Oceanography Field Based Internship
Description: The Estuarine Oceanography and Aquaculture Lab at the Darling Marine Center has an opening for a summer internship. This intern will work with the Field Lab Coordinator (Elisabeth Maxwell) on field activities related to the Land/Ocean Biogeochemical Observatory (LOBO) Buoys. These nearshore buoys hold a suite of environmental sensors that assess water quality including salinity, pH, dissolved oxygen, light, and more. The buoys are visited throughout the summer for maintenance. You will assist in checking instrument performance (in person and remotely) and assist in trouble-shooting potential issues. You will be expected to pass boat safety training in order to operate a skiff and serve as a diver and/or dive tender. You will have the opportunity to develop skills including: oceanographic sensor operation and maintenance, command line communication with sensors, small-boat handling, and data QA/QC.
This internship includes an opportunity to participate in a project focused on evaluating eelgrass as fish habitat. We expect this project to include diver-based and ROV-based surveys.
Time commitment: 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday, typically 9am-5pm although some activities may require arriving early or staying late. May through August, with flexible start and end dates.
Salary: Hourly compensation, full time position.
Accommodations: On-campus (Darling Marine Center) accommodations may be available depending on current Covid-19 restrictions.
Required qualifications:
- Currently enrolled in an undergraduate degree program
- Open water scuba certified
- Willingness to accommodate day-to-day, and week-to-week flexibility in work tasks
Preferred qualifications:
- AAUS Scientific Diver certification; or concurrent enrollment in summer session for SMS324: Introduction to Research Diving
- Experience and/or interest in electronics and instrumentation
- Experience and/or interest in basic programming
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Willingness to work in variable weather conditions, and spend long days on boats
- Willingness to “get your hands dirty”
To Apply: Applications due March 15th. Please send a cover letter and resume to Elisabeth Maxwell (elisabeth.maxwell@maine.edu).
The University of Maine is an EEO/AA employer and does not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender expression, national origin, citizenship status, age, disability, genetic information or veteran’s status in employment, education, and all other programs and activities. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Director of Equal Opportunity, 101 North Stevens Hall, University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469-5754, 207.581.1226, TTY 711 (Maine Relay System).