[SEMCO] Summer Intern Positions at Waquoit Bay Reserve

[Tompkins, Laurie (DCR)]

Summer 2013 Intern Positions

The Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (WBNERR) in Falmouth, MA (Cape Cod) is one of 28 NERRs around the country whose mission is to promote stewardship of coastal ecosystems through research, education, and outreach. 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. 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 located at a historic estate overlooking Waquoit Bay.



RESEARCH - Field Research Internship (unpaid)

Field research intern with a background in environmental science: the candidate should be willing and able to help with biomonitoring fieldwork which may require time spent in the woods, in freshwater, brackish, and/or saline marshes, on boats, or in the Water Quality Laboratory.

The summer projects include, but are not limited to: 1) locating and verifying habitat type and/or plant species for GIS-based estuarine habitat map development; 2) leveling elevation of field sites and reference points (using Real Time Kinematic device, Total Station, or optic level), 3) measuring greenhouse gas flux in several local salt marshes with scientists from the Marine Biological Laboratory and United States Geological Survey as part of our NERRS Science Collaborative project; 4) deploying automatic data loggers (water level recorders and conductivity meters) and maintaining recorded datasets; 5) assisting in salt marsh vegetation survey; 6) entry and preliminary analysis of WBNERR Salt Marsh Observatory biomonitoring data.

Duties and tasks:

* Hiking long hours in the field

* Lifting heavy (30-50 lbs) field equipment

* Basic plant identification in estuarine habitats (training will be provided)

* Construction of PVC installation devices (experience with basic tools highly desirable)

* Upload/download of data on/off of data logger instruments (training will be provided)

* Leveling elevation with Real Time Kinematic GPS device or optic level (training provided)

* Handling Trimble GPS unit (experience with GPS units highly desirable)

* Data entry and preliminary analysis (experience with Excel required)



Preferred qualifications: Undergraduate coursework in biological, environmental, or marine science; experience with Microsoft Office software with additional skills in SPSS highly desirable; previous experience with GPS devices highly desirable; ability to work independently (with oversight) and as part of a team; a strong desire to work outside in sometimes adverse weather conditions for long periods.

Desired timeframe: 12 weeks June through August, with extensions on either end possible (full or part-time). Preferred hours are 9am-5pm. Dormitory housing on-site may be available.

To apply: Please e-mail resume to Ms. Jordan Mora, GIS/Research Technician, at jordan.mora at state.ma.us. For questions, call (508) 457-0495 x 128.



EDUCATION - Multi-Media Researcher Interview Internship (Unpaid)

Duties and responsibilities: Meet researchers working at Waquoit Bay Reserve, interview them, and create mini videos which will be posted on line and on interpretive signs with QR codes. Create matching one- pagers for community members and teachers to be used in a variety of ways. Brainstorm and develop other creative products or activities to introduce students, teachers, and community members to research at Waquoit Bay Reserve. In addition to working on the r at r program, interns will have opportunities to assist researchers in the field on a variety of projects and participate in other education special events and programs.

Skills required: Writing and graphic skills, comfortable and knowledgeable with computer and hand held technologies including videography and photography, experience editing video, ability to work with people, willingness to work outside and get feet wet

Schedule: (Spring/summer semester) We would prefer to do the videos as soon as possible once the field season starts this spring so they can be included on interpretive signs with QR codes that are currently being developed. Hours are flexible. Must do interviews in the field at Waquoit Bay Reserve and must be available for some on-site planning meetings.

Housing and transportation: Dormitory housing located on-site may be available. Interns must have their own vehicle to get to research field sites.

Application date: When filled.

To Apply: Please email letter of interest and resume to Joan Muller, Education Coordinator at joan.muller at state.ma.us, for questions please call 508-457-0495 x107.



Education and Communications Internship: Teachers on the Estuary (Unpaid)

Project description: Help plan, teach, and evaluate the Teachers on the Estuary (TOTE) program at Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve on Cape Cod, Massachusetts. TOTE is a field-based program that introduces middle and high school teachers to coastal and watershed research and issues. Work with education staff and collaborate with research scientists to bring teachers into the field as well as train them on using on-line NOAA data and resources. Actual workshop is one week long. Interns will also help with preparation and follow up. In addition to working on the TOTE program, interns will have opportunities to assist researchers in the field on a variety of projects and help out on other education special events and programs.

Skills Required: Knowledge of estuaries and watersheds and the scientific research process. Willingness to work outdoors and get feet wet. Experience teaching in classroom and outdoor settings. Comfort with use of technology, social media, computer graphic design, and accessing on-line data. General laboratory skills are helpful.

To Apply: Please email letter of interest and resume to Joan Muller, Education Coordinator at joan.muller at state.ma.us, for questions please call 508-457-0495 x107.



Education Internship (Unpaid)

Position Description: 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 as well as care of a salt water aquarium. 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.
To apply: Please e-mail resume and cover letter to: Nancy Church, School and Interpretive Programs Coordinator nancy.church at state.ma.us , 508-457-0495 ext.125

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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