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
Sanctuary Exploration Center Program Assistant
Lynker Corporation is seeking a part-time Program Assistant to assist in the day-to-day operations and education programs at Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary’s Exploration Center in Santa Cruz, CA. The position involves working with the general public, volunteer docents, and K-12 grade students. This is a part-time seasonal position from January 2026 - May 31, 2026, averaging 16 hours per week, Wed-Sundays.
Responsibilities
The Program Assistant will work with the Sanctuary Exploration Center team to:
- Assist in the daily operations at the Center:
- Open and close the center
- Troubleshoot computer equipment associated with the exhibits
- Welcome visitors during open hours and answer questions about the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary
- Assist in the delivery of the Center’s volunteer docent program:
- Greet volunteers and deliver updates at the start of their shifts
- Work with volunteers on the exhibit floor
- Support delivery of docent enrichments and field trips
- Support delivery of K-12th grade field trips:M
- Greet school groups and lead small group (10-15 students) explorations in the exhibit hall
- Support the Center’s Education Specialists in delivery outdoor programming on the beach and Santa Cruz Wharf
- Assist in outreach and community events:
- Represent the sanctuary at occasional offsite tabling events
- Support facilitation of onsite interpretive programming
For more information and to apply, visit Lynker Corporation job openings. Position open until filled.
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
No current opening 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.