Anticipated Start Date: June 1, 2026
Estimated Pay: $15 - $20/hour (depending on experience)
Number of Jobs Available: 1
Schedule: 20-29 hours per week
Location: University of Delaware Hugh R. Sharp Campus in Lewes, Delaware
About the Department:
The mission of the Delaware Sea Grant Marine Advisory Service (MAS) is to help Delaware communities wisely use, manage, and conserve our state's valuable coastal resources by fostering sustainable coastal economies, developing resilience to coastal hazards, and preparing the next generation of coastal leaders. We achieve this through building active partnerships with state and federal agencies, local businesses, environmental nonprofits, Delaware communities and residents, and by advancing environmental literacy and initiating opportunities for students, teachers, and Delaware residents.
Role Description:
The Delaware Sea Grant (DESG) EERI is an opportunity to dive deep into MAS programs and play an integral role in their planning and implementation and gain practical research experience. It will allow the intern to understand the tremendous breadth of topics, including coastal hazards and preparedness, coastal ecology, environmental education, fisheries, social science, and climate change, and the required skills to be an effective extension-educator.
The internship will begin in late May or early June 2026 but is flexible. The internship will run for 10-13 weeks, depending on availability. The intern will work at least 20 hours per week and no more than 29 hours per week, with the potential option of hybrid format on some occasions. Most work will take place in person at the University of Delaware Hugh R. Sharp Campus in Lewes, Delaware or select field sites across the state. Local and statewide travel, outside of daily commute, may be required and will be reimbursed. Hiring is contingent upon receiving federal funding.
Primary responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:
Join our dynamic team to gain hands-on experience in non-formal education and community engagement in a research setting. As an intern, you will play a key role in supporting a variety of educational initiatives including:
- Coastal hazard preparedness: Support GIS database development of data informed imagery regarding sea level rise and flooding; Comb through and sort photorealistic images of flooding; Participate in community outreach on climate resilience and emergency preparedness.
- Habitat restoration programs: Support the development and implementation programs aimed at monitoring and restoring submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV); Conduct research to better understand the growth patterns of widgeon grass, a key SAV species; Collaborate with state and local partners, as well as engage community members in hands-on scientific research and environmental stewardship
- Non-formal education programs: Assist with the design and delivery of teacher professional development workshops; Engage diverse audiences through interactive workshops, exhibits, and community events; Contribute to the creation of educational and outreach materials with a special focus on aquaculture
The intern may also gain experience with energy extension, urban environmental education, and hands-on field work in fisheries, aquaculture, and coastal ecology. This is a unique opportunity to build valuable skills in science communication, education, and public engagement, while working alongside professionals dedicated to advancing science and understanding of our natural world.
Qualifications:
A current undergraduate student studying natural resources, marine science or policy, earth science, and/or science education is preferred, but all applications will be considered. Experience with or interest in science outreach/education/communication, formal and nonformal education, and stakeholder engagement are preferred. Familiarity with GIS is preferred.
Hiring Timeline:
- Application Review: March 23 - 27
- Interviews: March 30 – April 10
- Offers Extended: April 13 - 17
Please note that dates are subject to change depending on the needs of the department.
Applicants must be undergraduate students at the University of Delaware. Work study eligibility can be found here. Applicants not enrolled as undergraduate students at the University will not be considered for this position. Employment Limitations and Exceptions