Do you like the outdoors, getting dirty, and supporting clean water initiatives? The Partnership for the Delaware Estuary (PDE), a regional environmental non-profit organization based in Wilmington, Delaware, is seeking to fill one or two Science Intern positions.
The Science Intern(s) will assist with ongoing coastal and riverine research, monitoring and field projects, laboratory/GIS-related activities, and data and reporting tasks. Expected job functions are as follows:
Shellfish Intern
- Participate in diverse shellfish-based studies (e.g., oysters, freshwater mussels)
- Assist with field work, lab work, and meetings with partners
- Support the PDE Shellfish Coordinator in developing innovative rearing methods
- Assist with data capture, QA/QC, and entry
- Assist with tracking deliverables and key project metrics
- Help prepare shellfish-related materials for the website and social media platforms
Restoration Intern
- Assist with restoration project installation and monitoring primarily related to living shorelines
- Assist with oyster shell recycling
- Assist with data entry and QA/QC
- Participate in additional shellfish and wetlands monitoring
- Assist with tracking deliverables and key project metrics
- Help prepare restoration project materials for website and social media platforms
Efforts by the Science Intern(s) will help PDE to implement the Delaware Estuary Program’s Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan. Candidates must possess an Associate’s (or higher) degree from a college or university in environmental science or related field, OR be in at least their third year of a comparable Bachelor’s degree program, OR at least 1 year of work experience in a related field. The Science Intern(s) needs to have field experience working outdoors for extended periods of time (>3hrs), familiarity with Microsoft Office (e.g., Word, Excel), Arc GIS and G-suite.
Familiarity with the Delaware Estuary and scientific research is also important, as well as the ability to work cooperatively and be flexible. A valid driver’s license and United States citizenship or a valid visa to work in the US are required. Good organizational skills, multitasking and attention to detail are important, as well as proficient written and oral communication skills. Candidates must be capable of lifting 40 pounds, as well as sit and stand for at least 4 hours at a time. Time spent in this position will be split between office (PDE office or remote home office) and outdoor settings. Computer-based tasks may be performed at home, as all activities performed in a group setting or indoors with other staff will follow PDE Covid-19 precautionary policy and is continually evolving. Occasionally, there will be tasks completed in a storage/warehouse facility or in field locations (outdoor, rural settings). Work hours may shift depending on the tides or project assignment. Employees must have ability to transport themselves to any field or other work locations within a 2-hour radius of Wilmington, DE. All computer equipment and necessary field equipment will be provided as needed.
This position is paid $17 an hour and is a temporary (up to one year, with potential for renewal), part-time, non-exempt position.
Interested applicants are encouraged to submit a resume and one-page cover letter by close of business March 21, 2022: to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. via e-mail.
The cover letter should include:
- which position applicant has interest in;
- where the applicant encountered the advertisement;
- why the applicant is interested in working at PDE;
- how the applicant’s experience make them a good candidate; and
- a description of the applicant’s long-term goals.
The applicant’s description of what makes them a good candidate and how PDE can help the applicant achieve long term goals are particularly important to address in the cover letter (over reiterating material in resumes) as this will help PDE select a diverse interviewee pool.
Partnership for the Delaware Estuary, Inc. is an equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified persons are encouraged to apply regardless of religious affiliation, race, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability or any category that becomes protected by federal labor law. Candidates must be able to work legally in the United States.
