Employment and Internships

Right Whale Ecology Program (RWEP) Habitat Intern

Reports to: RWEP Marine Ecologist
Job Classification: Seasonal Intern
Pay: $15/hour; housing provided
Hours: An average of 40 hours/week; including weekends and holidays as fieldwork requires
Term: January 04, 2027 through May 28, 2027
FLSA Status: Non-exempt
Application Deadline: September 28, 2026 by 5pm

Job Summary: The RWEP conducts long-term monitoring of North Atlantic right whale abundance, distribution, behavior, and prey in Cape Cod Bay and adjacent Massachusetts waters. The habitat intern will participate in research cruises as a marine observer, working alongside the photo-id intern and assisting the RWEP marine ecologist in zooplankton and environmental data collections. Lab responsibilities include zooplankton species identification and counts, archiving samples, data entry, and maintaining field equipment. Office responsibilities include database entry and may also assist in photo-analysis (matching right whale individuals to known animals using an online and in-house catalog).

Essential Duties:

• Identification of marine mammals
• Collecting behavioral, environmental, and sightings data (other species, vessels, marine debris, and fishing gear)
• Zooplankton collection and identification
• Database entry and maintenance
• Maintaining vessel field equipment

Minimum Requirements:

• A Bachelor’s degree, preferably in biological/ environmental sciences
• Good memorization skills and strong attention to details
• Basic computer literacy and experience using Microsoft Office programs (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
• Experience working on boats, ability to withstand harsh elements for up to 10 hours at a time
• Not prone to serious seasickness
• Must be able to live and work well in a team
• Enthusiasm and willingness to learn field and lab-based research methods
• Ability to work well under pressure.

Preferred Requirements:

• Plankton identification
• Microscopy experience
• Marine observer experience
• Not prone to seasickness
• A valid US driver’s license

The successful applicant will be required to work a minimum of four to five full days per week and will need to be flexible for research cruises due to weather contraints. The intern will often process zooplankton samples independently in the lab, thus responsible, detail-oriented applicants are encouraged to apply. Applicants must be available for the full five months and must be willing to work weekends, holidays and evenings as needed. International applicants must secure their own visas or other required documentation.

The RWEP has a long history of conservation and research work with the North Atlantic right whale. Cape Cod Bay has been a major critical habitat for around 50% of the estimated population in recent years. This internship will afford the successful applicant an invaluable opportunity to work within a well-established institution, with highly-qualified scientists, and to gain experience in photo-identification, behavioral observation and analysis, and data processing of one of the world’s most endangered cetaceans. Details of our work can be found on our website: http://coastalstudies.org/right-whale-research/

How to Apply:
The application package should include the following as a single PDF:
1) Cover letter describing your qualifications for this internship, your specific interests in marine mammal science, and how the experience would assist you in reaching career goals
2) CV/resume
3) Names and contact information of two professional references
4) College transcripts (unofficial are sufficient)

Application materials must be submitted via the link below by 5pm on September 28th, 2026.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY FOR RWEP HABITAT INTERNSHIP

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HR GENERALIST
Reports to: Director of Administration
Location: Provincetown, MA with the possibility of occasional remote work
Compensation: $30-$35 to start, depending on experience.
Hours: 24-32 hours per week, Monday – Friday
FLSA Status: Non-exempt
Application Deadline: September 14, 2026

The HR Generalist manages the full employee lifecycle (benefits, payroll, compliance, and recruiting through offboarding) while supporting training and employee engagement. Ideal candidates have 3+ years of HR/payroll/benefits experience and excellent communication and organizational skills.

Benefits Administration

• Communicate and administer employee benefit programs (health, dental, vision, life, disability, voluntary benefits, 403(b), COBRA) and coordinate annual open enrollment.
• Liaise with brokers/providers and accounting to ensure accurate enrollments, terminations, and billing.
• Manage leaves of absence (FMLA, state leaves, statutory benefits) and assist with ADA compliance.
• Report workplace incidents to workers’ comp carriers and ensure required regulatory filings.

Payroll

• Process payroll accurately and on schedule, including PTO, deductions, and tax withholdings.
• Maintain payroll and timekeeping systems, including upgrades and troubleshooting.

Data Management

• Maintain employment records and job descriptions for hires, transfers, promotions, and terminations.
• Audit employee files and I-9 records for compliance; respond to employment verification requests.

Recruiting & On/Off-Boarding

• Support hiring: job postings, resume review, reference checks, interview scheduling/coordination, and candidate communications.
• Ensure compliance with state/federal reporting and posting requirements.
• Process new hire paperwork and manage on- and off-boarding documentation.
• Communicate job duties, benefits, and working conditions to applicants.

HR Development

• Keep compliance training and onboarding current with state/federal requirements; maintain training records.
• Support mediation and legal consultation processes (with Executive Director approval) as needed.
• Coordinate employee training programs with supervisors as needed.
• Foster a positive work environment.

Knowledge & Skills Required

• Associate/Bachelor degree in HR or related field.
• 3+ years in HR, payroll, and benefits administration.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel), Google Workspace, and Adobe; BambooHR experience a plus.

Other Requirements

• Valid US driver’s license or reliable transportation; US work authorization.
• Primarily on-site with occasional remote flexibility.
• Ability to lift up to 20 lbs as needed.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY FOR HR GENERALIST

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FINANCE ASSISTANT
Reports to: Controller
Location: Provincetown, with the possibility of occasional remote work
Compensation: Starts at $26 to $28.85 per hour, depending on experience
Hours: An average of 40 hours/week, Monday – Friday
FLSA Status: Non-exempt
Application Deadline: September 14, 2026
Start date: October/November 2026

Job Summary: The Center is looking for an experienced Finance Assistant to join the Administrative Office and support our Controller across a range of financial functions. The successful candidate will play a key role in maintaining accurate financial records and ensuring timely accounts payable processing, payments, and reporting.

Responsibilities:

• Process AP invoices accurately into accounting software
• Maintain organized paper and digital invoice/payment files
• Prepare and process weekly check runs, ACH payments, and wire transfers
• Reconcile vendor invoices and statements and resolve payment discrepancies
• Maintain accurate vendor records, including W-9s and payment information
• Respond to vendor inquiries regarding invoices and payment status
• Perform general ledger reconciliations, prepare journal entries, and assist with month-end close activities, including but not limited to:
  • Merchandise sales
  • Vessel cost analysis and expense allocation
  • Fixed assets
  • Fundraising software reporting
• Provide support during audits and tax filings, including requested documentation and reports
• Ensure compliance with company policies and accounting procedures
• Prepare annual 1099 statements and filings
• Serve as administrator for commercial insurance communications, applications, and renewals; field staff questions and requests regarding coverage
• Assist with other accounting and administrative duties as assigned

Experience:

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Finance or Business Administration OR 3+ years of experience as a bookkeeper, accounting assistant or similar role
• Solid understanding of accounting principles and financial concepts
• Proficiency with accounting software such as Sage
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel), Adobe and Google Workspace
• Familiarity with non-profit accounting practices preferred

Skills:

• Attention to detail and accuracy in data entry and record keeping
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work independently and collaborate with cross-functional teams in a positive and supportive manner

Requirements:

• US Issued Driver’s License and/or access to reliable transportation
• Valid US work authorization
• Ability to lift 20 lbs as needed to move files or other office items.
• Availability for additional hours as needed during periods of higher work volume

CLICK HERE TO APPLY FOR FINANCE ASSISTANT

The Center for Coastal Studies is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages candidates of all backgrounds to apply. Diversity of opinions, experience, and backgrounds is a key asset.