and has experience with related statistical analysis. The main project involves monitoring benthic recruitment and fish abundance on artificial reefs and adjacent neighboring reefs/hardbottom. Additional work may include growing (in a newly established marine lab) and outplanting octocorals and monitoring success. The intern will be expected to publish results in a peer-reviewed scientific journal. Other opportunities within the organization are possible, depending on need and the intern’s interest. These may include, but are not limited to, hydrodynamic modeling and analysis, laboratory experimentation, educational outreach, grant writing, and more. Please include a cover letter and cv/resume with application materials. THIS IS A PART-TIME, unpaid role at the moment but there are funding opportunities. Most weeks do not require more than 5 hours of work so it is a great oppertunity while doing other work.

Qualifications:

· Bachelor's degree in marine science. Alternative experience, education and training may be considered in lieu of degree.

· Master's or PhD in marine science (or currently seeking degree).

·      Located in Southern Florida (required)

·      Experience conducting coral reef research, ecological monitoring, and/or coral restoration

·      AAUS diver preferred

·      Ability to identify Caribbean reef benthic species and fish

·      Experience conducting statistical analysis (R, Python, etc.)

·      Scientific publication experience preferred but not required

·      Passion for coral reefs and marine restoration.

·      Publication record in peer-reviewed journals is preferred but not required.

Primary Responsibilities:

·      Background research on best practices for equivalent artificial reef monitoring

·      Develop and lead monitoring (benthic recruitment, biodiversity, outplant success, and fish usage) of artificial reefs and adjacent hardbottom community

·      Help with rearing and study of octocoral for outplanting

·      Rigorously documenting all results

·      Submitting research with the team in a peer-reviewed scientific journal (required)

·      Development of a related research project is possible

How to Apply and Additional Information:

Please submit your resume or CV, cover letter (required), and any relevant work samples (e.g., research papers, survey analysis) via LinkedIn email directly to the addresses below. In your cover letter, please explain your interest in the intersection of marine restoration and highlight your experience with coral reef monitoring and research. Applications will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, contact admin@oceanrescuealliance.org or info@oceanrescuealliance.org.