Artificial Reef Ecology and Field Intern

About the Role

Ocean Rescue Alliance International (ORAI) seeks a scientist for a full-year internship (with the option to extend) to monitor benthic recruitment, conduct research, and outplant coral on an artificial reef site deployed nearshore off the coast of Hollywood, Florida, starting in May 2025. This role offers unparalleled access to the artificial reef and habitat restoration industry, providing critical, real-world experience in coral restoration and ecological monitoring. ORAI will support the intern in obtaining additional compensation through grant writing and assist with meeting educational requirements or fulfilling course obligations.

Key Responsibilities

• Background research on best practices for equivalent artificial reef monitoring.
• Develop and lead monitoring of artificial reefs and adjacent hardbottom community, including:
• Benthic recruitment.
• Biodiversity.
• Outplant success.
• Fish usage.
• Help with rearing and study of octocoral for outplanting.
• Rigorously document all results.
• Submit research with the team in a peer-reviewed scientific journal.
• Development of a related research project is possible.
• Other opportunities may include hydrodynamic modeling and analysis, laboratory experimentation, educational outreach, and grant writing, depending on need and intern interest.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Master’s or PhD in a marine science field (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.
• Relocation assistance is not available.

Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in marine science. Alternative experience, education, and training may be considered in lieu of degree.
• Experience with Caribbean fish and coral.
• Diver (preferably an AAUS scientific diver).
• Experience with related statistical analysis.

How to Apply and Additional Information

• Submit a cover letter (required) and cv/resume.
• Relevant work samples (e.g., research papers, survey analysis) may be included.
• In your cover letter, 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 serve basis.
• For more information, contact [email protected] or [email protected].