Internships

Start your journey with NAMEPA!

Looking for a fun and rewarding internship?

Are you passionate about marine science, environmental protection, or the maritime industry? NAMEPA internships offer students meaningful, real-world experience working with a mission-driven nonprofit. Interns gain hands-on skills, connect with professionals, and contribute to programs that help protect our ocean and promote maritime careers. Internships are open to High School Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors as well as College students. 

Internships may be offered as remote, hybrid, or in-person opportunities depending on the role and the time of year. (Summer interns are expected to participate in person for outreach programs and events whenever possible.)

Who are we?

The North American Marine Environment Protection Association (NAMEPA) began in 2007 with a simple but powerful mission: to protect our oceans and waterways. Founded by leaders int he maritime industry, NAMEPA bridges the gap between commerce and conservation within the industry, bringing together business, government and the public to work toward a shared goal – to “Save Our Seas“. 

The maritime industry is the backbone of global trade and commerce, connecting people, goods, and communities around the world. Recognizing the industry’s impact on the environment, NAMEPA focuses on turning awareness into action by education seafarers, port communities, students about responsible maritime practices that protect marine ecosystems. Through training, outreach, and partnerships, NAMEPA empowers the maritime community to lead in environmental stewardship while sustaining the vital role the industry plays in our global economy. 

Education & Outreach
Education and Outreach:

Do you love the ocean and want to inspire other to care for it too? As an Education and Outreach intern at NAMEPA, you’ll help bring marine science and the maritime industry to life for K-12 students and the public. This internship gives you hands-on experience designing and delivering programs that teach the next generation about the importance of protecting our oceans. 

Intern work alongside our Education Team to plan and implement workshops, classroom presentations, and community events like beach clean ups, turning environmental education into meaningful, interactive experiences. 

In addition to hands-on teaching, interns may research and write article blogs, assist with marketing materials, and provide administrative support for NAMEPA’s outreach programs. This is a unique opportunity to combine science, communication, and public engagement in a professional nonprofit environment. 

Summer internships: Interns applying for internships during the summer months (June, July, and August) are expected to patriciate in person for NAMEPA’s summer outreach programs, including fieldwork and educational events, unless discussed with Education Team prior to the start of internship. 

Preferred Skills, Experience, Interests:

  • Pursuing or holding a degree in marine science, environmental science, education, or related fields
  • Coursework or interest in marine science, ecology, marine biology, environmental science, or similar subject areas 
  • Experience working children, youth programs, summer camps, or school groups 
  • Interest or experience creating educational materials or programs for students 
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills 
  • Organized, proactive, and able to work independently 
  • Familiarity with Microsoft Office 365 programs (Teams, Word, Excel, etc.) 
  • Experience with social media platforms such as Facebook or Instagram is a plus
  • Passion for marine conservation and environmental education 

Internship Details:

  • Hours: 20-30 hours per week (flexible)
  • Compensation: Unpaid; stipend opportunities available throughout the year.
  • Interview required: Yes 
  • To apply: Submit a cover letter and resume to Molly Dushay, Executive Director at m.dushay@namepa.net 
Maritime Industry:

Ever wonder how the global economy moves across the seas, and how the maritime industry balances commerce with ocean stewardship? As a Maritime Industry Intern at NAMEPA, you’ll gain firsthand experience in one of the world’s most essential industries while learning how maritime businesses lead in environmental responsibility. 

Interns work alongside NAMEPA staff to research, report, and support projects that highlight industry best practices and innovation, including Membership Development and our Maritime Sustainability Program (MSP). You may assist with initiatives that promote environmentally responsible shipping, develop sustainability resources, and help educate the maritime community on practices that reduce the industry’s impact on the oceans. 

 The internship also includes attending webinars and meetings, reporting on industry events, and creating articles or blogs on current maritime topics. Interns will support NAMEPA’s administrative and organizational needs, including marketing materials, data entry, and general office support. 

While this internship can be completed remotely, interns gain the most valuable experience when able to attend in-person events, educational programs, and office meetings in Weston CT. 

Preferred Skills, Experience, and Interests:

  • Pursuing a career or academic interest in the maritime industry, global trade, or business 
  • Strong oral and written communication skills
  • Organized, reliable, and proactive with a positive attitude 
  • Familiarity with Microsoft 365 applications 
  • Experience with social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn etc.
  • Passion for sustainability, environmental stewardship, or maritime innovation 

Internship Details: 

  • Hours: 20-30 hours per week (flexible) 
  • Compensation: Unpaid; several stipend opportunities available throughout the year. 
  • Interview required: Yes
  • To apply: Submit a cover letter and resume to Molly Dushay, Executive Dushay at m.dushay@namepa.net 
Marketing and Digital Media:

How can digital storytelling inspire people to protect our ocean? The Marketing and Digital Media Internship at NAMEPA gives students the opportunity to use creativity, research, and digital media to help share the story of the maritime industry and the importance of protecting the marine environment. 

Interns will research current maritime and marine environmental topics, emerging technologies, and industry developments to help create and implement a digital campaign aligned with NAMEPA’s mission to “Save Our Seas”. 

Intern responsibilities may include: 

  • Researching current maritime and marine environmental topics and trends
  • Developing and implementing a multimedia campaign (once approved) aligned with NAMEPA’s mission
  • Creating social media content such as graphics, videos, and written posts
  • Assisting with social media scheduling and audience engagement 
  • Supporting digital marketing initiatives and promotional campaigns 
  • Assisting with additional projects to support NAMEPA’s marketing and communications efforts

This internship can be completed remotely, though interns may have opportunities to participate in meetings, events, or collaborative sessions with the NAMEPA team in person in the office in Weston CT. 

Preferred Skills, Experience, and Interest

  • Experience using social media platforms such as Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Facebook
  • Interest in the marine environment and maritime industry
  • Familiarity with Microsoft Office programs (Word, PowerPoint, Excel etc.)
  • Experience with video editing, graphic design, or multimedia software is a plus
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills 
  • Organized, reliable, and able to work independently 
  • Experience with file sharing and digital storage platforms is helpful 
  • Creativity, curiosity, and a positive attitude is a must

Internship Details:

  • Hours: 20-30 hours per week (flexible)
  • Compensation: Unpaid; stipend opportunities available throughout the year
  • Interview Required: Yes
  • To apply: Please submit a cover letter and resume to Molly Dushay Executive Director at m.dushay@namepa.net

Want to learn more about experiences as a NAMEPA intern? Check out our YouTube Channel!

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