Maryland Oyster Restoration Intern

About the Organization

The Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF), established in 1966, is the largest regional nonprofit conservation organization dedicated to saving the Chesapeake Bay, its rivers and streams, and the wildlife that call it home. Through education, advocacy, litigation, and restoration efforts, CBF works toward a vision of a healthy and resilient Chesapeake Bay ecosystem where people, plants, and animals thrive together. CBF has approximately 200 employees working across offices in Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Washington, D.C.

About the Department

The Advocacy and Restoration department defends and restores the Chesapeake Bay by protecting its natural resources from pollution, advocating for strong laws and regulations, restoring essential habitats, and engaging citizens in environmental efforts.

About the Role

The Maryland Oyster Restoration Intern will support CBF’s oyster restoration program and staff in Maryland. The role includes administrative tasks such as volunteer engagement and event planning, as well as significant fieldwork. The internship will take place approximately from September to November 2026, with negotiable start and end dates.

Responsibilities

• Assist with hands-on restoration activities, including oyster planting and shell recycling.
• Support management of volunteer events associated with the program.
• Provide general office and administrative support, including data entry, filing, and digital/material organization.
• Attend relevant meetings with CBF staff and restoration partners.
• Help manage the oyster gardening and shell recycling programs.
• Prepare materials for events, including advocacy asks, spat-on-shell, cages, and spreadsheets.

Requirements

• Currently enrolled in or a recent graduate of a degree-granting program (undergraduate or graduate).
• Degree in environmental science, biology, marine science, or a related field is preferred but not required.
• Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills; ability to work effectively with staff and volunteers, as well as independently.
• Previous experience with fieldwork and data collection is preferred but not required.
• Strong time management skills to handle multiple, concurrent projects.
• Familiarity with Excel, Word, and Outlook.
• Must have reliable daily transportation for travel within Maryland, including Anne Arundel County, Baltimore, the Eastern Shore, and Southern Maryland.
• Willingness to work some evenings and weekends.

Skills

• Creative thinker interested in learning about the Chesapeake Bay and furthering CBF’s mission to "Save the Bay."
• Self-starter with the ability to work independently.

Pay

$16 an hour.