Overview
Few internships put college students this close to the work this fast. The New York Marine Rescue Center is the sole facility in New York State authorized to rehabilitate marine mammals and sea turtles — and its interns don't shadow from a distance. They assist staff biologists with live animal treatments, run public education programs, support field research, and help manage real rescue operations. Alumni have gone on to jobs in marine biology and admission to MS and PhD programs.
Three Internship Tracks
- Marine Mammal & Sea Turtle Rescue Team — The most hands-on track. Interns work directly alongside staff biologists on all response, treatment, and release activities. Daily duties include animal feeding and care, enclosure and facility maintenance, water quality testing, and assistance with medical treatments including blood analysis and data entry. Interns also support post-release satellite tagging research.
- Education — Interns work with education staff and volunteer docents to deliver lectures, tours, beach cleanups, mock strandings, and seal cruises. Beyond delivery, they contribute to developing new programs, presentations, and interactive exhibits for the rescue center — real curriculum development, not just program assistance.
- Operations/Marketing — Interns support day-to-day operations: coordinating with local businesses, organizing fundraising events, fielding public inquiries, and managing NYMRC's social media presence. Hands-on experience with Instagram, Facebook, and related platforms is required for this track.
Research Opportunities
College students interning for academic credit may pursue independent research projects. These require prior approval from senior NYMRC staff, alignment with the organization's mission, and a faculty advisor from the intern's home institution.
Who It's For
The college student who already knows the direction they're headed and needs substantive field experience to get there. This is not an introductory program — it's a next step for students with relevant coursework already behind them who are ready to work inside a real facility, with real animals, alongside working scientists. The emphasis on academic credit and post-internship outcomes makes it a strong fit for undergraduates in biology, environmental science, or veterinary science building toward a graduate program or a professional role in marine conservation.
Application & Eligibility
Applicants must be at least 18 and currently enrolled in a 2 or 4-year college or university, or a recent graduate. Relevant coursework in the area of interest is required. Priority goes to students earning academic credit. Interns must be able to lift 60 pounds, provide their own transportation and lodging, and manage the application process independently.
The internship is free and unpaid. Applications require letters of reference from a professor or employer, an official transcript, and a current resume. Submit to Jill Pryor at jpryor@nymarinerescue.org.
Internships run year-round with a minimum commitment of 120 hours at approximately 10 hours per week. Application deadlines by season:
- Fall — July 31
- Winter — October 31
- Spring — November 30
- Summer — March 31
Download the application at nymarinerescue.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Internship-Application.pdf, or learn more at nymarinerescue.org/education.