Internships
Intern with Us!
SSA offers impactful, hands-on internships for students and emerging professionals who want to make a difference in marine conservation. Whether you’re just beginning your career or looking to build practical skills, our internships combine on-the-job training with real-world experience to help you grow as both a conservationist and community member. Interns play a meaningful role in our work to restore and protect the Salish Sea while gaining valuable tools for the future—professionally, academically, and personally.
Please get in touch with Don Hunger at Don@nwstraitsfoundation.org to learn more about applying
Benefits
Real-World Experience
Interns are immersed in a wide range of conservation work, from biological surveys and restoration design to volunteer coordination, grant reporting, and public outreach. No two internships are exactly alike, and each one offers the opportunity to explore new skills and discover where your passion lies.
Paid Opportunities
Academic Credit
We partner with institutions like Western Washington University and Bellingham Technical College so interns can earn academic credit toward their major, minor, or capstone project while gaining experience in the field.
Professional Networking
Interns work alongside scientists, restoration practitioners, nonprofit professionals, and local community leaders—building meaningful connections that can open doors to future opportunities.
Career Support
From letters of recommendation to resume guidance and mentorship, SSA provides career support to help interns take the next step in their professional journey.
Technical Skilla
Whether you’re collecting field data, restoring habitat, or developing outreach materials, you’ll gain hands-on experience and develop the hard skills that matter in today’s conservation careers.
Exposure to Conservation Careers
Our internships provide a glimpse into the wide variety of jobs in environmental conservation, helping you understand what roles might inspire your own unique career path.
A Sense of Community
Interns become part of a welcoming, mission-driven team. You’ll build lasting connections with fellow interns, staff, volunteers, and community members, all working together to protect the Salish Sea.