MARINE EDUCATION & RESEARCH INTERNSHIP
Join Sea Synergy for an immersive, hands-on internship on the Wild Atlantic Way
Applications for our next internship season will open in mid-November 2026.
Sea Synergy offers a unique internship experience based in the coastal communities of Cahersiveen, Waterville and Derrynane, Co. Kerry.
Our internships give motivated individuals the opportunity to gain practical experience in marine education, research, citizen science, community outreach and water-based activities, while becoming part of a supportive team passionate about connecting people with the ocean.
Rather than following one fixed internship pathway, your experience will reflect the season, our ongoing projects and your own interests and skills. Throughout the year, our work changes with the natural environment and the communities we work with — from field research and environmental education in spring and autumn to our busy programme of water-based activities during the summer.
Internships are generally available from April to November, with a minimum commitment of two months recommended.
Internships Through the Seasons
1. Spring Internships | April–June
Spring is primarily focused on marine education and research, as we prepare for the busy summer season and begin or continue our fieldwork and monitoring projects.
Depending on current projects, interns may be involved in:
- Marine biodiversity and habitat surveys
- Oyster restoration and monitoring
- Seagrass habitat research
- Seal, whale, seabird and seashore surveys
- Data collection, entry and mapping
- Citizen science projects
- Environmental education and school activities
- Community outreach and events
- Preparing educational and activity resources
- Supporting the preparation of our summer programmes
- Water-based activities as these begin towards the end of spring
Spring is particularly suited to interns interested in marine biology, ecology, environmental science, conservation, education and citizen science.
2. Summer Internships | July–August
Summer is our busiest and most active time of year, with internships primarily focused on water-based activities, marine education and working with children, families and visitors.
Interns may be involved in:
- Children’s summer sea camps
- Kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding activities
- Snorkelling and marine discovery sessions
- Seashore safaris and guided coastal activities
- Environmental education
- Supporting instructors and activity staff
- Welcoming and engaging with visitors
- Community events and outreach
- Citizen science activities
- Supporting ongoing research and monitoring where required
There may also be opportunities to participate in research fieldwork and surveys, depending on the projects running that summer.
Summer internships are particularly suited to people who enjoy working outdoors, being in and around the water, working with children and the public, and sharing their enthusiasm for the marine environment.
3. Autumn Internships | September–November
As the busy summer season comes to an end, our focus shifts back towards research, environmental education and bringing our seasonal projects together.
Depending on ongoing projects, interns may assist with:
- Completing seasonal field surveys and monitoring
- Oyster and seagrass research
- Marine biodiversity surveys
- Data entry, organisation and analysis
- Mapping and interpretation of results
- Preparing project reports and summaries
- Communicating research findings
- Citizen science and community engagement
- Environmental education and outreach
- Developing educational materials based on our research
- Supporting end-of-season project evaluation and planning
Autumn can be particularly valuable for interns who want to experience how field research progresses from data collection through to analysis, reporting and communicating results.
4. Combine Your Internship with a Thesis
Students are very welcome to combine their Sea Synergy internship with an undergraduate or postgraduate thesis or research project.
A combined internship and thesis placement would typically involve approximately 50% of your time contributing to Sea Synergy’s work and 50% working on your thesis, with support, local knowledge and expertise from our team.
This allows you to gain practical experience while developing an independent research project connected to the marine environment and our ongoing work.
Depending on your university requirements, research interests and the projects taking place at the time, possible topics could include:
- Oyster biodiversity, restoration and habitat quality
- Seagrass distribution, resilience and associated biodiversity
- Seal, whale, seabird and coastal wildlife surveys
- Citizen science engagement and ocean literacy
- Marine recreation, ecotourism and environmental awareness
- Coastal water quality
- Climate change and local coastal ecosystems
- Marine education and its impact
- Community engagement in marine conservation
What We Can Offer Thesis Students
As part of your placement, Sea Synergy can provide:
- Access to our coastal environment as a living laboratory
- Practical field support and local expertise
- Guidance from our experienced team
- Workspace and Wi-Fi
- Connections with local community groups and ongoing projects
- Access to relevant field and activity equipment, depending on the project
- Opportunities to share your findings with our team and local community
Your thesis will remain your own academic project and should be undertaken in collaboration with your university supervisor. Sea Synergy can provide practical support, local expertise and guidance throughout your placement.
What You’ll Gain
A Sea Synergy internship is designed to provide a varied, practical experience rather than simply observing from the sidelines.
Depending on the season and length of your stay, you may gain:
- Hands-on experience in marine research and conservation
- Experience in environmental and outdoor education
- Practical fieldwork and citizen science skills
- Experience working with children, visitors and local communities
- Water-based activity experience
- Data collection, management and reporting skills
- Communication and outreach experience
- Opportunities for relevant training, depending on timing and availability
- Experience working as part of a small, multidisciplinary marine organisation
- A stronger CV and professional network
- An opportunity to live and work on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way
Who We’re Looking For
You don’t need to arrive with experience in every area. We’re looking for people who are curious, motivated, adaptable and genuinely interested in the marine environment.
Interns should:
- Be 18 or older
- Be motivated and willing to learn
- Be comfortable working independently and as part of a team
- Be happy working outdoors in changing weather
- Be comfortable around the sea and have good water confidence where relevant
- Have First Aid certification or be willing to obtain it where required
- Complete Garda Vetting where required for working with children
- Ideally have access to their own transport
Practical Information
Duration: A minimum commitment of approximately two months is recommended.
Season: Placements are generally available from April to November. Activities and responsibilities vary depending on the time of year and ongoing projects.
Funding: Internships are unpaid. Many of our interns join us through Erasmus+ or other university and mobility funding programmes. Depending on available grants, Sea Synergy may occasionally be able to subsidise training or support a limited number of funded positions.
Accommodation: Interns are responsible for arranging their own accommodation. We will help where possible by sharing local contacts, leads and information about available options.
Transport: Having your own transport is very useful in rural Kerry, particularly for travelling between project and activity locations.