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Internship and Job Resources

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A list of resources to help our current students and graduates land the perfect internship or job in both marine science and environmental studies.

Some General Search Links for Internships and Jobs 

Specific Internship Opportunities and Deadlines

Below are some individual opportunities, instead of more general searches, most of which are paid opportunities.  Deadlines are listed for 2021, but many internship programs are likely to be offered in subsequent years. You can also search by the same job tile and organization in internet search engines for more information.

PLEASE NOTE: Application deadlines included where possible, but confirm deadlines on each program website. 

Cooperative Institute for Modeling the Earth System (CIMES) Research Internship Program at Princeton University (deadline 1/15/21; needs contact information for references [not full letters] by the deadline date)

The Cooperative Institute for Modeling the Earth System (CIMES), the successor to the Cooperative Institute for Climate Science, at Princeton University in collaboration with NOAA’s Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory (GFDL) is recruiting both undergraduate and graduate students for 8-10 week research internships in atmospheric, oceanic and earth system science. Awardees will work with host scientists at the NOAA/GFDL, a world-leading center of earth system modeling, research and prediction. If Princeton University allows summer interns to physically work at Princeton/GFDL, students will receive a stipend of $700/week and a $300/week housing allowance for those interns not living at home, and reimbursement for travel from their home institution. Interns will have access to Princeton University rental housing. If Princeton University is still closed, then work will be performed remotely and interns will receive a stipend of $700/week.

RISE at Rutgers (Rolling deadline; reviews start late January; recommend applying by 2/1/21)

is a nationally acclaimed summer research program for outstanding undergraduates from diverse backgrounds. Scholars participate in 10 weeks of cutting-edge research in the biological, physical, and social/ behavioral sciences, math, engineering, and exciting interdisciplinary areas under the guidance of carefully matched faculty mentors. A comprehensive professional development component, including GRE preparation, complements the research.

Coastal Research in Environmental Science and Technology (CREST) (Deadline 2/1/21)

The Coastal Research in Environmental Science and Technology (CREST) program at the University of Massachusetts Boston (UMass Boston) is a 10-week immersive research experience serving 8 undergraduate scholars per year. CREST exposes these students to cutting edge, authentic, coastal environmental research at UMass Boston in an integrative transdisciplinary program. CREST focuses on coastal research that incorporates the natural and social sciences and leverages the existing research and educational programs within the School for the Environment at UMass Boston. And also here: Pathways to Science program. 

Conservation Associate at the Willistown Conservation Trust

The Foundations in Conservation Internship program aims to inspire and educate future conservation and environmental leaders from diverse backgrounds by providing a platform for traditionally underrepresented college students and graduates in the conservation field. Conservation Associates will participate in a four-month paid internship, gaining real-world, hands-on experience, receiving professional mentorship and participating in networking opportunities designed to equip students with a strong foundation for successful careers in conservation and beyond. Using Rushton Woods Preserve as a campus, there will be opportunities to participate in each of the Trust’s program areas - Land Stewardship, Land Protection, Watershed Protection, Bird Conservation and Community Farm.

RESESS Internship (Deadline 2/1/21) [more geology focused, but read the criteria]

The RESESS Internship is a multi-summer internship program, primarily funded by the National Science Foundation, that is dedicated to increasing diversity in the geosciences. RESESS encourages applications from individuals who are members of a group that is historically underrepresented in the Earth sciences, and from students who can demonstrate experience working towards to raising awareness about the importance of the geosciences among broad or diverse segments of the population. This program is hosted by UNAVCO, Inc., in Boulder, Colorado.

The Harvard Forest Summer Research Program in Ecology (Deadline 2/19/21) [will be virtual]

The Harvard Forest Summer Research Program in Ecology is an 11-week immersive research experience connecting undergraduate students to mentors and researchers in the pursuit of scientific inquiry. Harvard Forest is Harvard University’s world-class ecological research hub at the nexus of many national and international scientific networks, which Summer Program students leverage to conduct research and build their careers.

IRIS Internship program (Deadline 2/1/21 with letters due 2/15/21) [need math and physics classes]

This NSF funded research experience for undergraduates (REU) provides interns with the opportunity to:

  • conduct exciting research with state of the art geophysical data and leading researchers at IRIS institutions,
  • develop an understanding of scientific inquiry, including designing and conducting scientific investigations, defending scientific arguments, and preparing publications,
  • gather, manage, and convey information, using various skills, strategies, resources, and
  • learn, use, and evaluate technologies for the collection and study of geophysical data.

SOARS/UCAR (Deadline 2/15/21) [likely a virtual program]

SOARS is dedicated to broadening participation in the atmospheric and related sciences. SOARS is an undergraduate to graduate program built around a summer research internship, mentoring by top scientists and engineers, and a supportive learning community. In addition to the summer internship, SOARS includes year-round support, funding to attend conferences and last-dollar tuition scholarships. Successful proteges are eligible to participate in the program for up to four years.

REU SeaGrant Maryland (Deadline 2/19/21)

Maryland Sea Grant offers fifteen students the opportunity to conduct marine research on the Chesapeake Bay. During the 12-week program, each student works with a mentor on an individual research project. It’s a special opportunity to develop your research skills and interests by working with top science mentors studying America’s largest estuary.

CEI (Community-Engaged Internship) Program at Maryland Sea Grant intern will be jointly mentored by the programs’ assistant directors, J. Adam Frederick (education) and Lisa Tossey (communications) for the 10-week program beginning after Memorial Day . The overarching goal of this internship program is to broaden participation in marine and coastal professions by providing training and mentorship to the next generation of scientists, decision makers, and citizens. Applications will be evaluated during late April.  Apply via the online application portal.

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Summer Student Fellowship (Deadline by 2/5/21)

Summer Student Fellowships are awarded to undergraduate students who will have completed their junior year at colleges or universities by the start of the fellowship period. Students who will graduate before the fellowship begins are not eligible to apply. Preference is given to students studying in any of the fields of science or engineering including but not limited to the fields of biology, chemistry, engineering, geology, geophysics, mathematics, meteorology, physics, oceanography, and marine policy. Students must have at least a tentative interest in the ocean sciences, oceanographic engineering, mathematics, or marine policy. Through the Summer Student Fellowship program, WHOI’s aim is to provide promising students with a meaningful first-hand introduction to research in oceanography, oceanographic engineering, or marine policy.

The Woods Hole Partnership Education Program (PEP) (Deadline 2/13/21)

The Woods Hole Partnership Education Program (PEP) is a multi-institutional program between the 6 Woods Hole scientific institutions and the academic partner, the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. PEP is a 10-week program designed primarily for college juniors and seniors from underrepresented groups in marine and ocean sciences who want to spend a summer gaining practical experience in marine and environmental science. The program consists of a four-week course and a ten-week research project – all in the sea-side village of Woods Hole.

Interdisciplinary Research Experiences for Undergraduates in Coastal Plain Science (Deadline 2/26/21)

Study the potential impacts of global climate change stressors on organisms and ecosystems of the Atlantic Coastal Plain by participating in research experiences with faculty from the Institute for Coastal Plain Science (ICPS). The Georgia Southern University ICPS REU program in Coastal Plain Science is a summer research program supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF). Our program is an exciting opportunity for 10 undergraduate students to be awarded fellowships to actively engage in a 10 week interdisciplinary research experience.

UNAVCO Student Internship Program (USIP) (Deadline 2/1/21)

UNAVCO offers a paid internship that offers graduate and upper-level undergraduate students the opportunity to learn various aspects of geodesy research and education. UNAVCO offers unique internship opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students. The UNAVCO Student Internship Program (USIP) internships are real-world work experiences related to the students’ major or career goal. As an intern, you will be an integral member of the UNAVCO team and play an important role by contributing your knowledge, skills, and abilities to specific projects. Our managers teach interns what it is like to work in a non-profit organization that facilitates geoscience research and education. In turn, we anticipate that you will play an important role in achieving project goals and that throughout the internship we are able to share expertise, leverage best practices and forge lasting relationships.

Lobster Ecology Summer Internships at University of Maine, Darling Marine Center (application review and selection during March 2021)

The Steneck Lab at the University of Maine is seeking several summer interns interested in lobster biology and ecology. Successful candidates will assist in a multifaceted study of the American lobster along the coast of Maine. The project involves a mix of field work, laboratory experiments, and data processing. Field work will include scuba diving (for certified scuba divers), small boat operations, underwater video surveys with a tethered remotely operated vehicle (ROV) and sonar seafloor mapping equipment. Lab experiments will be focused on lobster behavior of both larvae and juvenile/adults. Interns will analyze data from this and past years and will work with Maine’s Department of Marine Resources to build a lobster biology database.

Special preference will be given to students who are AAUS certified scuba divers however that qualification is not required for this internship. Experience with cold water diving, small boat operations, and/or data analysis in programs such as Excel, R, or ArcGIS/QGIS will also be viewed favorably.

The research will be based at the Darling Marine Center (the coastal marine laboratory for the University of Maine) and the position will run from June through August. 

University of Maine Darling Marine Center based labs and projects are looking to fill paid summer internship positions with undergraduate students. Opportunities are posted as they become available (typically February-April, each year). Hiring is done by individual faculty and visiting researchers.

ECOSYSTEMS: Summer Internship Opportunity (Deadline 3/15/21)
The Ecosystems Group at Stroud Water Research Center is seeking a current or recently graduated science major to serve as laboratory and field assistant in a variety of projects, including but not limited to agricultural impacts on stream water quality, nitrogen removal processes in pre-colonial milldams, and monitoring fish populations and stream habitat quality.

Priority will be given based on background, experience, interests, and academic performance in biological/environmental sciences. Familiarity with analytical chemistry, freshwater ecology, or taxonomy of freshwater fish is considered a plus but is not required. Applicants should be able to make approximately a 10-week commitment. Application for academic credit at the student’s home institution is encouraged.

ENTOMOLOGY: Summer Internship Opportunity (Deadline 3/15/21)
Stroud Water Research Center is seeking current or recently graduated science majors to serve as laboratory assistants in a biological water-quality analysis of sites in the Schuylkill and Delaware River Basins. These data are being collected in support of intensive restoration and preservation efforts throughout these basins.

Priority will be given based on background, experience, interests, and academic performance in biological/environmental sciences. Familiarity with aquatic insects, freshwater ecology, or restoration science is considered a plus but is not required. Applicants should be able to make approximately a 10-week commitment. Application for academic credit at the student’s home institution is encouraged.

Wisconsin Sea Grant Summer Internship Program (Deadline 2/25 by 5pm)
The Wisconsin Sea Grant Summer Internship Program is a paid 10-week experience that places college undergraduate students with outreach or communications specialists on issues affecting coastal and water resources in Wisconsin. It provides a diversity of students with hands-on experience under the mentorship of a career professional. Interns will assist mentors with field work, analyses, research and/or outreach and public engagement efforts. The goal of the Wisconsin Sea Grant Summer Internship Program is to contribute to a diverse workforce that understands technical and social challenges facing coastal communities and the natural environment. The program helps prepare undergraduate students for graduate school, as well as careers in aquatic sciences and outreach.

Seasonal Public Programs Educator [Museum Technician] (Deadline is 3/15/21 5:00 p.m.)
The North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island, located in Manteo, NC, is looking to fill one seasonal position. Seasonal Educators provide education support at the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island. Duties include, but are not limited to, the following: conducting public education virtual and/or in-person programs (sharks, sea turtles, jellyfish, etc.) both indoors and outdoors; handling live animals; showing educational videos; introducing guest speakers; providing information to Aquarium visitors, including teachers, students, and the general public; staffing discovery carts and learning stations; answering questions in various galleries; monitoring the Sea Senses touch pools; monitoring Sea Turtle Assistance and Rehabilitation Center; and assisting with other tasks as assigned. This position requires the ability to assemble educational materials, to research marine and aquatic topics, and to speak to small and large audiences. Additional responsibilities and projects will be assigned by the Education Curator or the full-time Educators.

A resume and cover letter should be submitted along with the completed state application PD-107. 

Common Tides has internship opportunities with a mission to inspire passion through ocean education and stewardship to create positive change by working with a team of dedicated interns making a positive impact with underserved youth. Visit Common Tides for the internship application  (Openings for June & July)

Alliance for Watershed Education of the Delaware River(AWE) is a collective of 23 environmental education centers in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware. The AWE fellowship program is a collaborative effort of the 23 AWE environmental centers and has become one of the flagship programs of the Alliance. Through the support of the William Penn Foundation, this program aims to increase engagement and action toward the protection and restoration of The Delaware River Watershed, while increasing collaboration and capacity of AWE’s centers and expanding career opportunities for a diverse cohort of young adults from across the watershed. Over the past 4 seasons, nearly 100 individuals have been hired to participate in this 12-week, paid summer program. Fellows receive basic watershed education training and gain hands-on experience in the field, serving as environmental educators and ambassadors with their host Center. Over the course of the summer, Fellows will strengthen their understanding of the field by working side-by-side with center staff on program development and implementation, recreational activities on trails and waterways, habitat enhancement projects, community outreach, and community engagement.

Marine Discovery Center is a non-profit education facility located in beautiful New Smyrna Beach on the East Coast of Florida. Our mission is “to protect and restore Florida’s coastal and Indian River Lagoon ecosystems through education, research and community stewardship.” We will be running summer adventure camps from June 7-August 17, 2021, and are accepting applications for assistant aquarist/educator internship.

Trout Unlimited is seeking qualified candidates for a Biological Field Intern as part of the PA Coldwater Habitat Restoration Program based in Lock Haven. The position will report directly to the Lead Science Advisor and will be responsible for assisting TU’s field staff with data collection, data entry, and other day-to-day tasks. Click Here for all the details and to apply.

John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge has paid summer/seasonal positions.  Interested students should reach out to the listed contact for full application details. Interviews for the Wildlife Education Technicians are schedule for the end of March 2021.

Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences (Application deadline is May 15) Each summer, BIOS offers a suite of courses for both undergraduate and graduate students that capitalize upon the expertise of our faculty and visiting scientists. These courses, provide many students the opportunity to study topics in marine science that might not be offered within the curricula of their home institutions. Each course comprises lectures, laboratory exercises, and complementary field components that build upon what is learned in the classroom. Course details, scholarship information and application instructions are available on their Summer Courses web page.

Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences (BIOS) has received funding from the National Science Foundation for the Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Program to support nine internships for undergraduate student research at BIOS in Fall 2021 (starts August 30 - ends November 19). (Application deadline is May 31) Further information on the REU program at BIOS can be found here, including eligibility and online application information, student testimonials and more detail on potential projects that students may apply to work on.

Pennsylvania Sea Grant is hiring two undergraduate interns for summer 2021 – one focusing on aquatic invasive species and a second focusing on Science Communications. These positions are for undergraduate students seeking to build on their field of study through hands-on, project-oriented work in the areas of communications, outreach, and education.