Fishery Innovation Intern in Washington, District of Columbia at OCEANA INC

The Fishery Innovation intern works closely with Oceana’s U.S. Fisheries Innovation Director in support of Oceana’s U.S. campaigns that aim to reduce entanglement of whales in fishing gear. The intern will synthesize scientific, regulatory, industry, and stakeholder information; document where and how innovative systems are being tested or deployed; and evaluate potential to advance innovations in selected fisheries.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

Essential Functions:

• Research and compile information on innovative fishing gear technologies, including where and how they are being tested and used in U.S. fisheries.
• Research the regulatory context for innovative fishing gear across state and federal fisheries and summarize findings for staff.
• Assist Oceana with outreach to key decision makers and stakeholders, including drafting correspondence, scheduling and tracking meetings, and delivering materials.
• Support staff-led stakeholder interviews by helping prepare questions, taking notes, and asking follow-up questions.
• Contribute research and draft sections of a report on findings across U.S. fisheries.
• Update and maintain a database of testing results for innovative fishing gear.
• Other duties as needed.

Job Requirements

Education and work experience:

• Currently enrolled in a graduate program, or holder of a master’s or doctoral degree, in marine science, fisheries science, marine policy, environmental policy, natural resource management, public policy, or a closely related field.
• Experience in fisheries research or innovative fishing gear testing (volunteer or paid) preferred

Skills and knowledge:

Required competencies:

• Action oriented: Takes on new opportunities and tough challenges with a sense of urgency, high energy, and enthusiasm.
• Instills trust: gains the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, and authenticity.
• Collaborates: Brings people together to leverage their skills, talents, and knowledge to achieve a common purpose.
• Communicates effectively: Understands the value of effective communication.
• Ensures Accountability: Follows through on commitments and makes sure others do the same.

The salary range for this internship opportunity is $22.50-23.50 per hour.

Oceana values a diverse workforce and welcomes people different from each other in many ways, including characteristics such as race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, and national origin. Oceana considers all qualified candidates and seeks to recruit from a diverse candidate pool.

Oceana’s U.S. offices operate on a hybrid schedule, and staff are required to work from their assigned office on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. With agreement between the employee and their supervisor, the employee may work from home on Monday and Friday.

Please apply by October 30, 2026. Please include a cover letter and writing sample with your application.