Leadership & Internship Opportunities

The Natural Resource Education Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering hands-on environmental education experiences, and protecting and restoring coastal habitats in the Barnegat Bay watershed. At the heart of NREF’s success is teamwork; this organization is completely volunteer run, and all that we have achieved is thanks to the collaboration and dedication of our various partners and stakeholders.

If you are looking to gain valuable experience in the fields of environmental education, conservation, nonprofit administration, public communications, or coastal habitat management and restoration, you might find the perfect role with us. We currently have the following opportunities open for applications:

  • Position Summary

    This role is intended for high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors. The NREF Student Ambassador is a part-time volunteer role with flexible hours determined prior to program enrollment and based on the student’s desired outcomes. The Student Ambassador will:

    • Act as a representative of NREF and communicate with peers to promote awareness and participation in NREF

    • Attend monthly board meetings either in person or virtually through Zoom.

    • Work with the NREF Media & Outreach committee to create educational content for social media profiles.

    • Participate in at least one education or habitat conservation event held at the Lighthouse Center.

    • Lead a project or event at your school or in your own community that supports coastal habitat conservation and stewardship. This could be a beach cleanup, an ocean literacy presentation, a campaign to reduce waste and promote sustainability, tree planting, or starting an environmental club at school. The main focus of the project or event is up to the Student Ambassador, and will be proposed to at least one NREF board member for approval. The Student Ambassador is encouraged to seek support from NREF board members while they work on their project.

    • Check and respond to emails in a timely manner.

    Outcomes for Student Ambassador

    • Develop valuable skills such as time management, leadership, and team-building.

    • Develop the skills to become a coastal habitat conservation leader, including climate literacy, project management, and community outreach.

    • Strengthen your interest and knowledge in environmental conservation and education.

    • Learn about conservation and education career paths and future opportunities with our network of partners.

    • Earn a certificate of achievement upon the completion of role requirements over the course of one year.

    • Use the time and effort spent in this role to fulfill requirements for

      • National Honor Society

      • Higher education scholarships

      • Scouting America and Girl Scouts badges

      • Other community service awards and goals as identified by the Student Ambassador

    Location

    This is a hybrid position, with in-person activities based at the Lighthouse Center for Natural Resource Education in Waretown, New Jersey.

    How to Apply

    Please submit a letter of interest telling us about yourself, your interest in environmental conservation, and why you want to be a Student Ambassador for NREF. If you have a resume, you may submit that as well.
    Please do not use AI to write your letter of interest or resume. We want to know how you think and write.

    If you are under the age of 18, you will need the consent of a parent/guardian to apply for this position. Parents/guardians can access the online consent agreement here prior to providing a digital signature on the Student Ambassador application page.

    Click here to apply