SOUTH PADRE ISLAND — From conducting educational presentations to patrolling miles of the beach for nesting sea turtles, eight interns are selected each year to build their careers with Sea Turtle, Inc.
This week, the Island-based nonprofit organization launched its application for its next set of full-time interns.
According to Sea Turtle, Inc. representatives, the multi-disciplinary program aims to provide interns with experience in three aspects of sea turtle conservation — public education, nest conservation and sea turtle rehabilitation.
The internship begins March 15, 2020, and will end in August the same year.
Interns will spend 60 percent of their time working in Sea Turtle, Inc.’s educational complex.
Additionally, 30 percent of interns’ time will involve nest conservation-related work, such as monitoring relocated nests in a corral and assisting with hatchling releases.
The remaining 10 percent of interns’ time will be spent working in the facility’s rehabilitation center where interns will assist Sea Turtle, Inc. staff with daily rehab procedures and husbandry.
Housing will be provided on the Island for interns and they will receive a $35 per work day stipend.
The impact
“Although our internship is an entry level position, interns get a lot of experience in the six months they work here,” said Sea Turtle, Inc. Conservation and Internship Coordinator Mariana Devlin. “This experience, in turn, opens a lot of doors for other sea turtle related positions, graduate school or even veterinary school.”
Devlin said some Sea Turtle, Inc. interns later became PhD graduates, teachers and lecturers, lead biologists and assistant superintendents with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
Qualifications
Applicants must be 18 years of age or older and have a valid driver’s license.
Additionally, applicants must be college graduates in biological science, wildlife and fisheries science, environmental science or other related fields.
Non-degreed applicants are able to apply, but must be a junior or senior in college and are able to start the internship March 15.
Additionally, interns must be able to work in adverse weather conditions including high winds, direct sunlight, humidity and high heat.
The last day applicants can apply is Dec. 22.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
Sea Turtle, Inc. is seeking applicants for its 2020 internship program.
Eight interns will be selected and will be employed from March 15 to August.
Applicants must be college graduates in biological science, wildlife and fisheries science, environmental science or other related fields.
Non-degreed applicants may apply, but must be a junior or senior in college and are able to start their internship March 15.
To apply, applicants must send a cover letter and resume to Sea Turtle, Inc. Conservation/Internship Coordinator Mariana Devlin at [email protected]
