NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries​

West Coast Region​​​​​

Ocean Policy Internship​

Host: NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctua​ries​, West Coast Regional Office​ 

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Office of National Marine Sanctuaries​​ (ONMS), is responsible for managing 15 special marine protected areas designated by the federal government. The West Coast Regional Office​ (WCRO) manages 15,333 square miles of marine protected areas around Channel Islands, Cordell Bank, Greater Farallones, Monterey Bay, and Olympic Coast. Each of the five west coast national marine sanctuaries is a jewel unto itself. Yet each sanctuary is intimately connected not only with the others, but also to the entire coast from Alaska to Baja and to the far reaches of the world ocean via ocean currents. The WCRO coordinates programs and initiatives that affect resources within and beyond the boundaries of the five west coast national marine sanctuaries to ensure natural and cultural resources are protected while allowing uses that are sustainable.  

Location: Monterey, CA (map)

Format: In-person (or hybrid)  

Internship Dates: June 2 - August 15, 2025

Stipend: $8,000​

Time Commitment: The internship is a full time (40hr/week), 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 prorated.

Position Description and Responsibilities: WCRO is looking for one (1) intern to work with the new Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary to work side-by-side with the new staff on a project(s) focused on ocean education, policy, and science. This could entail developing or working on implementing one or more of the sanctuary’s actions plans; assisting with establishing a Sanctuary Advisory Council; or developing various outreach products. The intern would likely work on two of these projects. For each of these projects, the individual will work closely with sanctuary staff.      

The intern may work on any of the projects listed below. It is reasonable that the intern may work on up to two of the projects simultaneously. Project selection will be based on the intern’s interests and sanctuary staff’s most pressing needs. Projects the intern may work on may be:​

1. Assist with key projects for the new national marine sanctuary: 

• In November 2024, ONMS designated a portion of waters along and offshore of the central coast of California as a new national marine sanctuary. The intern will assist staff in implementation of the Final Management Plan in summer 2025. See: https://nmssanctuaries.blob.core.windows.net/sanctuaries-prod/media/chumash/2024-chnms-final-management-plan.pdf.  
• Develop content for the website, including various map products.
  

2. Work with staff to develop various outreach products. 

• Outreach products may include display materials, a five-minute video on recreation and tourism and wildlife viewing etiquette.

3. Sanctuary Advisory Council Meetings

• Assist the team in planning for and executing SAC meetings and subgroup meetings, including preparing agendas and presentation materials, and logistics. 

4. Conduct an inventory of water quality organizations and monitoring programs and assess information on jurisdictional water quality authorities, roles, and responsibilities in line with Activity WQ-2.1 of the Water Quality Action Plan in CHNMS’s final management plan. 

• Build upon existing coastal constituency profile and regional programs with WQ organizations and monitoring programs. 
• Create a brief guide to understand the jurisdictional WQ authorities in the region. Outline their spatial jurisdiction, authorities level, role, responsibilities. Assess gaps in spatial coverage, similarities in roles, responsibilities, etc.
• Determine how water quality organizations and monitoring programs communicate and share information by contacting program leads. 
• Provide a recommendation if creating a  regional coordinating committee is needed.
  

The intern will work as an effective member of the CHNMS Team by participating in regular meetings, and contributing to various reporting requirements (e.g., weekly accomplishment reports).​

Preferred Experience and Capabilities: Skilled in environmental or biological science, environmental policies, and regulations of marine protected areas; ideally experienced in marine resource management. The successful candidate must be highly organized with the ability to work independently as well as within a team setting, and effectively communicate (orally, in person, on the phone, and in writing) with researchers, partners, and sanctuary colleagues. Also important is the ability to effectively manage multiple projects. Very strong writing skills are required. 

Skills Gained: The intern will learn about how the U.S. manages its national marine sanctuaries, as well as how to incorporate complex scientific concepts into resource protection and management strategies. The intern will learn how to operate within a small professional office and interact with colleagues remotely, and possibly in person.

Eligibility/Requirements: This internship is geared toward upper class undergraduate (juniors and seniors) and graduate students. Intern must be at least 18 years old and a U.S. citizen. The intern must pass a federal background investigation, including fingerprints. The intern must be able to work independently and interact in a professional manner with WCRO and sanctuary staff, and partners throughout California. Travel within California may be necessary. Applicants are also subject to general eligibility requirements​​.