Background:
The Buzzards Bay Coalition (www.savebuzzardsbay.org) is a non profit environmental advocacy organization focused on the protection, restoration and sustainable use and enjoyment of Buzzards Bay and its watershed. We pursue our mission to save Buzzards Bay through research, conservation, education, and advocacy.
Recently documented rapid salt marsh die-off around Buzzards Bay has motivated the Buzzards Bay Coalition, in partnership with Buzzards Bay National Estuary Program, Woods Hole Research Center, and other partners, to begin monitoring salt marsh ecosystems around Buzzards Bay. Team members acquired funding from the Southeast New England Program to monitor marsh loss, map current and historic salt marsh extent, and experimentally test a technique intended to help marshes adapt to sea level rise.
Position:
The Buzzards Bay Coalition is seeking energetic and enthusiastic interns to support its salt marsh monitoring for summer 2020. Interns will perform field surveys of salt marsh vegetation, fauna, elevation, hydrology, and other ecosystem characteristics. Interns will also complete laboratory analyses on field collected samples. Interns will assist with all aspects of the work, including field surveys, lab analyses, data entry and management. The intern will be trained to follow specific protocols and must be able to follow directions, pay attention to detail, and accurately record data. Work schedules will vary from week to week according to tide and weather conditions.
Qualifications:
Interest in the environment, coastal ecology, and/or water quality protection. Skilled at working both independently and as part of a team. Some work experience, background, or formal education in ecology, environmental science, biology, or related field is required, with a focus on coastal ecosystems preferred. Applicants with experience collecting environmental field samples and performing laboratory analyses of environmental samples will be given preference. Experience with data management in spreadsheet software, and excellent organizational skills required. The intern must be capable of working up to 8 hours under physical conditions in the field including heat, humidity, and wet, as well as carrying equipment up to 30 pounds for a mile. Interns will need to have their own reliable transportation to get to and from field sites.
Compensation:
This is a temporary, at-will position for 40 hours per week for 10 weeks over the time period of June 10 to September 18, 2019, with exact start and end dates to be determined. This position will be paid $13 per hour. If summer housing is needed, Buzzards Bay Coalition may be able to provide short-term, co-housing accommodations for rent. In your application, please state if you would be interested. No health insurance or other benefits are available.
To Apply:
To apply, email a resume including contact information for three references and a cover letter explaining why you would like to intern with the Buzzards Bay Coalition, to: Rachel Jakuba, Science Director, at jakuba@savebuzzardsbay.org . Application review will begin March 4, 2020 and position will remain open until filled.
