New York City Chapter Summer 2025 Beach Cleanup Internship 

ABOUT US:

The Surfrider Foundation is the world’s largest grassroots coastal conservation organization dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of the world’s ocean, waves, and beaches for all people through a powerful activist network. We have achieved many important victories by persuading state, federal, and local decision makers to protect vital coastal and ocean resources. These accomplishments demonstrate the important role of recreational users in advancing coastal and ocean stewardship. Since 1984, Surfrider's appeal is not only our strong reputation and track record of success, but also the lifestyle and values we embody. 

By joining the Surfrider Foundation, you will be welcomed into an open and inclusive network of incredibly supportive and collaborative people who work hard and play hard. You will have the opportunity to work with dedicated people who are also passionate coastal users with their feet in the sand and toes in the water. You help bring together diverse voices and perspectives to provide our community with the leadership and tools necessary to make a difference at their beach and in coastal communities across the United States. At Surfrider, we build leaders and we are problem solvers; our culture sets us apart and influences everything we do. Coastal recreation is fun and working at Surfrider is too.

OPPORTUNITY: 

The New York City Chapter is seeking a summer intern candidate to help support the chapter’s Beach Cleanup Program.  

Position Responsibilities: 

• Assist the Chapter Manager, Chair, and other chapter volunteers with outreach and membership activities at beach cleanups and other events throughout the summer

• Assist the Chapter Manager with beach cleanup data entry, setting up of beach cleanups, maintenance of beach cleanup supplies, merchandise, and outreach materials 

• Respond directly to inquiries from corporations looking to partner and/or participate in a company beach cleanup

• Organize beach cleanups with corporations and send relevant information to prepare them for the event 

• Lead beach cleanups (with the help of volunteers)

• Attend bi-monthly chapter meetings and assist with setup 

• Attend events and tabling opportunities 
  

Position Requirements & Qualifications: 

• Candidate must be a current college student, college graduate, or graduate student with experience in marine conservation, environmental education, sustainability studies or similar fields. 

• Candidate must have strong public speaking skills

• Candidate must have strong organizational and communication skills

• Candidate must have an ability to work collaboratively with diverse partners, communities and volunteers

• Candidate must have their own vehicle and a working computer or laptop

• Candidate must carry a current valid driver’s license and maintain a clean driving record.

• Candidate must have the ability to load, unload and carry beach cleanup supplies (up to 40 pounds) for extended distances up to 50 yards.  

• Candidate must be available during the week for beach cleanup events that take typically take place on Fridays from 8AM to 12:30PM (some cleanups could also happen on weekends which would be 10AM - 2:30PM)

• The ideal candidate would preferably be located near the Rockaway Beach area for close proximity to beach cleanup locations (cleanups are located between B108th street and B67th street at Rockaway Beach, Queens)

• Candidates applying for this position to complete an internship program/receive academic credit from their college institution may be asked to provide qualifying internship program documentation from their school for review.  Their college institution must also allow for completion of a paid internship program.

LOCATION: This is a temporary summer position based in Queens, New York City. Candidate will work remotely from home and throughout the Rockaway Beach area for beach cleanup events between B108th Street and B67th Street, Rockaway Beach, Queens. 

DURATION: 13 weeks; June 2, 2025 - September 3, 2025 (can be adjusted slightly to meet candidate’s availability); 15-20 hours/week 

REPORTS TO: Mid-Atlantic Regional Manager

COMPENSATION: $17-24/hour, depending on experience + mileage 

TO APPLY: 

Please follow instructions in the link provided. 

All applications will be reviewed through our system via this link. Please no email submissions. If you have questions, you may contact careers@surfrider.org.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: April 13, 2025

JEDI COMMITMENT:

The Surfrider Foundation is committed to fostering a just, equitable, diverse and inclusive organization for all people who protect and enjoy the world’s ocean, waves, and beaches. Our success and impact depends on learning from our community, standing in solidarity with our allies and working towards a more just future, both for our organization and the environmental movement as a whole.

The Surfrider Foundation is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace that is committed to attracting and retaining a diverse workforce. Together we strive to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable and welcoming. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, Veteran status, or any other protected class. 

To learn more about our JEDI commitments, please visit: https://www.surfrider.org/pages/diversity-equity-inclusion