Anticipated Start Date: June 1, 2026
Estimated Pay: $15 - $20/hour (depending on experience)
Number of Jobs Available: 2
Schedule: 20-24 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:
Two interns will be hired from this posting. The Delaware Sea Grant (DESG) internship offers an opportunity to dive deep into Marine Advisory Services (MAS) programs, play an integral role in their planning and implementation, and gain practical research experience. Interns will develop an understanding of the biology and ecology of submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) in Delaware and assist in efforts to support SAV recovery and restoration.

The internship will begin in late May or early June 2026 but is flexible. The internship will run for 12-15 weeks, depending on availability. The intern will work at least 20 hours per week and no more than 24 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 grant funding.

Primary responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

This position will directly support SAV restoration efforts across Delaware. Responsibilities may include:

• assessing natural SAV beds to determine seed readiness
• deploying, retrieving, and maintaining water quality loggers
• evaluating restoration sites
• assisting with seed processing
• conducting seed germination trial experiments.

One intern will focus on restoration efforts in northern Delaware, particularly within the Delaware Bay watershed, while the second intern will focus on southern Delaware, including the Delaware Inland Bays watershed, however both will be based at the University of Delaware campus in Lewes, DE.

Interns will gain experience collaborating across sectors, working with state government partners such as the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC), National Estuary Program nonprofits, the Partnership for the Delaware Estuary, and the Delaware Center for the Inland Bays. This cross-sector collaboration will provide valuable exposure to applied coastal science and restoration partnerships.

In addition to SAV-focused work, interns may also gain experience in marine debris initiatives, coastal hazards and preparedness, environmental education, energy extension, urban environmental education, and hands-on fieldwork in fisheries, aquaculture, and coastal ecology.

This is a unique opportunity to build valuable skills in restoration science, field research, science communication, education, and public engagement while working alongside professionals dedicated to advancing science and stewardship of Delaware’s coastal ecosystems.

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 plant science, GIS, scientific equipment, outreach, and stakeholder engagement are preferred. 

Requirements:

• Cover Letter must be submitted along with application

Hiring Timeline:

• Application Review: March 30 - April 10
• Interviews: April 13 -17
• Offers Extended: April 20 - 24

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