MARINE EDUCATION & RESEARCH INTERNSHIP
Since 2014, Sea Synergy has run a Summer Internship programme from May to September. This programme enables qualified individuals from Ireland and around the world to get hands-on experience volunteering at a Marine Awareness Centre. The internship provides them with the opportunity to support our Eco Tour leaders, assist with, and lead, beach workshops, carry out relevant research and to support our education and engagement programmes. Interns are encouraged to use their time with Sea Synergy to not only pursue their passion of the marine but also to help them choose which aspects of marine education, conservation, and research they might like to pursue in their professional careers.
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Interns must be able to attend one of two scheduled weeks of orientation, dates TBA. The internship will run from June to September 2025, applicants who can commit to longer periods of time will be given greater consideration.
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Sea Synergy is a Marine Awareness, Research and Activity Centre located in Cahersiveen on the picturesque Ring of Kerry and Wild Atlantic Way.
The company was set up by marine biologist Lucy Hunt in the summer of 2014 and has since won a national Marine Tourism Award, an Irish Responsible Tourism Award and been shortlisted for a Maritime Industry Award and an Ocean Heroes Award. We work closely with the local community, businesses and the Irish Government to raise awareness about the importance of Ireland’s marine wildlife.
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As an education & research intern, you will have the opportunity to:
- Educate the public about ocean health and the environment
- Supervise marine workshops on the beach
- Develop sea camp curriculum and activities for day camps
- Work with children and adults
- Develop research and survey programmes
- Record and organise data and report to relevant organisations
- Organise, supervise, and conduct local headland watches for marine mammals and birds
- Assist with our ongoing Oyster Project
- Provide talks/presentations on marine wildlife and survey involvement
- Support our Eco Tours on Lough Currane and the River Fertha.
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- Background in marine biology/environmental science or similar (for Education & Research position)
- Keen interest in marine conservation and education
- First Aid skills
- Be enthusiastic and possess a caring, patient & positive attitude, with a strong desire to learn
- Strong commitment to volunteer work
- Must be able use to use own initiative and have desire for independent actions/thoughts and work without continuous supervision
- Ability to work well in a team
- Confidence to interact with the public, especially children
- Excellent verbal and writing/reporting skills
- Good organizational and workload management skills
- Good IT skills
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- Strong interest in and knowledge of Irish marine biodiversity
- Previous experience snorkeling or scuba diving certificate
- Previous experience or teaching/coaching certificate in kayak, SUP, or other water sports
- Previous experience in public speaking
- Previous experience working with children
- Previous experience in survey work (e.g. headland watches, coastal surveys)
- Previous experience in data handling
- Ability to work long hours outdoors in variable weather
- Life saving and Advanced First Aid skills
- Have own transport
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- Live in one of the most beautiful parts of Ireland for the summer
- See some of Ireland’s amazing marine life on watches and surveys
- Snorkel, SUP and kayak in and on Ireland’s coastal waters
- Work with a like-minded and enthusiastic team
- Visit UNESCO world heritage site Skellig Michael
- Develop your skills in marine surveying, outreach, education and awareness
We are currently accepting applications for the summer of 2025 and would love to hear from you.