Artificial Reef Hydrodynamics Intern

About Ocean Rescue Alliance International (ORAI)

ORAI is a marine conservation and restoration non-profit organization (NPO) based in Florida that implements innovative techniques to restore marine environments. ORAI's work involves the creation of artificial reefs designed to incorporate art, innovative designs, and safe materials to enhance marine habitats, protect coastlines and provide a unique diving location. Their research investigates artificial reef design improvements, coastal protection with wave reduction modules, coral restoration, oyster restoration, mangrove restoration, seawall enhancements, and fish population dynamics.

About the Role

ORAI seeks a scientist with, or in pursuit of, a master's or PhD in coastal engineering, oceanography, or a related field for a one-year internship (with the option to extend) to analyze the hydrodynamic effects of a new artificial reef deployed off Hollywood, FL in May 2025, to plan future deployments throughout the Caribbean, and to publish literature related to the topic. The selected individual will play a key role in evaluating how the reef interacts with wave energy, including modeling wave dissipation and flow dynamics, and will help optimize future reef designs for coastal protection.

This position offers rare access to the rapidly growing field of hybrid reef structures and nature-based solutions for shoreline resilience. A stipend is dependent on independent grant writing, for which ORAI will support.

Location: Remote. Type: Part-time, Contract, Internship. Hours: 5.0–20.0 per week. Pay: Up to $40,000.00 per year (stipend-dependent).

Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and implement wave and current modeling for artificial reef structures.
• Analyze the reef's performance in attenuating wave energy at Hollywood Beach.
• Assist in design recommendations for future reef deployments.
• Rigorously document all findings and methodologies.
• Conduct literature review on artificial reefs and wave energy dissipation.
• Submit research findings to a peer-reviewed scientific journal (required).
• Additional opportunities available depending on interest (ecological monitoring, educational outreach, grant writing, etc.).

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in coastal/ocean engineering, oceanography, or a related field (alternative experience and training may be considered).
• Master's or PhD student in a related field preferred.
• Experience with wave modeling tools (e.g., SWAN, XBeach, FUNWAVE, Delft3D, or similar).
• Knowledge of wave dynamics, coastal erosion, and reef structure interactions.
• Familiarity with data analysis software (e.g., MATLAB, Python, R).
• Experience with field data collection of wave/current measurements preferred.
• Demonstrated interest in coastal resilience and nature-based infrastructure.
• Scientific writing and publication experience preferred but not required.

How to Apply

Please submit your resume or CV, cover letter, and any relevant work samples to info@oceanrescuealliance.org or d.weinstein@oceanrescuealliance.org. In your cover letter, explain your interest in coastal resilience, artificial reef systems, and your relevant modeling or hydrodynamic experience.

More information: LinkedIn

Applications reviewed on a rolling basis.