Employment and Internships

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

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INTERNSHIP: RIGHT WHALE ECOLOGY PROGRAM (PHOTO-ID)
Job Title: Right Whale Ecology Program (RWEP) Photo-ID Intern
Reports to: RWEP Photo and Database Manager
Job Classification: Seasonal Intern
Compensation: $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 4, 2026

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 photo-ID intern will participate in research cruises as a vessel observer and the primary vessel photographer, working alongside the habitat intern and assisting the RWEP marine ecologist in research cruise objectives. Office work requires processing all vessel photos and sightings data collected in the field. The intern may also assist with some of the habitat field and office tasks, which include collecting and processing zooplankton samples.

Essential Duties:

• Photographing critically endangered North Atlantic right whales
• Collecting behavioral, environmental, and sightings data (other species, vessels, marine debris, and fishing gear)
• Photo analysis: downloading images, matching individuals to known animals using online and in-house catalogs, inputting sightings information
• Database entry and maintenance
• Processing sightings data from other platforms
• Maintaining vessel field equipment

Minimum Requirements:

• An undergraduate degree, completed or in progress, preferably in biological/environmental sciences
• Previous marine mammal survey experience, including background in species identification and photo-identification of large cetaceans
• Experience with digital SLR cameras, lenses, and filters
• Basic computer literacy (including Windows operating system) and working knowledge of Microsoft Office and Google Suite applications
• Experience working on boats and ability to withstand harsh elements for up to 10 hours
• Not prone to serious seasickness
• Ability to live and work well in a small team
• Enthusiasm and willingness to learn field and lab-based research methods
• Strong attention to detail and ability to work well independently and under pressure

Preferred Requirements:

• Experience using iMatch image database software
• Experience with database entry and management
• Experience using GPS equipment
• Demonstrated ability to estimate object distance ranges from a vessel
• 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 constraints. The intern will often collect data independently in the field; thus responsible, detail-oriented applicants are encouraged to apply. Applicants must be available for the full field season 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:
Application materials must be submitted via the link below by September 4th, 2026. The application package should include the following as a single PDF:

• 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
• CV/resume
• Names and contact information of two professional references
• College transcripts (unofficial are sufficient)

CLICK HERE TO APPLY FOR: RIGHT WHALE ECOLOGY PHOTO-ID INTERNSHIP 

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WATER QUALITY LABORATORY TECHNICIAN
Job Type: Part-time, seasonal
Hours: 20-30 hours/week
Reports to: Director of Water Quality Monitoring Program
Compensation: $25/hour
Starting date: Immediately
FLSA Status: Non-exempt
Application Closing Date: August 27, 2026

Program Description
The Center for Coastal Studies (CCS) has monitored the water quality of Cape Cod Bay continuously for 20 years and Nantucket Sound for 15 years. Through collaborations with several other organizations, CCS currently collects water quality data and samples at over 120 stations, encompassing Cape Cod Bay, Nantucket Sound and the majority of the embayments and estuaries throughout Cape Cod. These stations are sampled regularly providing an impressive dataset that reveals long-term trends as well as seasonal and interannual variability. This is the longest-running and only comprehensive monitoring program for the Bay and the Sound and has provided valuable baseline data on nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorous), water temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen concentrations, chlorophyll and turbidity for the Cape’s surrounding coastal waters. These data have been integral to expanding our understanding of how human activities and management actions affect our surrounding water bodies.

Position Summary
The Entry-Level Water Quality Laboratory Technician assists with the collection, preparation, and analysis of water samples to help ensure compliance with water quality standards and regulatory requirements. Under the supervision of senior laboratory staff, the technician performs routine laboratory testing, maintains accurate records, and helps maintain a safe, clean, and organized laboratory environment. This position provides on-the-job training and is ideal for individuals beginning a career in environmental or laboratory sciences.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
• Perform routine chemical analyses following established procedures and standard operating protocols.
• Measure water quality parameters such as turbidity, chlorophyll, alkalinity and iron
• Assist with calibration, cleaning, and routine maintenance of laboratory instruments and equipment.
• Prepare reagents, solutions, and laboratory supplies under supervision.
• Follow laboratory quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) procedures to ensure accurate and reliable test results.
• Maintain laboratory cleanliness and properly dispose of waste according to safety guidelines.
• Assist with inventory management by stocking laboratory supplies and notifying supervisors of low inventory.
• Follow all laboratory safety procedures and wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications
• Associate degree or coursework in Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Science, or a related field preferred.
• Previous laboratory experience through school, internships, or volunteer work
• Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Office.
• Ability to learn laboratory procedures and operate scientific equipment.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accurate recordkeeping.
• Good communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently after training and as part of a team.
• US citizenship or proper US work visas

Physical Requirements
• Ability to stand and work in a laboratory for extended periods.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds.
• Manual dexterity to handle laboratory equipment and samples.
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment.

Working Conditions
• Work is performed primarily in a laboratory environment.
• Occasional field sampling may be required.
• Exposure to laboratory chemicals and biological materials while following established safety procedures.

Preferred Qualifications
• Basic knowledge of laboratory safety practices.
• Familiarity with environmental science or water quality concepts.
• Valid driver’s license for occasional field sampling.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Willingness to learn laboratory testing methods and regulations.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Excellent time management and organizational skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and integrity of laboratory data.
• Dependable, reliable, and committed to workplace safety.

Career Growth
This position offers training and development opportunities for advancement into Water Quality Laboratory Technician, Senior Laboratory Technician, or Water Quality Analyst roles.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY FOR: WATER QUALITY LABORATORY TECHNICIAN 

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.