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Debris Free Oceans Paid Internship

Selected interns will commit to a 9-month program running from August 2025 through early May 2026. Scholars will begin with an intensive training and shadowing period, then take on leadership roles in outreach, education, and advocacy. 

Each scholar will be expected to independently lead educational and policy engagement activities and collaborate in pairs to host cleanups. 

Interns will be provided a $2,400 stipend to support personal expenses, subject to the intern’s timely submission of approved invoices. Each intern expected to commit approximately 16 hours per month, both remotely and in person, including time spent outdoors in the elements.  

Key Responsibilities 

  • Plan, coordinate, and co-lead 6 cleanups in Miami-Dade County (1 per Milestone Accomplishment Month) 
  • Represent DFO at 4 tabling events in Miami-Dade County (2 per semester) 
  • Coordinate and deliver 2 educational presentations on the plastic pollution crisis (1 per semester) 
  • Complete 2 policy engagement activities (1 per semester), such as: 
  • Speaking at a public meeting 
  • Launching a local petition or campaign 
  • Writing a letter or op-ed 
  • Transport and load/unload gear from storage location to event locations. 

Secondary Responsibilities 

  • Assist with collecting and organizing social media photo and video content. 
  • Support and/or attend other DFO programs and activities.  

Qualifications 

Applicants must be 18 years or older, eligible to work in the U.S., and enrolled in a college or university. A background in environmental science, marine biology, sustainability, conservation, ecology, or a related field is preferred. Excellent organizational and communication skills are essential, along with the ability to work independently and collaboratively in diverse community settings. Interns must have a reliable mode of transportation. Applicants will be expected to commit approximately 9 months during the 2025-26 Academic Year, use proficient speaking skills, and work a flexible, non-traditional, non-structured schedule. Selected candidates must uphold zero-waste principles across all facets of everyday life, including avoiding single-use plastics to the greatest extent possible.  

Physical Requirements 

The physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an intern to successfully perform essential functions. It is up to the applicant to gauge whether they are able to perform the physical requirements of this position prior to applying for the position. 

Requirements Include: 

  • Standing and sitting for extended periods of time while instructing and interacting with children and adults. 
  • Spending long periods of time in the sun and in a hot climate. 
  • Working long periods of time in rain or shine. 
  • Lifting and/or moving up to 50 pounds at a time. 
  • Handling and properly disposing of waste, including potentially unpleasant materials.  

Cleanup activities will be completed outside where the environmental elements of heat, rain, and bugs are present.  

How to Apply 

After reviewing the job description above, all interested applicants should complete the online application form by Monday, June 30, 2025.  

Interviews will take place beginning the week of July 7, 2025. Selected candidates will be notified and extended an offer by July 25, 2025. 

Please direct any questions to: 

Amanda Di Perna 

Program Manager, Debris Free Oceans              
amanda@debrisfreeoceans.org