Seaside Sustainability (Nonprofit)

Marine Debris Trawls (Monthly): Using manta nets, interns collect and analyze microplastics from the water, following NOAA standards.. Green Crabs (Events Only): Data collection and removal of invasive crab species are carried out to protect native marine life and the local seafood industry.. BeBot (Weekly upon program start): The BeBot is an eco-friendly, remote-controlled beach-cleaning robot that sifts sand to remove trash and algae, enhancing beach environments without harming wildlife.. Conduct monthly marine debris trawls according to NOAA standards with Executive Director, Eric Magers, on Seaside Sustainability’s boat.. Pending program commencement, assist Coordinator and Executive Director Eric Magers weekly in maneuvering and controlling the BeBot to sift through the sand along the Cape Ann peninsula.

internship

In-person interns are essential to Seaside Sustainability’s hands-on programs running smoothly. These dedicated individuals play a pivotal role in ensuring the success of our organization's mission by taking on a wide range of responsibilities in and around the Gloucester, MA, area. Applicants who are available from August to October will be prioritized. Secondarily, we will prioritize those who can intern with us for a portion of the months during that time frame and are willing to complete their internship virtually either before or after their in-person internship.<ul><li>Seabin and Skimmer Management (Daily): Seabins are deployed to filter marine debris from the water, requiring regular emptying to ensure continuous operation and effectiveness in removing trash.</li><li>PixieDrone (Weekly): This device, which can operate autonomously or via remote control, is used to collect floating waste from water bodies, equipped with a video camera to monitor waste conditions and avoid obstacles.</li><li>Mudflat Acidification Testing (Weekly): Interns conduct tests on CO2 and pH levels in mudflats to understand their impact on marine life and the seafood market. Data collected is sent to Salem Sound Coastwatch for analysis.</li><li>Microplastics in Sand (Weekly): Research is conducted on the presence of microplastics in beach sand by sieving sand samples to separate microplastics from larger particles.</li><li>Coastal Cleanups (Biweekly): These cleanups help reduce marine debris accumulation. Interns organize and document the waste collected during these events.</li><li>Company Coastal Cleanups (Biweekly): Seaside Sustainability hosts cleanup events for companies, encouraging corporate teams to participate in environmental conservation activities.</li><li>Sunscreen Dispensers (Biweekly): Interns maintain sunscreen dispensers at local beaches, promoting skin cancer prevention among beachgoers.</li><li>Marine Debris Trawls (Monthly): Using manta nets, interns collect and analyze microplastics from the water, following NOAA standards.</li><li>Compostable in Marine Environment (Monthly): This project tests biodegradable plastics to evaluate their durability and environmental impact in marine settings.</li><li>Nurdle Patrol (As needed): Interns participate in citizen science projects to collect data on plastic pellets found on beaches, contributing to a broader understanding of microplastic pollution.</li><li>Independent Coastal Cleanups (As needed): Interns conduct cleanups independently or in small groups, focusing on reducing marine debris in specific areas.</li><li>Green Crabs (Events Only): Data collection and removal of invasive crab species are carried out to protect native marine life and the local seafood industry.</li><li>BeBot (Weekly upon program start): The BeBot is an eco-friendly, remote-controlled beach-cleaning robot that sifts sand to remove trash and algae, enhancing beach environments without harming wildlife. - (COMING SOON IN 2025)</li></ul> Job Responsibilities:We are seeking in-person interns to complete a minimum of 15 hours per week with Seaside Sustainability.  These interns will have some or all of the following responsibilities:<ul><li>Daily monitoring of two Seabin devices in Gloucester, MA, emptying and replacing mesh bags as necessary to ensure continued removal of marine debris from our waterways.</li><li>Assist Coordinator and Executive Director Eric Magers in maneuvering and controlling the PixieDrone.</li><li>Answer questions from onlookers about the PixieDrone as needed, such as what the device is, what it is used for, is it safe, etc.</li><li>Conduct acidification testing at four mudflat locations on the Cape Ann peninsula</li><li>Compile data from acidification tests for inclusion in a comprehensive database - possibly transmit the data to Salem Sound Coastwatch as well.</li><li>Conduct “Microplastics in Sand” tests and assist in running the activity for cleanup groups, teaching and demonstrating how much debris can be found buried in the sand.</li><li>Assist at biweekly Coastal Cleanup events by providing guidance, knowledge, and supplies to participants as needed.</li><li>Assist at biweekly Company Coastal Cleanup events by providing guidance, knowledge, and supplies to participants as needed.</li><li>Monitor sunscreen dispensers biweekly on Good Harbor Beach and refill as necessary.</li><li>Pending sunscreen dispenser placement, monitor dispensers on Wingaersheek Beach biweekly and refill as necessary.</li><li>Conduct monthly marine debris trawls according to NOAA standards with Executive Director, Eric Magers, on Seaside Sustainability’s boat.</li><li>Inspect, measure, and weigh debris collected from trawling activities to keep record of quantity and types of debris found in waterways.</li><li>Monitor “Compostable in Marine Environment” plastic monthly to determine if/when deterioration starts.</li><li>Conduct plastic pellet collections when time permits and report findings to nurdlepatrol.org to help create a database of microplastic findings in coastal Massachusetts.</li><li>Conduct independent coastal cleanups when needed or as time permits.</li><li>Assist in demonstrating crab traps during company events.</li><li>Pending program commencement, assist Coordinator and Executive Director Eric Magers weekly in maneuvering and controlling the BeBot to sift through the sand along the Cape Ann peninsula.</li><li>Keep an accurate record of worked hours to be reported weekly to Seaside Sustainability using Hours Tracker form.</li><li>Interns will help set up/break down equipment, as well as represent Seaside Sustainability at public events such as festivals, block parties, and farmers markets.</li><li>Interns will attend and represent Seaside Sustainability at state house legislation events in Boston.</li><li>Interns will have to be available on select weekends and evenings when necessary. </li></ul> Skills needed: <ul><li>Passionate and dedicated to making a difference in the environment.</li><li>Good communication skills.</li><li>Comfortable working both in teams and individually.</li><li>Good time management skills.</li><li>Willing to learn and work outside of their comfort zone.</li><li>Willing to work outdoors, in or around water and/or on a boat, and in inclement weather.</li><li>Ability to lift 50 pounds.</li></ul>

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