Jobs and Internships
Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Jobs
NOAA is the managing agency for Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Open positions with NOAA throughout the U.S. are available at www.usajobs.gov, and Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary positions are also listed below.
Current Openings
Education Specialist
The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation is seeking a part-time Education Specialist (24 hours/week) to support and lead K–12th grade in–person education programs at the Sanctuary Exploration Center in Santa Cruz, as well as coordinate both in–classroom programming and field trips to the Center for K–12th grade schools in Salinas.
Responsibilities
Working collaboratively as part of a passionate, mission–focused team, the Education Specialist will build relationships with partners, teachers, and schools to ensure the public can better understand the value of protected areas like national marine sanctuaries and encourage exploration, discovery, and a connection to the wildlife and habitats of Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. The Education Specialist will:
Coordinate Learning Programs:
- Advertise available program offerings to teachers
- Coordinate with schools to deliver classroom presentations on marine topics to 5-10 classes in Salinas (mileage is reimbursed)
- Lead the Exploration Center’s field trip, in-class, and virtual programs when scheduled
- Maintain all program data and field trip supplies
Additional responsibilities at the Exploration Center:
- Assist with special events on site and within the community, which may occur on evenings or weekends
- Act as a floor lead and open and close Center operations as needed, including:
- Operating and troubleshooting computer equipment associated with exhibits
- Greeting visitors during open hours (including on weekends)
- Assist volunteers with day-to-day activities
- Assist with the training and mentoring of student program assistants
Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree or proven equivalent experience in science, environmental science and environmental education (or combination)
- Experience in informal and/or formal education
- Confidence leading and speaking to groups of students, both in–person and over video–conferencing platforms
- Ability to work independently with a history of self–directed work
- Ability to take direction and demonstrate sound decision–making skills
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Familiarity with Google Drive applications
- Availability to work at least one weekend day and occasional evenings
- Reliable transportation to travel to classroom presentations (mileage reimbursement is included)
Preferred Qualifications:
- 2 or more years experience in informal and/or formal education
- Bi–lingual (English/Spanish)
- A sincere interest in, and commitment to, the Foundation’s mission
How to Apply
Apply through the Foundation’s online portal. A resume, cover letter, and three professional references are required. Applications must be received by June 1, 2026, at 11:59 PM ET.
Gift Store and Rentals Coordinator
The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation is seeking a part–time Gift Store and Rentals Coordinator (24–28 hours/week) to support at the Sanctuary Exploration Center in Santa Cruz.
Responsibilities
Working collaboratively as part of a passionate, mission-focused team, the Gift Store and Rentals Coordinator will work with the Sanctuary Exploration Center Manager to administer and maintain the retail operations of the gift and bookstore. This role will also recruit, track, and support coordination of rental use of the facility for events, workshops, and meetings. As necessary, this role will support day-to-day operations at the center, working with volunteers and staff to create a welcoming environment for visitors and handling opening and closing operations. Typically, this individual’s time will be divided as follows:
Store inventory (20%):
- Product research – identify appropriate merchandise to meet the mission of the Sanctuary Exploration Center to promote educational and environmentally sustainable products
- Order/purchase all inventory – maintain appropriate amounts of inventory depending on sales volume and season
- Merchandise all display areas – pricing and labeling products and product presentation
- Receive and track all incoming inventory and returns
Administration (15%)
- Maintain a vendor database and manage new vendor accounts
- Track and record all vendor invoices
- Submit vendor invoices to the foundation for payment
- Maintain and work with Square Point of Sales computer system
- Receive and respond to phone calls and emails
Accounting and Reporting (15%)
- Provide sales reports generated from Square–up
- Fill in reporting templates based on end of day sales and deposits
- Maintain and account for daily sales record
- Generate biweekly sales records for the foundation using Google Sheets
- Record and make cash deposits
Gift Store Volunteer Coordination (10%)
- Assist with training gift store volunteers
- Educate gift store volunteers on new products and pricing
- Oversee volunteers who work in the gift shop
Facility and Event Rentals (20%)
- Schedule, facilitate, and be the point of contact for rentals and events
- Work with Sanctuary Exploration Center Manager to ensure there is adequate staffing of events
- Update and maintain facility rental tracker
- Maintain partnerships with hotels and other businesses referring rentals to the Sanctuary Exploration Center
Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Minimum of one year retail management/supervisory experience OR two years retail store experience, including cash handling and inventory tracking
- Proficient computer skills with a variety of programs (Google Suite, Excel, database entry)
- Good communication and customer service skills, both written and verbal
- Ability to work two weekdays and at least one weekend day, as well as occasional evening
Preferred Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s or Associate's degree
- Supervisory, leadership, and coaching skills
- Experience working in a small business, boutique, and/or non-profit storefront
- Knowledge of financial, budgetary, and accounting best practices
- Knowledge of retail and merchandising trends with a focus on quality, marketing, and presentation
How to Apply
Apply through the Foundation’s online portal. A resume, cover letter, and three professional references are required. Applications must be received by June 1, 2026, at 11:59 PM ET.
Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Internships
Check out the latest internship programs in the field of research, education, and resource protection.
What We Offer
Join a dedicated and enthusiastic team at Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary where you will gain valuable resume-building experience in ocean conservation and management. Depending on the need, you will work on a variety of projects or programs that meet your interests. Internships provide fantastic networking opportunities for your career development. Note that in some cases, internship positions can accommodate remote work some or all of the time. We cooperate with your academic institution to ensure you receive credit for your work hours, when applicable. While the duration of intern positions can vary, most typically last at least eight weeks. Stipends are available, and details are listed below.
Eligibility
Internship positions are open to all individuals at least age 16 or older. There is required paperwork and a NOAA Office of Security background check, which will begin before the start of your internship experience. Notice for non-U.S. citizens: You must hold a J-1 Visa (also known as Exchange Visitor Visa) and be accepted as an intern at least 45 days prior to the scheduled start date to complete additional security clearance. Note that NOAA's Office of National Marine Sanctuaries does not sponsor J-1 Visas.
How to Apply
If interested in an internship, please fill out an application form.
Current Openings
There are no current openings at this time.
More NOAA Opportunities
NOAA and several organizations throughout the area offer internships for students. Each opportunity has different qualifications, requirements, and application processes.
Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship Program
Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship Program recognizes outstanding scholarship and encourages independent graduate level research particularly by female and minority students in NOAA mission-related sciences of oceanography, marine biology, and maritime archaeology, including all science, engineering, and resource management of ocean and coastal areas.
Ernest F. Hollings Scholarship Program
Hollings Scholarship Program provides successful undergraduate applicants with awards that include academic assistance for two years of full-time study and a 10-week, full-time paid internship during the summer at a NOAA facility.
NOAA Student Opportunities Database
For more information about the many educational opportunities for students (K-12, undergraduate, graduate) throughout NOAA.