NCBO/ CRC Field Technician Internship
Project Description: The NOAA Chesapeake Bay Office (NCBO) and Chesapeake Research Consortium (CRC) seek a summer intern for late May through mid-August 2023 (12 weeks) to assist with the NOAA Chesapeake Bay Office’s field science programming. The intern will work broadly with the field team, supporting operations on the water and on land. Specifically, the intern will assist with the maintenance and operation of a newly deployed water column hypoxia (dissolved oxygen) monitoring system and the continued maintenance of the Chesapeake Bay Interpretive Buoy System. The final component of this project will be assisting with intensive fish utilization field monitoring campaigns at the Poplar Island dredge material restoration site.
Opportunities: This internship provides a unique opportunity to contribute to large-scale, long-term ecological research critical to understanding Chesapeake Bay habitat and living resources. This position provides insights into careers in marine science and ocean engineering beyond those applied for. In addition, the internship experience will provide a background in restoration science, oceanography, and ecology. The position will also provide an opportunity to expand the intern’s knowledge of Chesapeake Bay flora and fauna and the technologies related to field research and ecosystem monitoring.
Deliverables:
- Active participation in NCBO’s field work, logistical support and equipment/facility maintenance
- Presentation to NCBO staff at the conclusion of the internship summarizing the experiences gained and work conducted
Requirements:
- Willingness to engage in physically demanding work and occasionally longer days, typically taking place outdoors on a boat
- Knowledge of and/or comfort in using reference sources on flora and fauna of the Chesapeake Bay
- Motivated self-starter with ability to work and reason independently
- Must be a college-level student entering sophomore, junior, or senior year of undergraduate study
- Must be a U.S. citizen and willing to undergo a security background check
Work Location and Duration: This position will be an in-person position based out of the NOAA Chesapeake Bay Office in Annapolis, Maryland, and/or the Cooperative Oxford Lab, Oxford, Maryland.
The position will begin in mid-May and conclude in mid-August and will be in place for 12 weeks. We plan on providing interns with access to a NOAA computer, email, and phone services (in the office).
Compensation: The intern will be reimbursed at the end of each month, for a total of up to $6,000 ($500/week) for the equivalent of 12 (in-person) of full-time activities (400–480 hours). Funds are available to compensate interns for occasional work-related travel. Candidates should expect to follow a normal weekday work schedule (roughly 9-5, Monday–Friday) with occasional variations for possible field work or other activities. No benefits are provided. We offer assistance in arranging local housing if the position is an in-person opportunity.
Diversity and Inclusion:
The NOAA Chesapeake Bay Office is committed to supporting a diverse and inclusive science oriented workforce. Our internship program endeavors to recruit from a diverse, qualified group of potential applicants to secure a high-performing workforce drawn from all segments of American society. NOAA is strongly supportive of broadening the participation of historically black colleges and universities, Hispanic-serving institutions, tribal colleges and universities, and institutions that work in underserved areas. We highly encourage applications from students at any of the above institutions as well as students that identify as a member of underrepresented and underserved groups in science, including students who identify as people of color, women, American Indian or Alaska Native, persons with disabilities, members of the LGBTQAI+ community, persons from economically disadvantaged backgrounds and first-generation college students