Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Management Plan Review Internship

Host: Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary (MBNMS) is one of 14 special marine protected areas designated and administered by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries. MBNMS manages diverse and productive marine ecosystems through a combination of regulatory and non-regulatory programs. MBNMS programs focus on conducting and coordinating research and monitoring, organizing and carrying out education and outreach within local communities, and, most importantly, ensuring natural resources are protected while allowing uses that are sustainable.

Location: Monterey

Internship Dates: June 6 - August 19, 2016; start and end dates flexible with regard to student’s academic commitments.

Stipend: $4,000.00

Time Commitment: The internship is a full time, 11-week commitment. Over the 11 weeks, the intern may take up to five days off for personal reasons, vacation or illness. If participation is less than 100%, the stipend will be pro-rated.

Internship Focus:The MBNMS’s current Management Plan, a collaborative document that provides important guidance for sanctuary programs and operations, was published in 2008 and is currently being reviewed and revised through the Management Plan Review (MPR) process. The new Management Plan (MP), when finalized, will reflect new partners, new issues and new opportunities that have emerged since the 2008 MP, and will ensure that the MBNMS's natural and cultural resources are better understood and continue to be protected through management informed by current knowledge. One (1) internship is offered with MBNMS to work on one or more of the following tasks in support of the MPR and the ultimate development of the 2016 Draft Management Plan:

1. MPR Sanctuary Advisory Council workshop coordination: At the February 19, 2016, Sanctuary Advisory Council meeting, the Council will identify topics on which they feel they need short, 2-3 hour workshops for to better enable them to provide advice to sanctuary management. The intern will work with staff to coordinate these short workshops (contact identified speakers, administrative logistics).
2. MPR Staff workshop coordination: As per above, there may be 1-4 topics which will require half or full-day workshops. The intern will work with staff to coordinate these one-day workshops (contact identified speakers, administrative logistics, develop print materials as required).
3. MPR Draft Action Plan Development: The intern will work with management and staff to develop and/or edit some of the introductory elements from the 2008 MBNMS management plan in preparation for the 2016 Draft Management Plan.
4. MPR Draft Management Plan outreach preparation: The intern will work with staff to develop fact sheets and background information for the MBNMS website for each topic covered in the management plan as well as update templates for future development of informational posters.

Position Description and Responsibilities:

1. Work with the Deputy Superintendent and Sanctuary Advisory Council Coordinator to coordinate the development of short topical workshops related to MBNMS’ MPR for the 2016 Council calendar.
2. Work with the Deputy Superintendent and Sanctuary Advisory Council Coordinator to coordinate/organize 1-4 topical workshops for late summer or fall. The intern does not need not attend the workshops if scheduled past the end of the internship.
3. Write/edit selected, non-technical portions of the MBNMS 2016 draft management plan.
4. Develop a variety of outreach materials for use in the MPR process.

Preferred Experience and Capabilities: Experience or academic training in resource management or habitat protection. The successful candidate must be highly organized with the ability to work independently as well as within a team setting, and able to effectively communicate (orally and in writing). Ideal candidates should be self-motivated, creative, innovative, and comfortable working with a diverse team in a collaborative environment. Also important is the ability to effectively manage multiple projects, and enthusiasm about marine science, stewardship and conservation. Proficiency in using computers is essential and familiarity with Mac computers a plus, as is graphic design experience.

Skills Gained: The intern will learn about management plan review efforts underway at MBNMS, and gain an understanding of the how NOAA Sanctuary Management Plans support resource management and how they are developed in a public process. Additionally, the intern will gain experience in the development of public outreach materials, working with a small team, and working independently to plan and create a product to enhance sanctuary conservation. Intern will learn how to operate within a small professional office and interact with management and operational staff.

Eligibility/Requirements: The internship is intended for an upper-class undergraduate student (juniors/seniors) or graduate student, in good academic standing with their university. A valid California State driver’s license is required. Intern must be 18 years or older.

Applicants are also subject to additional eligibility and requirements that can be found here.

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