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About the Marine Conservation Fellows Program
The Marine Conservation & Education Fellowship is a structured learning opportunity designed to provide recent college graduates and other early career individuals with hands-on experience and professional development in marine conservation and the day-to-day operation of an environmental non-profit organization. Fellows participate in training, gain skills, and contribute to REEF's mission while under the mentorship of our staff. The Fellowship is open to individuals who have participated in the REEF Marine Education and Conservation Internship (ECI; past or present Interns). Open application opportunities are occasionally posted for others outside of the REEF Intern program to apply.
REEF Fellows gain the tools, experiences, support, and community they need to become leaders in marine conservation. At any given time, REEF has up to three Fellows. The scope and focus of opportunities, projects, and training at any given time that a REEF Fellow will undertake depend on the organization's needs and priorities as well as the individual Fellow's interests, goals, and skills. Professional development is a focus throughout the program. The program includes opportunities for guidance on resume and other career planning documents, creating measurable goals and objectives for skill development, and recurring evaluation sessions with supervisors for constructive feedback. REEF Fellows also provide training and support for ECI cohorts.
Through the years, REEF Fellows have worked on projects under a range of focal areas, including informal education, outreach and engagment, communications, operations, and conservation science. The REEF Fellowship is not a field science program. There are occasional opportunities to join in field projects as volunteers and also professional development time allocated to independently pursue field training opportunities if desired.
This program is not employment, and Fellows are not considered employees of REEF.
Stipend and Housing: Marine Conservation Fellows receive a $1,200/mo stipend to offset living expenses, and also shared housing in a furnished home in Key Largo, FL, shared with other Fellows and Interns. Fellows should have their own transportation. Opportunities to scuba dive or participate in other in-water activities are not included or expected as part of the fellowship program, and participation is as a volunteer, not a program participant. REEF will reimburse reasonable travel and related expenses for REEF events while participating in the fellowship program as needed, with estimates to be approved in advance.
Commitment: The fellowship is a full-time career development program designed to provide hands-on learning and professional development in marine conservation. Fellows typically participate in a 9-12 month program, engaging in program activities for approximately 40 hours per week. These activities are structured as part of the educational and training experience to enhance Fellows' skills and knowledge in marine conservation. Fellows are based at the REEF Campus in Key Largo, Florida (US). Program hours are typically Monday through Friday, from 9am to 6pm, with occasional opportunities to participate in evening and weekend events. Participation in these events is part of the overall training experience and may include educational outreach or conservation activities.
Who is Eligible: The target audience is college-aged and early career individuals.
Opportunities for Diving and In-Water Activities: While the Marine Conservation & Education Fellowship offers numerous opportunities to engage with marine conservation, scuba diving and other in-water activities are not included as formal components of the program. Participation in such activities is entirely optional and occurs outside of official program time. Fellows who choose to engage in diving or in-water activities do so as independent volunteers, not as program participants, and are fully responsible for their own safety, equipment, and liability.
REEF does not oversee or require participation in any diving or in-water activities, and such activities are not part of the fellowship program's structured training or responsibilities. Fellows should ensure they have proper certification, insurance, and adhere to all safety protocols if choosing to participate in these optional activities.
Disclaimer: REEF is not liable for any injuries, accidents, or other issues arising from scuba diving or in-water activities undertaken voluntarily by Fellows.
Application Process: There are not currently any open Fellow positions. The application portal is currently closed.
Candidates interested in participating in the program can apply online (linked above), and the application includes an online form, an attachment with cover letter, CV, and answers to several questions, and one letter of reference. Be sure to review the FAQs below before applying.
Questions can be directed to Michaela Peterson, Director of Education, at michaela@REEF.org.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I participate if I haven't gone through the REEF Internship Program? While the REEF Fellowship program is primarily filled by individuals who have first participated in the REEF Marine Education and Conservation Internship Program, the application is occasionally opened up to a wider audience.
Are REEF Fellows involved in public-facing events and public engagement? Yes, fellows often participate in and help organize events such as REEF Fest, Lionfish Derbies, and outreach programs, engaging with the public to promote marine conservation efforts. Fellows also assist with educational outreach as an instructor for REEF Ocean Explorers programs and interpretation activities at the Ocean Exploration Center (opening in June 2025).
What kind of projects are Fellows involved with during their time at REEF? Projects vary depending on the organization's needs and Fellow's skills and iinterests, but can include social media campaigns, data analysis, community outreach, curriculum development, and event coordination.
Are Fellows employees of REEF? The Marine Conservation & Education Fellowship is an educational and training opportunity, not employment. Fellows are not employees of REEF and are not entitled to employee benefits. The stipend provided is intended solely to assist with living expenses during the fellowship.
What is the purpose of the stipend? The stipend is provided to help Fellows offset living expenses during their participation in the program. It is not a salary or wage.
What is the history of the program? In 2022, REEF launched the Marine Conservation Fellows Program. The program replaced the Leadership Intern Program, which started in 2015 and was targeted at providing opportunities for exceptional REEF Marine Conservation Interns (MCIs) to stay on with REEF for an additional year. The Marine Conservation Fellows Program is similar in structure and goals to the previous Leadership Intern Program but is occasionally available to a wider audience beyond intern alumni.