2026 Marine Debris Internship

Location: Charleston, South Carolina

About the Project

Marine debris, such as plastics, derelict fishing gear, and other litter, threatens South Carolina’s coastal ecosystems, wildlife, and economy. The South Carolina Sea Grant Consortium works to confront this issue through research, education, outreach, and collaboration with local communities, government agencies, policymakers, and academic partners. Our marine debris initiatives focus on prevention, removal, and education to reduce pollution at its source.

The intern will contribute to the development of outreach products focused on marine debris prevention and removal, and will assist in the implementation of outreach events focused on marine debris topics. Learning opportunities include event planning and management, development of communications materials, curriculum development support, and virtual professional development sessions with a national cohort of interns. The intern will also have the opportunity to network with various S.C. Sea Grant Consortium staff and partners.

Eligibility

Applicants must be undergraduates attending a 2- or 4-year accredited university or college in South Carolina, or South Carolina residents attending university out-of-state.

Background and Commitments

The intern will support the following project activities including, but not limited to:

• Assisting with day-of logistics for a marine debris artwork showcase in Charleston, S.C. on June 13
• Assist with marine debris components of the SC Sea Grant Consortium’s Biannual Research Symposium on June 9-11
• Contribute to the development of marine debris prevention and removal outreach products including:
  • A marine debris game for K-12 educators
  • A list of microplastics science facts
  • A website and a StoryMap highlighting Consortium efforts in marine debris prevention and removal
• Contribute marine debris-focused content toward a World Ocean Month social media campaign in June

The internship is part-time (25 hours per week) and includes professional development opportunities. The intern is expected to participate in project team meetings and regular check-ins. The intern will work in the S.C. Sea Grant Consortium office (Charleston) and may require travel with Sea Grant personnel throughout South Carolina.

Time and Compensation

Approximately 25 hours per week for up to 12 weeks, May 18, 2026 – August 7, 2026.

Stipend: $5,000 (paid in three installments); with an additional travel/housing allowance of up to $1,000

How to Apply

• Contact and About You – Name, Address, Email and Phone number, School, Year status, Major selected (or “still deciding”)
• One-page resume
• Provide answers to these questions:
• • Introductory icebreaker – 2-3 sentences describing your background and interests
  • How does this internship advance your education and career goals? . (~250 words)
  • How will completion of this project benefit the community? . (~250 words each)
• One letter of support, either from a faculty member or instructor, a previous employer, or mentor

Applications close Friday, March 20.

Submit your full application to: applications@scseagrant.org.

Questions

Questions can be directed to Brooke Saari, Coastal Environmental Quality and Extension Services Specialist, at brooke.saari@scseagrant.org.

The S.C. Sea Grant Consortium is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status or other characteristics protected by law. South Carolina is making our veterans a priority for employment in state agencies and institutions. The S.C. Sea Grant Consortium participates in E-Verify.