Community Engagement Internship (Part-Time)

Miami ResilientSea Project Community Engagement Intern with Miami Waterkeeper 

Duration: June 2026-December 2026 (start date in early June preferred)

Pay: $20 per hour 

Hours: 20 hours per week (may vary depending on events)

Location: Miami, FL, with field work throughout Miami-Dade County

Application Deadline: May 11th 2026 

Organization Overview: Miami Waterkeeper is a proud partner of the Miami ResilientSea Project, a community-based habitat restoration and ocean conservation initiative based at the University of Miami. This collaborative project aims to build local stewardship and climate resilience through citizen and community science, with a particular focus on engaging frontline communities in Miami-Dade County.

Position Summary: Miami Waterkeeper is seeking a dedicated Community Engagement Intern to support our participation in the Miami ResilientSea Project. This internship offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in environmental justice, community outreach, and marine conservation.

Grant Information: This position is funded through a 3-year grant, with a new intern selected each year of the grant period. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Coordinate and secure locations for four cleanup events, including near-the-water coastal cleanups, Floating Classroom coastal cleanups, and on-the-water kayak cleanups
• Assist Miami Waterkeeper with volunteer events, Youth Education Programs, Community Engagement Initiatives, educational trainings and workshops, and more.
• Manage event logistics, including equipment, supplies, transportation, and safety protocols
• Develop and implement recruitment strategies to engage participants from frontline communities, including but not limited to Overtown, Liberty City, El Portal, and Opa Locka
• Facilitate citizen science activities during events, teaching participants to collect, identify, and track marine debris and measure water quality
• Educate participants about the history and importance of our watershed, current threats, and individual/community action steps
• Track and analyze impact metrics to evaluate program effectiveness
• Collaborate with community partner organizations such as S.M.A.S.H. and Urban Health Partnerships
• Adapt communication strategies and event logistics based on community feedback to ensure accessibility and relevance
• Collect content (pictures/videos) of events to be used for social media and grant reporting  
• Conduct a “social media takeover” during the events to highlight the work, partners, and volunteers involved
  • Social media takeover in collaboration with Resilient Sea, BWEEMS, and MWK's Instagram account
  • Social media takeover includes a minimum of 4 with videos/pictures with captions
• Host a hybrid presentation recapping your internship at MWK for Miami ResilientSea Project members (and open to the public) and highlighting any takeaways 
  • Share information about the partner organization and the ResilientSea project
  • Discuss activities that occurred during the internship

Qualifications:

• Be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident or a citizen of a U.S. territory
• Live within the Miami area or Florida (or can relocate)
• Current enrollment in or recent graduation from a degree program in Environmental Science, Marine Biology, Environmental Justice, Community Engagement, or a related field
• Strong interest in marine conservation, environmental justice, and community science
• Excellent organizational and communication skills
• Experience working with diverse or frontline communities preferred
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Proficiency with data collection and basic analysis
• Willingness to work some evenings and weekends for community events

Benefits:

• Hands-on experience in community-based environmental programming
• Networking opportunities with environmental professionals and community leaders
• Development of project management and leadership skills
• Contribution to meaningful work addressing environmental justice and climate resilience
• Mentorship from experienced environmental professionals

To Apply: Please complete the application form and email Erin Cover at [email protected] your resume/CV, and a cover letter (detailing previous experience, why you want to participate in the internship and how the internship will prepare you for your future endeavors) by May 11th, 2026. 

Miami Waterkeeper is committed to building an inclusive environmental movement that reflects the diversity of our community. We strongly encourage applications from candidates who will contribute to this mission.