Great Lakes Education Intern

ISEA is seeking up to two individuals for Great Lakes Education Intern positions, to help with ship and shore programming April 27 - August 14, 2026.

The Great Lakes Education Intern will help conduct education programs for schools in May and June. Then in July and August, when ISEA begins our summer schedule of public programs, the intern will help lead programs locally sailing around Grand Traverse Bay, as well as at away ports such as Detroit or Houghton. Most programs delivered aboard our educational vessels include hands-on teaching activities that explore Great Lakes topics including: water quality, food web dynamics, invasive species, forage fish, zooplankton, benthic macroinvertebrates, microplastics and pollution, as well as engineering practices and underwater technologies. 

The ideal candidate has an interest or background in education and ecology, is a strong communicator and team player, and is passionate about environmental science and the Great Lakes. Early career professionals interested in environmental education and science communication are encouraged to apply. Previous sailing experience is not necessary.

Room and board is included as part of this internship opportunity, if needed, and available as applications are received on a rolling basis.
 

Note: ISEA hosts multiple internships concurrently each year (posted at schoolship.org) and several interns work at ISEA throughout the season. This posting describes one such internship position.

Season Details:

Spring (April 27 - June 5): ISEA interns will deliver ISEA “Schoolship” programs based out of Suttons Bay and Traverse City, MI to K-12 school groups. Spring programs occur as 3-hour day-sails and shoreside ROV (remotely operated vehicle) Engineer & Explore. There are typically two of each program per day, Monday through Friday.

Summer (June 8 - August 14): ISEA interns will help deliver custom educational programs to the general public and organized youth groups, with some of these programs taking place at away ports, such as Houghton and Detroit. Summer programs include 2- and 3-hour day-sails, as well as the opportunity to live aboard the vessels while at away ports, and can include evenings and weekends.

Primary Responsibilities:
Education 

• Aboard the ship and on shore, deliver educational units to students, families, and community groups that emphasize hands-on involvement and relate to Great Lakes topics, including water quality, food web interactions, underwater technologies (ROVs), and maritime culture/history.
• Provide support to education programming, including but not limited to: management of program equipment and materials, assistance with program survey evaluation, and data entry.

Outreach

• Publish a series of blog posts, short videos, and/or other media formats reflecting on your experience and connecting the importance of environmental education as a key tool in conservation efforts.
• Represent ISEA well in the community, to both the public and with our events and partners.

Ship Operations

• Direct passengers in safe behavior aboard the ship at all times.
• Understand and comply with the ship’s rules, policies, and Standing Orders.
• Assist with cleaning and general maintenance as needed.

Note: While living aboard the ship, all persons (ISEA staff, interns, and volunteers) are expected to participate in basic daily chores and tasks related to living and working in a small, shared space. These tasks occur before and after the scheduled programs, extending the work day during this time.
 

Secondary Responsibilities:

• Participate in ISEA staff meetings as needed.
• Assist with other activities related to ISEA’s educational mission.

ISEA fosters a community of learning. All seasonal employees & interns are encouraged to take on tasks that will help them reach their education and employment goals.

Eligibility:

• Mature adults 18 years and older;
• Some college-level courses completed, 2+ years of college completed is preferred. 

Skills/Prerequisites:

• Enthusiastic about teaching and learning
• Ability to work well with youth and adults
• Willingness to learn and teach new subject material
• Interest in Great Lakes science and environmental issues
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills—written and verbal
• Strong team player
• Ability to work weekends and evenings as needed (summer months)
• Ability and willingness to travel and live aboard the ship 1-10 days (summer months)
• Not subject to severe motion-sickness
• Ability to work in turbulent waters and challenging weather conditions

Term:

April 27 through August 14, flexible end date (approximately 15 weeks)

Program training begins immediately, followed by Spring programming at the beginning of May. Summer programming lasts until early August.

Expectations:

Interns are expected to be available for approximately 40 hours per week for ISEA-related work. In the spring season interns might work closer to 40 hours per week, while in the summer season, especially when working at away ports living aboard the ship, interns might work closer to 50 hours per week. It is important to note that during the summer travel season, neither internet access nor indoor work spaces can be guaranteed. It is recommended that interns plan accordingly and limit any external commitments during this period.

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis, with preference given to those applying by end-of-day February 15, 2026.
 
Apply by email with resume and letter of interest:

Chris Symons, Education Coordinator - csymons@schoolship.org