Summer 2026 APNEP Science Communication and Outreach Internship
The Albemarle-Pamlico National Estuary Partnership is looking for a motivated undergraduate or graduate student to join us this upcoming summer as our Communication and Outreach Intern. The intern will work with APNEP staff to create and update communications and outreach content that will help us better communicate our organization's mission of understanding, protecting, and restoring the Albemarle-Pamlico estuarine system to target audiences. The intern will also assist in implementation of a communications campaign focused on raising awareness of issues related to water quality, water quantity, and seagrass protection in the Albemarle-Pamlico estuary. This internship may involve writing original content based off scientific and technical information, webpage design, graphic design, and/or video production depending on the intern's strengths and interests.
Applications are being accepted now through January 31st. The internship will last from May 18 through July 24, 2026. Please reach out to APNEP's Partnership Coordinator, Natalie Rodriguez, with any questions about the content of the internship. Questions about the application process should be directed to Internship Coordinator Jean McBride.
State of NC Internship Program - FAQs
During the course of the internship, the intern will learn about environmental issues in the Albemarle-Pamlico estuary and utilize principles of science communication to create and update communications and outreach content, and assist in implementation of a campaign related to coastal habitat protection, with a focus on water quality, water quantity (ecological flows), and/or seagrass protection in the Albemarle-Pamlico watershed. The intern will create original communications materials including blog posts, social media, press releases, brochures, newsletters, interactive online maps and tools, videos, webpages, and articles. The intern may assist with field work and/or outreach events.
As a result of the internship, the intern will increase their knowledge of environmental management and protection of the Albemarle-Pamlico estuarine system. They will gain experience utilizing different media types and channels to create effective communications and outreach products. They will also work with scientists, communications specialists, and resource managers to synthesize and translate technical information to target audiences.
- Academic Majors Desired: Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Environmental Studies/Science, Biology, Coastal Studies, Marine Science, Ecology, English, History, Multimedia Studies, Graphic Design, Public Policy, Political Science, Sustainability, Natural Resources, Geospatial Science (GIS)
- Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Strong writing and editing abilities
- Understanding of the principles of science communication
- Ability to translate scientific or technical information for non-technical audiences
- Understanding of community engagement practices
- Basic knowledge of or interest in environmental science, natural resource management, watershed protection, estuaries, and the coastal plain.
- Experience with social media, website content, graphic design, ArcGIS / AGOL mapping, Storymaps, creating or implementing communications campaigns/strategies desired, though no applicant is expected to possess all of these skills.
The intern will work primarily out of APNEP's Raleigh office but will also have the opportunity to travel within our program area in eastern North Carolina during the course of their internship. This internship is through the State of North Carolina's Internship Program and as such the intern will interact with other state government interns, participate in professional development opportunities, and learn about a career in state government.
Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:
- An applicant must be a permanent North Carolina resident attending a college, university, law school, community college or technical institute in North Carolina or a North Carolina resident attending an equivalent institution out of state.
- Applicants must carry a 2.5 or greater overall grade point average on a 4.0 scale.
- Applicant must be a high school graduate and at least 18 years old by January 1, 2026.
- Applicants must be continuing their education in the fall following their participation in the program.
- To qualify for a law internship, applicants must have completed at least one year of law school before the beginning of the internship, unless other majors are listed.
- Students having previously held paid internships with this program are not eligible to apply.
- Applicants must be willing and able to work full-time for the entire 10-week internship. Applicants must be able to provide legal proof of identity and work authorization within three working days of employment.
Apply for the APNEP Communication and Outreach Internship
