Internships
SDOF strives to give young adults the tools and inspiration needed to become ocean stewards and realize that they CAN make a difference. Interns gain experience and insight into the non-profit world. They participate in hands-on projects, implement their own programs and work with other SDOF volunteers.While SDOF staff is involved and provides direction for students, interns are allowed creative freedom in many of the projects and activities they are assigned. We believe this gives students a "real world" work experience, teaches them responsibility and gives them ownership of their work. The more enthusiastic and creative an intern is, the more rewarding and exciting an SDOF internship will be.
Internship Descriptions
Internships are not limited to one program, though if an intern has a strong interest in a specific aspect of a program, we can tailor internship activities. Of course, there is always the opportunity to expand responsibilities into other programs within the organization.White Seabass Restoration Program
Interns will help to maintain the White Seabass grow-out facilities, including occasional repair work and cleaning. Weekly responsibilities include food pickup and delivery (must be able to lift 50 lb bags), volunteer data entry, and feeding the fish. Other duties include maintaining the online fisheries database, recording volunteer hours, and writing monthly newsletter updates. Intern will be able to participate in "release events" and can also help design and plan volunteer appreciation events.Canyon Watch
Interns will help to establish, publicize, and recruit Canyon Watch volunteers. Weekly responsibilities include making and distributing fliers to neighborhoods (with volunteers), writing monthly newsletter updates, and maintaining canyon databases. Interns will also monitor several canyons regularly and submit field reports on findings.Reef Monitoring Project
Interns will help with quarterly REEF identification training classes (held on weekends), volunteer data entry, and plan and participate in Reef continuing education classes. If the intern is a snorkeler or SCUBA diver, they will be able to participate in the program by completing underwater fish surveys. SCUBA certified interns also have the opportunity to participate in White Seabass pen cleanings with other volunteer divers.Storm Drain Stenciling
SDOF organizes quarterly storm drain stenciling events for volunteers. Interns will be responsible for mapping storm drains, preparing stenciling kits and volunteer materials, and participate in stenciling.Ocean In Motion (summer internships only)
Interns will be responsible for helping with snorkeling trips, which includes preparing and sizing snorkeling gear, helping kids get in their gear, helping to teach basic snorkeling procedures, and snorkeling with kids during the program. Program includes handling and providing information about critters found during the trip. Interns will also help further develop the educational portion of the program (making informational posters and diagrams), attracting volunteers to help supervise the kids, and writing monthly newsletter updates.Interns must be in good physical shape (1 hour of snorkeling) and be able to assist in supervision of the kids. Child education and CPR or lifesaving experience is a plus.
Membership and Fundraising
As a non-profit organization, the SDOF is supported largely by business and individual donations, while our dedicated volunteers support and ensure the success of our programs with their time. Thus, there is a constant need for membership donations and volunteer solicitation. In return for this investment SDOF hosts appreciation events to recognize supporter efforts. Intern duties include calling past members for membership renewal, maintaining membership database, volunteer follow-up, and making membership and volunteer fliers for distribution. SDOF also hosts four annual fundraisers, which requires a lot of preparation and planning, which the intern will be able to partake in.Intern Qualifications
We are looking for interns who are organized, responsible and reliable. Excellent writing and communication skills are necessary, along with the ability to design fliers and forms. Computer skills are essential; intern should know how to use Word, Excel, Publisher and Photoshop or Illustrator. Self-motivated, organized and friendly individuals who can work well with little supervision are desired. Creativity and imagination are a plus!A minimum commitment of 8 hours per week is required, but more is always welcomed!