Marine Debris Program Graduate Assistant Internship

Are you looking for a paid internship that will prepare you for a career in environmental quality? Passionate about clean coastal lands and waterways? Interested in being part of a team developing outreach programs about marine debris, microplastics, and associated issues in coastal South Carolina? If yes, then this position is for you!

About the Position

The S.C. Sea Grant Consortium is seeking a part-time Graduate Assistant to assist the Coastal Environmental Quality Program Specialist with marine debris programming. As part of this position, you will participate in a well-rounded set of tasks and activities with Consortium staff and partners. These include marine debris program coordination and marketing, event planning and implementation, stakeholder engagement, data collection and analysis, curriculum development, social media campaigns, and various grant-related outreach deliverables.

The Consortium, based in Charleston, S.C., is a state agency established to manage the Sea Grant College Program for South Carolina. The Consortium’s mission is to generate and provide science-based information on issues and opportunities to improve the social and economic well-being of coastal residents while ensuring the optimal use and conservation of marine and coastal natural resources.

If applicable, you will also be provided an opportunity to conduct a thesis project as part of the engagement and extension work.

Job Duties

• Coordinate program logistics, communication, and meeting planning.
• Contribute to project literature reviews and end user assessments.
• Collaborate with the team to develop content for project webpages, story maps, and other communications materials.
• Provide support on project outreach and engagement activities, including but not limited to clean up events, education events, and community festivals.
• Use primary and secondary data to characterize marine debris concentrations and removal successes.
• Assist in the development and management of workshops and trainings.
• Participate in the authoring of final project reports and deliverables.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

This position requires current enrollment or acceptance into a graduate degree program at an accredited university or college in South Carolina. Candidates will have a well-rounded environmental studies background, experience or a keen interest in extension and outreach programs, strong interpersonal and written communication skills, an ability to coordinate groups and teams of people, superior organizational capability, and a willingness to assist with project as needed.

Position Type

Part-Time, temporary, $20/hour. This position is funded through July 2027.

Work Location and Hours

20 hours/week year-round. This position is based in Charleston, South Carolina. Some regional travel may be required. Valid driver’s license required.

How to Apply

Your application should include:

• A cover letter explaining your interest in the internship and how it will be beneficial to your academic and career goals
• Your resume or CV
• The name of your major and/or mentor professor

Please email your application with the subject heading: “Marine Debris Graduate Assistant Application” to: applications@scseagrant.org. Applications close April 16.

For questions, contact Brooke Saari, Brooke.Saari@scseagrant.org.

This position will remain open until a suitable candidate is found. No phone calls please.

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.