Billion Oyster Project - Shell Collection Station in 640 Craig Road South - Hiring Now

Research Associate

10 hours ago

$18–$19 hourly

Part-time

Manhattan, New York

The Billion Oyster Project summer Research Associate Technician Internship program is an exciting way for young adults who have completed high school to explore careers in marine, environmental education and engagement, and non-profit-related fields. Apply now to join the 2025 cohort! Deadline to Apply: Feb 28, 2025 Salary: $19/hour Start/End Dates: May 21, 2025 - August 23, 2025 (flexibility to start earlier and/or end later) To apply: Applicants (including high school graduates, college undergrads, and postgraduates) will need to submit a resume, short project idea, and cover letter via the enclosed link, addressed to the Public Outreach Program Manager. What You’ll Do: The Research Associate Technician interns will provide support to all the departments of Billion Oyster Project through a specific programmatic focus. See below for the programmatic focuses offered. Interns will also have the opportunity to engage with other departments outside of their focus to gain an understanding of an environmental non-profit. The Research Associate Technician will also be responsible for producing a research project* and presenting said project to Billion Oyster Project staff at the end of the season. As a Research Associate Technician intern, you will fully integrate into the organization, attending and reporting at staff-wide meetings and functions. All Research Associate Technicians will have on-site focus supervisors. The Public Outreach Program Manager manages the Research Associate Technician Program with oversight from the Director of Public Impact. Please note that this program is designed to be a learning experience, and Billion Oyster Project will offer training and career mentorship. We understand that no candidate has 100% of the listed job qualifications. Therefore, we encourage you to apply for this position if you believe you can complete the responsibilities. We encourage anyone interested in or passionate about these programmatic focuses to apply. *Research Project Details Throughout the summer as a Research Associate Technician intern at Billion Oyster Project, you will be expected to develop and present a final project or product that reflects your experience, interests, and skills. This project does not have to be a traditional research paper. Instead, it can take many forms, from creative storytelling to hands-on education tools, data analysis, or community engagement initiatives. Your project does not have to align with the specific department you’re working in, but it should meaningfully contribute to BOP’s mission. We encourage you to think outside the box and propose a project idea in your application that excites you! Potential Project Ideas: Creative & Artistic – Art installations, interactive exhibits, or multimedia storytelling about New York Harbor. Educational & Outreach-Focused – An educational activity (i.e., card game), workshop, or hands-on activity to teach students or volunteers about marine life. Science & Research-Based – Data visualization, biodiversity surveys, or water quality mapping. Community Engagement & Policy – A social media campaign, event concept, or proposal to improve water access and restoration efforts. When applying, you will be asked to include a brief idea for a potential final project—this does not have to be a fully formed plan, nor is it set in stone, but it should give us insight into how you’d like to contribute through your work as an intern. The Internship Site: ● Main locations – Building 20, Nolan Park Governors Island, New York 10004 MAST Center 134 Carder Rd, Governors Island, New York 10004 ● Additional locations – Field Stations and ORS sites across New York Harbor Billion Oyster Project Programmatic Focus: Candidates should provide their Programmatic Focus choices via the application form. Community Reefs Assist with hands-on fieldwork at community reefs throughout New York City, supporting the maintenance, monitoring, and engagement activities that help connect local communities to oyster restoration efforts. Lead and support public education initiatives at community reef sites, facilitating engaging and ecology-based learning experiences for youth groups, community organizations, and the general public. Conduct outreach and relationship-building with community-based organizations (CBOs), helping to foster long-term collaborations that promote environmental stewardship and shared learning. Represent the Billion Oyster Project at community events, meetings, and waterfront programming, assisting in presentations and discussions that advocate for local restoration projects and sustainable harbor initiatives. Provide logistical and operational support for programming at field stations, ensuring that materials, volunteers, and participants are properly coordinated for hands-on restoration and learning activities. Notes on this role: This role requires flexibility in scheduling, as work may be done in multiple locations in NYC, including Governors Island, Brooklyn sites, and other waterfront communities. Interns should be comfortable working outdoors in various weather conditions and engaging with diverse audiences, including students, families, and local organizations. Interns will work 32 hours per week, with some weekend and evening commitments based on event schedules and community needs. Community Science Assist with collecting and processing water quality samples at the Williamsburg Field Station Lab, ensuring that data is accurately recorded and analyzed to support ongoing research and community-based monitoring efforts. Support the Oyster Research Station (ORS) program by helping with the installation, maintenance, and monitoring of ORS cages and assisting with data collection and organization to track oyster growth, survivorship, and environmental conditions. Engage with students, teachers, and community members participating in the ORS Program, providing training and guidance on data collection protocols while fostering a deeper understanding of oyster restoration and its role in improving harbor ecosystems. Participate in the Community Water Quality Testing (CWQT) Program by assisting with training sessions, field sampling, and data quality control to ensure community scientists follow established procedures when testing harbor water for bacteria levels. Represent Billion Oyster Project at community engagement events, lab presentations, and public outreach programs, helping to communicate key scientific concepts and findings to a broad audience while promoting citizen science initiatives. Notes on this role: This role requires a mix of laboratory work, fieldwork, and community engagement. Activities occur at the Williamsburg Field Station and various waterfront locations across NYC. Interns should have strong organizational skills, an interest in environmental science and community-based research, and be comfortable with public speaking and customer service interactions. Interns will work 32 hours per week, including Tuesdays through Saturdays, varying hours depending on fieldwork and community event needs. Donor Relations and Communications Collaborate with the Development and Communications teams to support donor engagement strategies, assisting with donor research and qualification, outreach initiatives, and stewardship efforts Assist with marketing and communications efforts by drafting compelling copy for digital media, including social media posts, newsletters, campaigns, and website updates. Ensure that all messaging aligns with Billion Oyster Project’s mission and branding. Support the management of donor data and communications assets by updating BOP’s CRM database, organizing media files, and ensuring effective use of digital tools. Research digital media platforms, emerging communication trends, and engagement strategies, providing insights and recommendations to enhance BOP’s outreach and audience growth. Provide event support as needed, including corporate volunteer days, donor tours and other cultivation events. Notes on this role: This role requires a flexible work schedule, with a mix of office work and in-the-field responsibilities, particularly around key donor events and high-visibility engagements. Interns should have strong writing skills, an interest in digital media, and a willingness to learn new technologies Interns will work 32 hours per week, with schedules varying depending on donor visits, public events, and communication deadline Finance and Operations Assist with preparing and organizing financial documentation related to the Fiscal Year Finance Audit, ensuring that all compliance materials are accurately maintained and readily accessible for review. Support the Finance Team in processing credit card reconciliations, tracking expenses, and maintaining accurate financial records that contribute to the overall financial integrity of the organization. Develop and implement Google Sheets or SmartSheet trackers to help manage and update inventory and asset tracking systems. Ensure all office supplies, IT equipment, and safety materials are correctly accounted for and restocked as needed. Contribute to operational efficiency by assisting with document organization, shared drive management, and the administration of Billion Oyster Project’s Google accounts to streamline internal workflows and improve accessibility of critical information. Provide logistical and administrative support for office operations, including overseeing the ferry reservation system, tracking incoming mail and packages, and ensuring that staff members receive timely notifications about essential deliveries.

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