Anticipated Start Date: June 2, 2026

Estimated Pay: $15-20 per hour

Number of Jobs Available: 1

Schedule: Monday-Fridays, 10 am-3:30 pm, with some flexibility. The intern will work 20 hours per week minimum, with work not to exceed 29 hours per week.

Most work will take place in person at the University of Delaware campus in Newark, Delaware, with the potential option of hybrid format on some occasions. From time to time, field work may take place offsite in the city of Wilmington and the surrounding area and may occur outside of normal business hours, i.e. evenings and weekends. Any time worked during non-traditional working hours will count towards weekly hours worked.

Location: University of Delaware (Newark, DE) and field work in Wilmington, DE

About Delaware Sea Grant:

The mission of the Delaware Sea Grant Advisory Service is to help Delaware communities develop sustainable coastal communities and economies based on a thriving natural environment. We help create coastal economies based on sustainable environmental practices that require three essential components: understanding our natural resources, working with communities to effect positive change, and training the next generation of environmental stewards. 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 to develop the next generation of environmental leaders.

For more information about Delaware Sea Grant and the Advisory Service, please visit www.deseagrant.org, or contact Emily Maung-Douglass (emaung@udel.edu) with specific questions.

Role Description:

Delaware Sea Grant (DESG) is seeking an undergraduate student intern who is interested in strengthening community connections with nature and science, tackling litter and marine debris, as well as promoting environmental literacy, in Wilmington and the Route 9 Corridor.

Key components of this 10-week, paid summer internship include:

• Working collaboratively with the Delaware Sea Grant mentor to: (1) Integrate local environmental issues and wisdom into educational activities and outreach products tailor-made for communities in Wilmington and Route 9 Corridor. In addition to science, this education and outreach programming will highlight local history, natural features, art, and native species. (2) Tackle litter and marine debris through the delivery of educational workshops, litter cleanup events, and marine debris interception activities.

• Mentoring by Delaware Sea Grant professionals.
• Participating in virtual professional development sessions with other interns around the country.

The above supports Delaware Sea Grant’s FY2024-2028 strategic plan objectives and its collaborative, ongoing work with community partnerships in the area. The intern will gain hands-on experience engaging residents during DESG’s continued participation in science outreach at community events in the urban area, and conducting educational activities with youth. Please note that the internship is contingent upon receiving federal funding.

Primary responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

• Support community outreach and youth education events.
• Participate in community litter surveys, cleanups, and storm drain audit work.
• Attend community meetings, noting community concerns related to Delaware Sea Grant’s mission.
• Develop infographics, short videos, social media posts related to science outreach and education work.

Qualifications

We are seeking a current undergraduate student, preferably studying natural resources, marine science, earth science, science education, urban studies, and/or social sciences. However, all applications from undergraduate students of all subject areas will be considered. Experience with or interest in science outreach/education/communication, formal and nonformal education, and stakeholder engagement is helpful but not required.

Requirements:

Most work will take place in person at the University of Delaware campus in Newark, Delaware, with the potential option of hybrid format on some occasions. From time to time, field work may take place offsite in the city of Wilmington and the surrounding area and may occur outside of normal business hours, i.e. evenings and weekends. Any time worked during non-traditional working hours will count towards weekly hours worked.

Interested students should submit their application materials through TalentLink by 5:00 pm Eastern, March 21, 2026. Application materials should include (1) cover letter and (2) resume. Cover letters should be addressed to Dr. Emily Maung-Douglass. 

Hiring Timeline:

Review of Applications: March 21-April 13, 2026

Interviews: April 13-24, 2026

Offers Extended: Week of May 11

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