The South Slough Reserve Internship Program offers immersive, hands-on experience and professional development opportunities. Internships change seasonally but are usually for college and high school students preparing for careers in natural resources, science, stewardship, and education.
Mentored by field experts, interns gain practical skills, explore career pathways, and contribute meaningfully to real-world projects. Activities range depending on type of internship, from monitoring eelgrass meadows in the muddy expanse of the slough to leading a child's curiosity about salmon redds.
The South Slough Reserve has been hosting interns since 2008. Being an Intern at the Reserve is to join a legacy and a community. Before applying, explore the website or watch this short youtube video and get to know the Reserve.
Open Internships
- Description
Work alongside a South Slough Reserve educator to bring outdoor education to local students. Flexible hours Tuesday-Friday afternoon. Stipend provided through grant funds from the Oregon Coast STEM Hub.
- Pay
- $15.00
- Start Date
- mid October 2026
- Apply by
- 10/5/2026
- Duration
- October to May
- Contact
- Cherie Turner
Frequently Asked Questions
For science and stewardship interns, most days begin early with field work. Staff and interns meet at the ECOS Science Center to field gear and equipment for the day's tasks. Field days are often in muddy conditions and is foggy, wet weather followed by wind and direct sunlight. Interns should pack water, lunch, and snacks, wear good socks and layers of clothing, bring a hat, sunglasses, insect repellant, allergy medicine, sunscreen, and a small towel.
Education interns often start the day at the Visitor Center loading equipment for student outings. Conditions vary from hiking in forested, hilly areas to muddy tide flats or rocky tide pools. Interns will be expected to drive passenger vans with young campers and will need to come prepared for the day with sunscreen, insect repellant, hat, sunglasses, layers of clothing, rain or wind jacket, comfortable socks and shoes.
Occasionally, interns will work at ECOS Science Center or the Visitor Center doing data entry or analysis, working on lessons plans, or studying curriculum. Interns are also included in staff meetings and invited to other meetings related to their work. Most interns will be provided with access to a workstation with a laptop and access to the Reserve server.
Headlamp, windbreaker or raincoat, sun hat, journal/notebook, allergy and other medication, snacks, hiking boots, 2 bath towels, hand towels for the bathroom and kitchen, shower caddy, bed sheets, or sleeping bag and blankets, pillow, lunch box, Tupperware, toiletries, personal items (e.g., hair dryer, toothbrush, comb, chargers for devices etc.)
Housing is available for interns. The Spruce Ranch property, located on Reserve property along Seven Devils Road, includes two heated yurts and a house. The house is fully accessible with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, dining area, and two social/living areas. Laundry is not available on site. While rustic and simply furnished, the house is comfortable.
The public internet at Spruce Ranch is meant to support residential activities like browsing, light streaming, and calls. Any work activities must be done at one of the Reserve office locations as there is no IT support provided at Spruce Ranch.
Interns will be expected to move independently between Spruce Ranch, the Visitor Center (61907 Seven Devils Road, Charleston, OR) and the ECOS Science Center (63466 Boat Basin Road, Charleston, OR). Interns with their own vehicles will have an easier time getting to town and exploring the area.
Reserve vehicles are available to interns with a C-Class drivers license for work use only.
The Reserve loans waders, boots, and field gear necessary for doing tasks associated with the internship. Interns are welcome to bring their own gear, but it is not required.
Interns are paid monthly stipends (not wages) that are taxable but have no withholding. Hours are tracked, rates are $19 or $15 per hour depending on education level, and payments come via direct deposit or pickup checks. No mileage reimbursement except in rare cases.
No, interns do not receive a benefit package (sick/holiday pay, overtime, medical coverage, etc.)
College-level internship applicants must be at least 18 years old, and high school-level internship applicants must be at least 16 years old and enrolled in high school.
The Reserve does not offer visa sponsorship. Within three days of recruitment, applicants will be required to complete documentation and confirm authorization to work in the United States.