Orange County Coastkeeper’s oyster shell recycling program has grown rapidly over the past year, and we need your help to keep the momentum going! A new internship opportunity focusing on shell transportation, field maintenance, and community outreach is now available.
Shells for Shorelines is an oyster recycling program that takes donated oyster shells from restaurants and reuses them to grow native oyster populations in Southern California. Repurposing oyster shells is a long-standing restoration practice rooted in Indigenous coastal stewardship.
This initiative reduces food waste, lowers program costs, and engages the local community in marine science projects.
About the Internship
This internship program is geared towards persons interested in our oyster shell recycling program, Shells for Shorelines. Shell recycling occurs year-round. Interns will help with restaurant outreach, oyster shell pickups, field maintenance, and shell recycling events.
Responsibilities
- Pick up oyster shells from local restaurant partners across Orange County and Long Beach
- Enter and organize data
- Create restaurant sustainability impact reports
- Conduct outreach to potential restaurant partners
- Attend and assist with shell recycling events
- Develop and improve outreach materials for the shell recycling program
- Solicit volunteer help for shell recycling and coordinate volunteer participation
- Research potential grants and assist in developing grant applications
- Provide support to other restoration projects, as well as general office assistance
Required Qualifications
- Hard-working and self-motivated
- Ability to multi-task, work independently, and as part of a team
- Must be able to lift 50 lbs
- Comfortable working long hours outside
- Proficient in Microsoft programs, including Word, PowerPoint, and Excel
- Reliable transportation to office and field sites
Highest priority will be given to those who must complete an internship for college credit, or have an equally decisive way of verifying a deep commitment to the success of their Coastkeeper internship
Schedule
5-10 hours a week, including occasional weekends. Can be flexible around work and school schedules, but applicants must commit to at least two days a week in the office, as well as the vast majority of shell recycling events.
Compensation
Coastkeeper can reimburse for shell transportation mileage.
