Research Summer Intern
MISSION
The Delaware National Estuarine Research Reserve (DNERR) is one of 29 National Research Reserves across the country whose goal is to establish, protect, and manage natural estuarine habitats for research, education, and coastal stewardship. It was established in 1993 and is a cooperative program between the State of Delaware and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Our mission at the DNERR is promoting effective stewardship of estuarine and coastal ecosystems through education, outreach, partnerships and research.
DESCRIPTION
Delaware National Estuarine Research Reserve (DNERR) is currently seeking applications for a Research Intern. The intern will assist our Environmental Scientist and Stewardship Coordinator with research and monitoring projects focusing on tidal marsh ecosystems. The intern will also assist in leading DNERR citizen science projects and gain handson research experience, including data collection and interpretation, and learn about on‐going research efforts in estuarine ecosystems such as nest box and wetland vegetation monitoring. The focus of this internship will be working closely with the Stewardship Coordinator to create story maps to help communicate research collected at the DNERR.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
At the end of the internship, the intern will:
- Be able to identify at least 10 common wetland plant species and focal marsh birds by sight and vocalizations
- Be able to identify at least 5 nesting bird species and understand their nesting cycles
- Understand and demonstrate various research methodologies used for coastal monitoring projects
- Gain leadership skills by organizing citizen science projects
- Be able to manage and interpret scientific data
LOCATION
- Remote and/or St. Jones Reserve, Dover, DE
TERM OF SERVICE
- Summer – 12 weeks
- Full‐time ‐ 37.5 hours per week
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Enter and analyze scientific data within online and desktop databases
- If in‐person opportunities present themselves for all or part of the internship duration, assist with on‐going
- DNERR research: nest box monitoring, marsh vegetation monitoring, aquatic invasive species monitoring, marsh bird surveys, and other projects as needed
- Participate in DNERR‐related education and stewardship events as appropriate
- Story map project design and management with supervision from the Stewardship Coordinator
- Assisting with the coordination of story map trials with end users, including collaborating with the education and coastal training program sector of the DNERR
- Present the completed project to staff, and potentially professionals within the National Estuarine Research Reserve System
- Other duties as assigned, based on organizational needs
REQUIRED SKILLS
- Bachelor’s or master’s degree (or degree in progress) in environmental science, wetland ecology, wildlife biology or a related field
- Ability to spend long days in the field, sometimes in inclement weather, and during early mornings and late evenings (possibly weekends)
- Ability to work on small boats and with soft estuarine sediments (mud)
- Strong writing and research skills
- Ability to communicate effectively
- Detail‐oriented, focused, and punctual
- Ability to work independently and in a team
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office
- Possession of a valid driver’s license and own transportation