Internships at Downeast Institute in Beals, ME

Post date: Feb 23, 2018 7:43:57 PM

SUMMER EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES at Downeast Institute

The University of Maine Machias and the University of Maine’s Sustainable Ecological Aquaculture Network (SEANET) is seeking 1-2 interns to work as a team at the Downeast Institute on marine science projects related to coastal oceanography and aquaculture. Full-time internships are available for 3 months, starting May 16th through August 24th.

Interns will work on a variety of projects that examine the ecology of estuaries with an emphasis on how estuarine ecology and oceanography interact with aquaculture systems. Interns will be asked to work on aquaculture related projects focusing on understanding the potential of Downeast Maine to support ongoing and emerging aquaculture industries.

For example, interns will assist and lead projects related to: (1) maintaining a network of oceanographic buoys in Machias Bay and Cobscook Bay, Maine, (2) perform oceanographic cruises every two weeks to examine drivers of primary production in Maine estuaries (including nutrients, light, and grazing), and (3) work with UMM faculty and Downeast Institute staff in their hatchery facilities. Interns will assist with field collections of phytoplankton and zooplankton samples and measure physical variables in Machias Estuary and Cobscook Bay. AAUS Scientific Divers and divers-in-training will help maintain moored field instruments by scuba diving at various field sites. Interns will gain both laboratory, field, and modeling experience in various sampling and processing techniques used in marine ecology and aquaculture research. Interns will also gain first-hand experience in experimental design.

Requirements:

Students must be a registered undergraduate student at University of Maine Machias or another accredited institution. AAUS Scientific Diver certification or plans to enroll in the UMaine Scientific Diving course is preferred but not required. Interns will participate in field-based activities that may be physically demanding and require long hours outdoors. Further, interns will participate in sample processing which will include long hours spent filtering water samples and/or working at a microscope.

Hourly rate up to $10.50/hour, commensurate with experience.

In addition, a housing stipend of $1,200 for the summer is offered.

To apply send a cover letter and CV to Dr. Brian Beal (bbeal@maine.edu).