Ocean Technologist (COVE Internship Program)

Ocean Technologist

COVE

Dartmouth, NS

Host Company:

Fundy Ocean Research Centre for Energy (FORCE)

75 Alderney Dr

Dartmouth, NS

B2Y 2N7

Who is COVE? 

COVE is a tech hub and commercialization partner home to more than 400 organizations that use its facilities, services and programs. COVE brings together industry, academia and government to accelerate marine technology development and commercialization - from seabed to space - ensuring resilient supply chains built with Canadian solutions. Through its vast international network, COVE has been at the forefront of providing invaluable networking opportunities, fostering connections, and leading discussions within the global marine technology community. 

COVE spearheads programs aimed at nurturing talent, expediting the release of technology products, and bolstering the success of emerging ventures by startups, scaleups, and SMEs. These initiatives, coupled with COVE's ability to harness diverse skills and expertise nationally within the innovation ecosystem, serve as an enabler for overcoming industry challenges, driving economic growth, and delivering value to investors.  

As COVE experiences rapid expansion, we are actively seeking to expand our team to further bolster our transformational influence on the marine sector. We recognize that our journey toward this goal hinges on the strength of our team - a group of individuals who collaborate, innovate, and continually strive for excellence. Join us as we embark on this exciting journey of discovery and advancement. 

What is the COVE Internship Program? 

We are looking for bright, talented individuals at the post-secondary level, interested in the marine sector, who are looking to gain valuable, hands-on work experience. You will be placed with a host company in the marine sector and will be working on a core project for their business. Projects are interdisciplinary and students will be collaborating closely with other students and staff from different disciplines. 

The COVE internship is a collaboration with numerous companies that are leaders in the marine and marine technology sector. We are diligent in placing students in a role with a company that is well aligned with their discipline of study, skillset, and future career ambitions. Canada’s marine sector is growing and thriving and contributes millions of dollars to our national economy on an annual basis. COVE is seeking interns who are Canada’s best and brightest to be part of this phenomenal growth. 

• Internship Eligibility:  

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  • Open to post-secondary students across all disciplines (i.e. Environmental Sciences, Statistics, Engineering, Computer Science, Business, Marketing and Communications, etc.) 
  
  
  
  

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  • Students must be actively enrolled in a post-secondary program at the time of the summer internship 
  
  
  
  

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  • Based on the required skillsets, placements are typically geared towards second-year undergraduate students and above 
  
  
  
  

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  • Collaborative self-starter 
  
  
  
  

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  • Open to learning  
  
  
  
  

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  • Have experience or an interest in the marine sector  
  
  
  
  

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  • International students must be eligible to work in Canada and have a valid study/work permit  
  
  
  
  

• Program Highlights:  

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  • 16-week full-time paid (min. $22/hr) employment from May-August 2026 
  
  
  
  

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  • Project-based learning opportunity with a host company in Nova Scotia  
  
  
  
  

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  • Professional development sessions 
  
  
  
  

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  • Mentorship from industry professionals  
  
  
  
  

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  • Networking opportunities  
  
  
  
  

The Opportunity: 

The Ocean Technologist will work under the guidance of the Field Programs Director to support the Ocean Sensor Innovation Platforms (OSIP) project led by FORCE in collaboration with Acadia University, the Confederacy of Mainland Mi’kmaq, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and many other partners. Central to the project is the deployment of an autonomous, floating platform for sea-surface environmental monitoring alongside submersible sensor systems deployed on the seafloor. In future tidal turbine deployments, sensors and methods tested by these platforms will capture essential data on fish–turbine interactions, addressing one of tidal energy’s greatest challenges: accurately measuring and monitoring risk to marine species. This role offers hands-on experience in the innovative field of tidal energy and environmental monitoring, develops technical skills in marine operations, sensor integration and data communication, and the opportunity to contribute to advancing clean energy solutions in Canada. This role includes collaboration with a team of experts to support ongoing research and monitoring projects. 

What you will be doing:  

Maintain proficiency with a suite of oceanographic equipment as part of the EEMP 
Lead and provide support for the development of procedures, safety plans, work instructions, log sheets, and data management procedures for the various instruments and the deployment of these instruments to support FORCE’s EEMP, as well as utilize the documentation; 

• Assist with OSIP platform deployment, maintenance, and operation.


• Support in installing, troubleshooting, calibrating, and maintaining environmental monitoring instruments.


• Support vessel-based activities including line handling, anchoring, and deck operations.


• Compile and document results from monitoring activities.


• Assist in creating reports on monitoring for internal and external stakeholders 

What you will bring: 

• Proficiency with computer software including MS Office, Adobe Suite, Office 365, and CAD tools such as AutoCAD and Autodesk.


• Hands‑on mechanical ability for assembling, maintaining, and troubleshooting equipment and marine electronic systems. 


• Familiarity with data acquisition systems and environmental monitoring tools used in oceanographic research.


• Knowledge of marine operations, vessel equipment, safety protocols, and basic seamanship (line handling, anchoring, deck work). 


• Understanding of sensor integration, data communication protocols (serial, ethernet, fibre optics), and wireless communication basics.


• Experience deploying, calibrating, and maintaining scientific instrumentation in marine environments. 


• Background working aboard research or commercial vessels in operational marine settings. 
  


• Certifications: First Aid & CPR, MED, SVOP, ROC‑Maritime, and valid NS driver’s license. 

A valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle is required. 

COVE is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We welcome and encourage applications from individuals who are traditionally underrepresented in the marine sector, including women, Indigenous Peoples, individuals from underrepresented racial or ethnic backgrounds, and other equity-deserving groups.  

To submit an application, click “Apply”. The deadline for submission is 11:59 pm ADT, Monday, February 11th, 2026. We thank all candidates for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.