This opportunity is curated through the UF TESI Environmental Leaders Network. Opportunities posted through the Network may not be affiliated with the Florida Museum or TESI, but are shared with UF undergraduate students who want to learn more about environmental research, education and outreach, and civic engagement.
Host Organization
Type of position
- Paid internship
- $15/hr
- May be eligible to receive school credit – please check with your undergraduate or graduate advisor.
- Housing is not available for this position.
Position description
The goal of the internship program is for individuals to gain experience in collaboration, experimental design, data collection, and dissemination of results while working as part of a productive research and restoration laboratory. The intern will conduct an independent research project in seagrass ecology under the guidance of department scientists. The interns will be fully integrated into the Research Department and will assist with ongoing habitat monitoring and various research projects, including water quality, seagrasses, benthic filter feeders, and mangroves, where they will gain valuable field and laboratory experience. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Conduct an independent research project on seagrass under the guidance of department scientists.
- Present independent research in a 15-minute presentation to colleagues and guests at the end of the internship.
- Assist in all aspects of the FOSTER program.
- Assisted with ongoing research, monitoring, and restoration projects that focus on estuarine ecology in the St Lucie Estuary and the Indian River Lagoon.
- Lab and field data collection, entry, and analyses using various programs.
Eligibility
- Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program, at least 18 years old, majoring in marine biology, wetland ecology, natural resource management, restoration, and conservation, or related discipline.
- Availability to work 40 hours a week. Field work may involve 8–10-hour days.
- Must work independently and as part of a team.
- Ability to walk, wade, and work in adverse conditions such as heat, sun exposure, water, and uneven terrain.
- Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs.
- Must be able to swim and snorkel comfortably.
- Must have own transportation or arrange transportation to the Coastal Center.
- Must be able to work in the United States legally.
Program Length
Application Due Date
January 12, 2024
To apply:
To apply to the Seagrass internship, please submit via e-mail a cover letter, resume, and the FOS employment application to Dr. Loraé T. Simpson (lsimpson@floridaocean.org) by January 12, 2024. The cover letter must include the internship you are applying to and why. A letter of recommendation from a professor or professional who can speak on your scientific/scholarly merits is required. Please have your reference letter sent directly to lsimpson@floridaocean.org from your recommender no later than January 12, 2024. Letters sent from applicants will not be accepted.