Marine Science Internship

  • Posted on: March 8, 2024
  • Application Deadline: April 5, 2024 (may remain open until all positions are filled)

If you would like to apply after the deadline, please contact Dottie Byron to verify positions are still available.

DESCRIPTION/PURPOSE

The Coastal Habitat and Restoration Monitoring (CHaRM) lab is seeking two (2) motivated and enthusiastic interns to join Drs. Ken Heck and John Valentine at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab (DISL) to help conduct monitoring of habitat restoration projects along coastal Alabama. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, with the potential to start as early as May 1, 2024 and will conclude by December 15, 2024, with the possibility for extension.

Interns will assist with collecting data to assess the performance of submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) and breakwater/living shoreline restoration projects by surveying SAV, salt marshes, and collecting benthic infaunal and epifaunal animals and sediment samples. Interns will receive training in:

  • SAV and marsh identification and monitoring techniques
  • Benthic invertebrate (epifaunal and infaunal) sampling techniques and identification
  • Sediment collection and processing techniques to measure organic carbon and grain size

Work will be performed in the laboratory and outdoors. Laboratory work will involve long periods of sitting while sorting samples for invertebrate species, looking through a microscope to identify and enumerate invertebrates, and entering data. Outdoor work will often involve long field days (>8 hours), possible exposure to adverse weather conditions (heat, rain, cold), and biting insects. The work requires physical exertion such as lifting or reaching to observe, collect, or record field data; or in some situations snorkeling and working off a small (<25’) boat. Interns may need to lift heavy items (e.g., field gear up to 40 pounds) on a routine basis.

For more information about Drs. John Valentine and Kenneth Heck, please visit disl.edu/who-we-are.

Experience (although not necessary), as well as enthusiasm about marine research, are important, and this internship will provide a great opportunity for hands-on training in the field and laboratory.

STIPEND

This is a full time (40 hr/wk) position, with a biweekly stipend of $1,000. The applicant will be responsible for finding housing; however, the lab group can offer suggestions. Year-round housing on Dauphin Island is limited but may be available, and more options are available in nearby Mobile, Alabama (a 35–40-minute commute).

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Participate in field-based activities to assist with restoration monitoring of critical nursery habitats, such as marsh and SAV, in coastal Alabama. Activities may include walking long distances in salt marsh habitat, snorkeling to collect seagrass data, carrying heavy equipment to and from field sites, and working in and around small vessels with possible exposure to adverse conditions (intense sun, biting insects, pop-up storms, etc.).
  • Process samples in the lab, including, but not limited to, sorting and identifying epibenthic and infaunal organisms, and processing seagrass and sediment samples.
  • Collaborate with other members of the lab group, including, but not limited to, the Lab Manager and members of the labs of Drs. John Valentine and Ken Heck.
  • Perform other general lab duties, such as cleaning and storing equipment and instrument calibration.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Undergraduate Degree in Marine Science, Biological Sciences, Environmental Science, Oceanography, Engineering, or closely related field (<2 years post undergraduate degree preferred).
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Physical endurance for potentially long field days (and being able to lift at least 40 lbs)
  • U.S. citizenship or U.S. residency.

TO APPLY FOR THIS POSITION

Click here to submit an application.

Here are a few things you will need to prepare your application:

  • Your responses to the following two questions: “What would you like to gain from this internship? and What do you hope to be doing professionally within the next 5 years” (300 words or less for each).
  • CV listing relevant coursework limited to upper division or specialized courses and field-based courses only, technical skills related to laboratory and field work, such field techniques and/or lab processes you are familiar with (e.g. coastal and marine plant identification, sorting and identifying invertebrates, taking sediment cores, etc.), and research experience (e.g. internships, REU, senior thesis). Limit to 3 pages
  • Contact information for 2 references.

Interested applicants should complete the application and submit a C.V. by April 5, 2024.

If you would like to apply after the deadline, please contact Dottie Byron to verify positions are still available.