Sea Otter Research Intern (July - December 2026)

Monterey Bay Aquarium

Monterey Bay Aquarium

Monterey, CA, USA

USD 18-18 / hour

Posted on May 1, 2026

At the Monterey Bay Aquarium, we are passionate about creating an inclusive workplace that celebrates and values diversity. We firmly believe that having a team of diverse backgrounds and voices working together increases our capacity to serve our visitors and fulfill our mission. We welcome people from all walks of life into our team and strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, veterans, and people with disabilities to apply.

Job Summary:

For more than 30 years, the Monterey Bay Aquarium has been a key contributor to sea otter recovery in California. Aquarium researchers and policy experts have advanced scientific knowledge, promoted improved management, and raised public awareness of the contributions sea otters make to healthy coastal ecosystems. The Sea Otter Program operates within the Conservation & Science division and strives to understand the health of the wild otter population and to restore southern sea otters along the central California coast.

The Sea Otter Program is seeking enthusiastic and motivated individuals to assist staff with field observations and data collection of wild and previously rehabilitated sea otters along the Monterey Peninsula and other parts of coastal, central California.

Core Responsibilities

Project responsibilities include, but are not limited to, data collection from shore and occasionally on a small boat using radio telemetry equipment and making visual observations with spotting scopes. Will record daily re-sights, movement patterns, forage observations, and activity budget data on marked individual sea otters. Will also assist with sea otter population monitoring and reporting. A project-based report will be required at the end of the internship.

Qualified applicants must be able to work in a team environment, as well as independently without direct supervision, and must have good communication skills.

Skills / Knowledge / Ability / Experience or Education/Absolutely Required

  • At least 18 years of age
  • Current student or recent graduate (1 year post-graduation) at an accredited college, university, tech, or trade school
  • Must submit a resume of courses and/or experience related to the position applying for
  • Must provide a minimum of 2 letters of recommendation
  • Must be in good academic standing
  • Six-month commitment of 24 hours each week
  • Must have or obtain a valid California driver’s license within one month of starting internship
  • Must have a personal vehicle to use while in the field
  • Must have a cell phone
  • Willingness to perform project task assignments on a flexible schedule, including weekends
  • Able to lift up to 50 pounds and walk short distances over hilly terrain
  • Willingness to stand out in the elements for up to 8 hours at a time
  • Previous experience in a fieldwork setting or behavioral data collection, including coursework
  • A project-based report will be required at the end of the internship

Desired Skills / Knowledge / Ability / Experience or Education

  • Strong interest in animal behavior, natural history, and marine science/ecology
  • Experience in education and outreach for the general public
  • Attention to detail
  • Ability to multitask
  • Good organizational skills
  • Interpersonal skills and proven ability to work effectively with colleagues
  • Ability to work independently with minimal direct supervision
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications
  • Familiarity with ArcGIS and R is a plus

This Internship Program is a paid STEM Internship opportunity. Pay rate of $18.00 USD per hour. Housing will be provided.

College credit may also be available. Please refer to your College/University's student services division.

Early submission of applications is encouraged.

The deadline to apply to this opportunity is May 15, 2026 at 12pm PST.

See more open positions at Monterey Bay Aquarium