Environmental Science, Communication and Policy Graduate Student Internship - Summer 2026
The Surfrider Foundation seeks to identify a graduate student for the Dillon Henry Memorial Internship for the summer of 2026. This a remote internship opportunity and the intern will receive a $7,500 stipend payment to defray living expenses. Surfrider’s Graduate Student Internship Program allows for a student to gain hands-on experience with science communication, and includes reviewing environmental policies, synthesizing scientific literature, and providing support for Surfrider’s environmental campaigns and programs.
Reports to: The intern will be supervised under the direction of Surfrider’s Senior Manager of Science and Policy, Katie Day.
Position Responsibilities:
Conduct research and synthesize information on emerging issues in ocean and coastal science.
Develop resources to enhance environmental literacy among the Surfrider network, including hosting a presentation on emerging topics in ocean science and policy.
Produce content for Surfrider’s Coastal Blog, Beachapedia, and other communication platforms on coastal and ocean policy issues.
Build online engagements for supporters and the public on ocean and coastal advocacy campaigns.
Assist in the development of brochures and fact sheets on Surfrider’s initiatives.
Review and analyze policy documents including local, state and federal legislation and environmental impact statements.
Assist Surfrider staff in generating research to develop policy memoranda and comment letters.
Desired Qualifications and Requirements:
Experience conducting thorough research assignments and literature reviews.
Ability to effectively translate complex scientific literature and findings into common language.
Knowledge of local, state, and national coastal and ocean policies.
Proficient with Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides.
Currently enrolled in a graduate program focused on environmental communication, public health, coastal science, marine policy or environmental management.
Must reside in and be authorized to work in US (to receive stipend/1099)
Completion of the internship must result in academic credit.
Please note: To comply with the Department of Labor (DOL) and Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), the Surfrider Foundation can only accept unpaid internships if the intern receives academic credit and/or program hours for their internship participation. Only the academic institution and the student’s academic department can determine whether an opportunity aligns closely enough with the curriculum to warrant academic credit. The Surfrider Foundation has no authority to award academic credit. The unpaid internship is intended as an educational experience for the intern.
Start Time: June 2026 (flexible)
Duration: 10 weeks
Stipend: $7,500
Location: Remote
Application Deadline: Friday, February 20, 2026
To Apply:
Interested candidates should submit their cover letter, resume and writing sample via the submission process outlined within the application link provided: Click here to apply!
Writing sample specifics: Writing sample should be 2 page max. Preference is for a writing sample that showcases ability to summarize and communicate complex topics for a general public or policy maker audience.
JEDI COMMITMENT:
The Surfrider Foundation is committed to fostering a just, equitable, diverse and inclusive organization for all people who protect and enjoy the world’s ocean, waves, and beaches. Our success and impact depends on learning from our community, standing in solidarity with our allies and working towards a more just future, both for our organization and the environmental movement as a whole.
The Surfrider Foundation is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace that is committed to attracting and retaining a diverse workforce. Together we strive to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable and welcoming. We are committed to equal employment opportunities regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, Veteran status, or any other protected class.
To learn more about our Justice, equity, diversity and inclusion commitments, please visit: