[SEMCO] Summer Internships at WBNERR

[Tompkins, Laurie (DCR)]

Environmental Science/Data Analysis Intern
The Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (WBNERR) in Falmouth, MA (Cape Cod) seeks an Environmental Science intern with a background in statistics / math and data analysis. WBNERR is one of 28 NERRs around the country whose mission is to promote stewardship of coastal ecosystems through research, education, and outreach. The Reserve strives to provide interns with a wide variety of experiences that can benefit them in pursuing future employment or education. We provide a dynamic atmosphere interacting with staff and visiting scientists in a historic mansion overlooking Waquoit Bay.

As part of our mission we monitor a number of biological and abiotic parameters: water quality and nutrients, coastal erosion, groundwater, various fish and bird populations, and plant community composition. We are seeking an intern who would, in consultation with staff, select several datasets to analyze and compare. Analysis would be geared toward results that could "tell a story" about the resources and be used in educational materials and reports. In addition, this person would assist Reserve staff in designing and implementing new efficiencies in the way data is entered, accessed, stored, and analyzed. Some examples include:

*        Link volunteers to databases via the Internet

*        Transfer data from Excel into a query-based dataset (e.g., Access, SPSS, etc.)

*        Make analyzed datasets or graphs available for the general public on or through the WBNERR website

In short, we need a tech- and data-savvy person who is comfortable both analyzing data and creating interfaces for others to access data, and who has enough familiarity with the physical/natural world to make sense of the data. Though the majority of time would be spent on these tasks, the candidate should be willing and able to help with biomonitoring fieldwork which may require time spent in the marsh, on boats, or in the Water Quality Laboratory.
Preferred qualifications: Coursework in biological, environmental, or marine science. Proficiency in biological statistics including repeated measures and multivariate ANOVAs, correlations, and regressions.  Experience with Microsoft Office software with additional skills in SPSS, SAS, Matlab, or Python highly desirable. Ability to work independently (with oversight) and as part of a team. A strong desire and ability to work outside in sometimes adverse weather conditions for long periods. A sense of humor and adventure are also desirable.
Desired timeframe: 10 weeks June-August, with extensions on either end possible (full or part-time). Preferred hours are 9am-5pm. Dormitory housing on-site may be available.
Compensation: This is an unpaid internship.
To apply: Please e-mail resume and cover letter to:
Please email resume and cover letter to: Chris Weidman, Research Coordinator at chris.weidman at state.ma.us<mailto:chris.weidman at state.ma.us>


Education Internship- 2012
The Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (WBNERR) in Falmouth, MA (Cape Cod) seeks an Environmental Education intern to assist with educational programs and activities. WBNERR is one of 28 NERRs around the country whose mission is to promote stewardship of the coast through research, education, and demonstration. As part of our mission we provide education related to estuaries, watersheds, climate change and sea level rise to a multitude of audiences.  The education intern would assist in the development, planning and implementation of children's, family and adult programs, including presentations and field studies at the Reserve and through community outreach. Additional duties include the creation and distribution of flyers, press releases and Facebook entries to publicize programs. The intern should also be willing and able to help with field studies in wetland and upland habitats, including the collection and handling of aquatic animals.  The Reserve strives to provide interns with a wide variety of experiences that can benefit them in pursuing future employment or studies. We provide a relaxed, enjoyable, yet dynamic atmosphere in a historic mansion overlooking Waquoit Bay.
Preferred qualifications: coursework in education, biological, environmental, or marine science, along with experience working with children, public speaking and computer skills.
Desired timeframe: Part time- Tuesday through Saturday schedule, approximately 10 wks, June-August, with extensions on either end possible. Dormitory housing on-site may be available.
Compensation: This is an unpaid internship.
To apply: Please e-mail resume and cover letter to:
Nancy Church, School and Interpretive Programs Coordinator nancy.church at state.ma.us<mailto:nancy.church at state.ma.us> , 508-457-0495 ext.125


Environmental Science Intern: Interpretive writing and graphics
The Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (WBNERR) in Falmouth, MA (Cape Cod) seeks an Environmental Science intern with a focus on creating a variety of education products for visitors. WBNERR is one of 28 National Estuarine Research Reserves around the country whose mission is to promote stewardship of coastal ecosystems through research, education, and outreach. The Reserve strives to provide interns with a wide variety of experiences that can benefit them in pursuing future employment or studies. We provide a dynamic atmosphere interacting with staff and visiting scientists in a historic mansion overlooking Waquoit Bay. We are interested in enhancing visitors' enjoyment of those areas, while also reaching them with our message of coastal stewardship. Toward this end we have several specific projects in mind, with the possibility of others depending on the intern's interest.

Duties/Responsibilities:

*        Work with Education staff to design interpretive signage (wayside exhibits) for the Reserve.

*        Create written (and possibly video) materials to interpret some of the research and monitoring occurring at WBNERR

*        Participate in other reserve activities, as time permits, including special events, education programs, stewardship and research activities including lab work, and field work in salt marshes, woodlands, or on boats.

*        Other projects determined in consultation with WBNERR staff.

Special skills or training required:

*        Proven ability to write educational material for the public, preferably in a scientific field.

*        Graphic design experience. Experience using PageMaker, Indesign.

*        Coursework in biological, environmental, or marine science.

*        Training in interpretation.

*        Ability to work independently (with oversight) and as part of a team.

*        A sense of humor and adventure are highly desirable.


Desired timeframe: Flexible. 10 wks June-August, with reductions or extensions possible.
Dormitory housing on-site may be available.
Compensation: This is an unpaid internship.
To apply:  Please email resume, cover letter, and relevant writing sample and graphic design pieces to: Joan Muller, Education Coordinator at joan.muller at state.ma.us<mailto:joan.muller at state.ma.us>
If samples are larger than 3 MB, please request information for using Reserve's ftp site.









Laurie Tompkins
Event Coordinator
Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve
P.O. Box 3092
Waquoit, MA 02536
Tel. 508-457-0495 x108
Fax 617-727-5537
www.waquoitbayreserve.org<http://www.waquoitbayreserve.org/>

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