The Spatial Ecology and Conservation Lab at the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center?(SERC) is seeking a post-baccalaureate intern starting Spring 2025. The intern will support multiple components of a research project that examines the ecological responses to a nature-based approach (NBA) island restoration project.
The disappearance of more than 400 islands within the Chesapeake Bay has occurred as a result of climate change and erosion. Island restoration is important at both local and global scales to mitigate the loss of habitat and biodiversity caused by climatic and anthropogenic factors. The project focuses on understanding how plant and animal communities respond to a restored island using a nature-based “living shoreline” approach compared to conventional artificial hardened shoreline techniques.
The intern will support the project by participating in field work including (1) vegetation planting and monitoring within experimental plots, (2) turtle nest and visual surveys (3) soil, water, and oyster sample collection and (4) collecting acoustic and video monitoring data and (5) collecting microclimate sensor data. Other responsibilities may include organizing and cleaning gear for field work, assisting in the setup of field experiments, entering data, assisting in identifying birds through acoustic sampling and aquatic fish and invertebrates through video sampling, managing microclimate sensor data, working with volunteers or other interns, and communicating project activities.
The intern will have the opportunity to develop a broader understanding of island community ecology, obtain experience working within a research lab and as part of a team, learn about research design and methods for ecological data collection, develop data management and analysis skills, and participate in science communication.
We are seeking applicants with some (but not necessarily all) of the following:
•Experience with fieldwork, in hot, humid conditions with stinging/biting insects
Experience with fieldwork in experimental settings related to plant and animal handling
•Experience in data management (collecting, recording, entering, organizing)
•Experience identifying birds (by sight and sound), fish, and aquatic invertebrates
•Coursework and/or experience in ecology, environmental science, or botany
•Written and verbal communication skills
•Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
Compensation: $700/week
Duration: 18 weeks with the possibility of extension (depending on budget)
Application Deadline: We will begin reviewing applications on March 26, 2025 and will accept applications until the position is filled.
A mutually agreeable start date will be determined with the selected applicant. We anticipate a start date in late April or early May. This will be an in-person internship with fieldwork taking place on Jefferson Island, Maryland with some office work in Edgewater, Maryland. On-site housing may be available.
To apply, please email a resume that highlights relevant experiences to Shelley Bennett (bennettm@si.edu).
For more information about our lab, please visit our website: https://serc.si.edu/labs/spatial-ecology-and-conservation
Shelley Bennett, M.S.
Head Technician – Spatial Ecology and Conservation Lab
Smithsonian Environmental Research Center
bennettm@si.edu | +1-408-829-1414
she/her/hers