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Ocean Career: Center for Coastal Studies Marine Debris and Plastics Research Assistant I

Based at the tip of Cape Cod in the Atlantic Ocean, the Center for Coastal Studies (CCS) is a non-profit scientific research organization with a focus on marine mammals of the western North Atlantic and on the coastal and marine habitats and resources of the Gulf of Maine. With a staff of 55, CCS promotes stewardship of coastal and marine ecosystems, conducts interdisciplinary research activities and provides educational resources that encourage the responsible use and conservation of coastal and marine ecosystems. CCS regularly collaborates with other institutions and individuals to advance the Center’s mission to understand, preserve and protect marine ecosystems and the coastal environment.

ABOUT THE CCS MARINE DEBRIS & PLASTICS PROGRAM

The Center’s MDPP investigates and responds to abandoned, lost or discarded fishing gear (ALDFG), end-of-life fishing gear and aquaculture equipment, beach debris, microplastics and other marine plastic debris issues.

Since its inception in 2012, the primary focus of the program has been removal of ALDFG from the waters of Cape Cod Bay, recently expanding to include collaborative efforts from southern New England to the Canadian border, working with dozens of partners in the region. The program has two full-time staff and over 150 active volunteers who support field work and data collection. An additional 40+ artists work with the program’s debris collection to encourage public awareness of marine debris issues.

POSITION SUMMARY

We are seeking a graduate student or recent graduate with a background in marine science, political or social science, or any related/relevant topic with a keen interest in marine debris and in pursuing a career in ocean conservation to assist the Director of the Marine Debris & Plastics program, advancing specific projects related to the program’s marine debris data. This nine-month position is 32-40 hours a week with a flexible schedule based
at the Center for Coastal Studies in Provincetown, Massachusetts.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Assist with alignment of CCS, regional and national debris databases.
  • Assist with updating the GEAR Team website (gear-hub.org) with news stories, project write-ups, maps and data depiction.
  • Contribute to external presentations and other communication tasks (such as scientific posters, factsheets,
    flyers and blogs).
  • Provide support at special project functions and other activities.
  • Participate in ghost gear removal field work and data collection.
  • Participate in shoreline clean ups, debris surveys and impact assessments of debris.
  • Assist with collating, visualizing and sharing shoreline and at-sea removal data.
  • Attend staff, partner and program meetings.
  • Perform other related duties as assigned by the Director.

REQUIRED SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE

  • Dedication to the stewardship of the oceans and an interest in marine debris.
  • Ability to visually depict data including locations, type, amount and year for use in story maps, reports and outreach.
  • Recent graduate of a program in a related/relevant field. Current students considered but position
    requires up to 40 hours/week.
  • Desire to learn more about the environmental impact of ghost gear, marine debris and how it impacts
    relevant stakeholders.
  • Excellent computer skills including Microsoft Office suite and ArcGIS or similar mapping software.
  • Strong communication skills and reliability; strong logistical skills.
  • Ability to meet deadlines and to manage multiple simultaneous projects.
  • Attention to detail.
  • Experience working in a collaborative office or professional environment.
  • Self-motivation, flexibility, and a positive “can-do” attitude.
  • Ability to lift 40 pounds.


Deadline for applications is November 12, 2025.

Learn more about this opportunity and how to apply.

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