Gain valuable hands-on experience at a marine science field station while gaining knowledge in environmental education and sustainability, and building your leadership skills. University & Research (U&R) Interns are immersed in the daily operations of the Chincoteague Bay Field Station, conduct research, assist in conservation projects, and develop leadership skills as they support college students as resident advisors. Internships occur during our four summer sessions, beginning a week prior to and ending the week after the summer sessions. The intern will work three out of the four sessions and may attend a course during their session off, with the added benefit of no station fees for their class. 

Duties

U&R Interns will be immersed with the U&R program staff in all aspects of the summer U&R program including equipment and lab maintenance, assisting with classes, and leading and supporting the college community. Duties of UR Interns are split into three categories: Research, Programs, and Residential.

         Research & Conservation

• Conduct field based research ( projects based on Field Station needs)
• Assist in ongoing conservation projects and collaborate with professionals in the field 
• Report on research and internship during the final session of the summer to staff, students, and faculty

         Programs

• Establish and maintain aquaria, water quality, and locally collected organisms
• Prepare and maintain lab and field equipment
• Maintain and prepare labs for faculty and summer programs
• Assist in the field with summer courses when needed
• Assist with office tasks

         Residential

• Create a welcoming atmosphere for all students
• Assist with check-in and check-out procedures
• Enforce rules and assist students with residential issues
• Develop and lead recreation activities
• Act in a role similar to residential assistant (RA) on university campuses
• Be on call 2 or 3 nights per week to assist with student needs (does not accrue towards internship hours unless called into action)
• Be flexible and professional in all situations

Desired Qualifications

• By May 13th, 2018 must have a minimum of 60 college credits or be a recent graduate
• Ability to work independently
• Enjoy working with peers and being a leader 
• Responsible and able to be a role model to peers 
• Interest in fieldwork, field equipment, and aquaria
• Must be able to lift at least 50 lbs
• Ability to actively seek guidance and learn from mentors(staff, administrators, educators and peers) 
• Previous experience at the Chincoteague Bay Field Station valued but not required
• Computer skills (Microsoft Office, database management, etc.) 
• Experience with or desire to learn water quality management, animal husbandry, and standards for maintenance of aquaria.

​Terms of service

• Dates: May 14-August 14, 2018
•  Interns will work approximately 40 hours a week (approximately 400 hours total) during three of the four summer sessions, with the one session that they are attending class free of intern responsibilities. Alternative options will be discussed if the intern does not want to take a class. 
• Housing will be provided as a shared suite in Salicornia Hall
• Meals in the dining hall will be complementary when it is open
• Stipend of $250 for the summer
• Willing to work evenings and/or weekends
• Report daily to the U&R Coordinator and Assistant Coordinator