Summer Intern

The National Ocean Protection Coalition (NOPC) is a coalition of more than 50 organizations representing national, regional, and local perspectives from across the United States. We work to create and enhance equitable and effective U.S. marine protected areas – special places that serve as a refuge for the wildlife and help to ensure a healthy ocean for the benefit of people. We believe that marine protected areas work best when communities come together - across perspectives, industries, cultures and geographies - to design and move them forward in a way that combines local knowledge and values with robust scientific understanding.

NOPC is a fiscally sponsored project of Resources Legacy Fund (RLF). RLF builds alliances that advance bold solutions to secure a just and resilient world for people and nature. RLF partners with philanthropy, community groups, government, science, and business to promote smart policies and ensure equitable public funding for the environment, climate change resilience, and healthy communities. Across the American West and internationally, RLF manages complex, multi-year grantmaking programs and fiscally sponsored projects that accelerate change on environmental and equity issues. 

Position Summary

The National Ocean Protection Coalition (NOPC) seeks to create and strengthen Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in the United States. NOPC seeks a curious, motivated individual to join our team as an intern for an 8-10 week period. 

The intern will learn about MPAs, ocean policy, and ocean conservation while helping to support NOPC’s organizational goals of protecting key ocean spaces. Over the course of the internship, the intern will work with NOPC staff on their government relations, partner activities, administrative processes, and research projects. The intern will also work with external partners on a variety of projects that advance ocean conservation and protect existing MPAs. 

The 8-10 week internship has flexible start and end dates, but ideally running from late June-August. This is a fully remote position, with optional in-person events and meetings for DC-based individuals. This is a temporary, non-exempt role reporting to the Executive Director. 

As available and appropriate, the intern will:

• Help track legislation with implications for ocean protection, coastal and climate resilience, Tribal engagement, and environmental funding.
• Create and maintain toolkits, planning documents, fact sheets, and other materials to assist NOPC partners with amplifying and participating in advocacy.
• Support NOPC’s ongoing database and file management, assist with partner coordination, and other administrative tasks as assigned.
• Engage with NOPC’s efforts to protect existing MPAs, including supporting sanctuary appropriations.
• If DC-based, the intern may also attend in-person events, including Congressional hearings on ocean-related issues.

The ideal candidate for this entry-level position will be:

• Able to work remotely for 20-40 hours/week during Eastern Time. Some asynchronous work is possible, but availability during the East Coast business day is required. 
• Passionate about ocean conservation.
• Curious, motivated, and able to flexibly adapt to changing priorities.
• Capable of working effectively with small, nimble teams.
• An effective, professional communicator.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented.
• Proficient with G-suite applications such as Gmail, Google Drive, and Google Docs.

Commitment to Nondiscrimination

We are committed to providing a work environment free from discrimination, where all team members feel valued, respected, and included. We know that our work is enriched by the varied voices and perspectives of every staff and board member, so we are committed to making an earnest effort to recruit, welcome, train, develop, and retain talented individuals from all backgrounds. We believe that a welcoming culture expands our creative capacity to do our work and achieve greater outcomes for people and the natural world.

The NOPC Intern pay is $21/hour.

To Apply:

Please provide a resume and cover letter explaining how your skills fit this position.

Recruitment Schedule

5/19/25 – Recruitment launches

6/4/25 – Application deadline (applications received after this date may still be considered)

6/10/25 – Screening Interviews

RLF participates in E-Verify, potential candidates can review the information here and here.