Joanna Toole Ghost Gear Internship

Reports to: Director of Marine Debris & Plastics Program, Center for Coastal Studies (Field Work Component)

Senior Program Manager, Global Ghost Gear Initiative (Office-Based Component, Remote)
Location:  Remote (3 months); Provincetown, Massachusetts (3 months)
Compensation: $25,000 for 6 months
Hours: An average of 40 hours/week
FLSA Status: Non-exempt
Application Deadline: October 1, 2026
Start date: October/November 2026

Job Summary:  

We are seeking an early career professional with interest in marine science, biology, political or social science, or any related/relevant topic with a keen interest in abandoned, lost or discarded fishing gear (ALDFG) and in pursuing a career in ocean conservation. The successful applicant will assist the Global Ghost Gear Initiative (GGGI) and Center for Coastal Studies (CCS) with coordinating activities, engaging volunteers and membership, and advancing project goals regionally and around the globe. This six-month internship will provide a young professional with three months of working with the GGGI to address lost and abandoned fishing gear through domestic and international efforts, as well as corporate engagement; followed by three months of field experience addressing ALDFG and other marine debris on Cape Cod.

Responsibilities: 

Primary Responsibilities - GGGI Office Based (remote, November - January)

Ocean Conservancy, the host organization of GGGI, embraces a hybrid work environment, which allows our staff the flexibility to work virtually and in-person while building strong connections across the institution. This component of the position will be conducted remotely.

• Support GGGI’s global communications efforts through drafting blogs, newsletter stories, and conducting interviews with GGGI members for storytelling opportunities.
• Assist with additional communications tasks including updating project write-ups on the GGGI website, assembling external presentations and fact sheets.
• Support one or more of GGGI’s signature projects by participating in partner calls, identifying stakeholders, organizing event logistics and drafting supporting materials.
• One independent research project that aligns with the intern’s interest and the needs of the GGGI team. Projects could include:
  • Understanding what waste management capacity exists for disposal and recycling of ALDFG globally
  • An audit of GGGI’s small grants program to help us better understand the reach and impact of the program
  • Scoping potential state-level legislative actions for addressing lost and abandoned fishing gear in key US geographies
• Attend weekly team meetings and assist with tracking project deliverables.
• Participate in mid-grant check in calls for GGGI’s small grants recipients. Draft support resources as needed by grantees.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Primary Responsibilities - Field Work (Cape Cod, February - April)

This component of the position will be based at the Center for Coastal Studies in Provincetown, Massachusetts. Housing is provided. Field work tasks will relate to evidencing the impacts of ghost gear on bycatch, birds and habitat, providing hands-on field work support, supporting awareness-raising activities and helping formulate and implement collaborative solutions. Potential tasks during the three-month internship include:

• Participate in ghost gear removal field work and data collection
• Participate in shoreline clean ups, debris surveys and impact assessments of debris in sensitive habitats
• Analyze CCS turtle entanglement data
• Assist with aspects of whale entanglement scar analyses
• Assist with collating, depicting and sharing shoreline and at-sea debris removal data
• Engage with marine debris artists and cleanup volunteers
• Visit other organizations in the region (WHOI, NEAq, SBNMS, IFAW, WDC)

Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree or work experience in a related field
• Dedication and passion for the stewardship of the oceans
• Awareness of and interest in ghost gear

Skills:

• Ability to coordinate multiple tasks simultaneously with minimum supervision
• Desire to learn more about the environmental impact of ghost gear, seafood sustainability and relevant stakeholders
• Excellent computer skills including with Microsoft Office suite, Canva and Google Drive products
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal
• Ability to meet deadlines
• Attention to detail

Requirements:

• Self-motivation, flexibility, and a positive “can-do” attitude
• Ability to lift 40 pounds and comfort with working in an outdoor environment in myriad weather conditions
• Knowledge and experience working with fishermen and/or the seafood industry is a plus, but not required
• US Issued Driver’s License and/or access to reliable transportation
• Valid US work authorization