Three marine education internships and one coastal monitoring are available at the Marine Environmental Research Institute in Blue Hill, Maine. See below for descriptions.
*Marine Education Internship* The Marine Environmental Research Institute (MERI), located in Blue Hill, Maine, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to scientific research and education on the impacts of pollution on marine life, and to protecting the health and biodiversity of the marine environment for future generations. We are currently offering three Marine Education Internships for the 2010 Summer. These are full-time positions requiring a commitment of 10 weeks (June 22nd – August 31st). Current work includes community-based marine education programs, water quality monitoring, and field research on the effects of pollution on marine mammals. MERI's education programs focus on marine life along the rocky Maine coast and promoting environmental awareness and stewardship. A marine education internship is an excellent opportunity for an individual working toward a career in marine science education or environmental education to gain practical experience in the field. The ideal candidate will possess a personal interest in the marine environment and a commitment to the mission of the organization. *Primary Job Responsibility*: This position will involve working closely with senior Education Staff in key components of the MERI education program, including leading boat and island ecology trips for children and adults, planning and implementing educational science materials for adult and child community programs, and assisting with the day-to-day operation of the MERI Center for Marine Studies. *Job Description:* - Assist with the implementation of educational programming, including educational boat cruises, MERI's Summer Classes, Ocean Story Hour, Ocean Video Night, and Ocean Aquarium Room programs - Interpret exhibits in the Ocean Aquarium Room to visiting groups and the general public - Assist with day-to-day operation of the MERI Center for Marine Studies, including staffing the reception desk and the Ocean Room, and attending some weekend and evening programs and special events - Help maintain Ocean Aquarium, including collection of species for exhibit in the tanks - Work with Education Department staff and volunteers to reorganize and catalogue the Sea Lending Library - Compile background information, assist with production of Fact Sheets, Teaching Kits and informational materials as assigned and for an individual project subject area - Articulate and promote the MERI mission to the public - Stock and maintain educational program materials - Sett up and clean areas required for educational programs - Perform other duties relating to the organization's goals and mission as required *Reports to:* Education Program Coordinator and Education Director *Qualifications:* Applicants should be working towards or possess a BA or BS degree (Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors are encouraged to apply) in environmental education, marine sciences, biology, environmental sciences or a similar major. Applicants should demonstrate enthusiasm for teaching science-related topics and preferably have experience teaching science to groups of students, ages 2-18. Applicants should be able to work well independently and as part of a team. Good public speaking and writing skills are required. Applicants must be flexible, able to adapt to a changing work environment, and at times, be available to work evenings, weekends, and holidays. Knowledge of computer software including Microsoft Word, Power Point, Excel required. Must possess a valid drivers license, a good driving record, and ability to drive or learn to drive a manual transmission. Knowledge of First Aid, CPR, and water safety is a plus. *Time Requirements:* June 22nd – August 31st (10 weeks); Full-time (min. 40 hours/week) *Compensation:* Housing in Blue Hill and a stipend are available. A common house is used, where interns live together and are responsible for cooking and cleaning duties. Rooms may be shared with one other person. Interns are responsible for all travel expenses and food. *To Apply:* If you are interested in applying for this position, please submit a cover letter, CV and three references to: Martha Bell, Education Director - [email protected] Please, no phone calls. Marine Environmental Research Institute (MERI) PO Box 1652, 55 Main Street Blue Hill, ME 04614 Website:.www.meriresearch.org MERI is an Equal Opportunity Employer * * * * ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *Blue Hill Bay Coastal Monitoring Intern 2010* The Marine Environmental Research Institute (MERI), a nonprofit organization based in Blue Hill, Maine, is recruiting to fill a Coastal Monitoring Internship position for the field season 2010. This is a full-time position requiring a 6 month commitment from April through October. MERI is a scientific research and education organization dedicated to understanding the impacts of environmental pollutants on wildlife and human health, and to interpreting this information to a broad audience. Current projects include a marine ecosystem monitoring initiative and a long-term eco-toxicological investigation of northwestern Atlantic harbor seals. This is an excellent opportunity for an individual working toward a career in marine ecology, natural resource sciences, or conservation biology to gain practical experience in the field and in the lab. The ideal candidate will possess a personal interest in ecosystem monitoring and a commitment to the mission of the organization. *Primary Job Responsibility* This position will involve assisting the Research Department with the implementation of the Blue Hill Bay Monitoring Project. Primary responsibilities will include water quality sampling at fresh and marine water sites, phytoplankton monitoring, water chemistry analysis in the field and in the lab, data entry and analysis. Additional duties may include assisting with pinniped monitoring and research outreach activities. *Job Description: * - Conduct in-situ water quality monitoring using a DataSonde multi probe and sample collection at marine and freshwater sites throughout the Blue Hill Bay Watershed - Perform lab chemistries and bacterial assays and analysis following established standard operating procedures and quality assurance protocols - Assist with data entry in the field and in the lab and updating of laboratory records and logs - Assist with preparation of result summaries, reports, fact sheets and Power Point presentations - Be responsible for the education and training of junior interns and students in monitoring techniques - Articulate and promote the MERI mission to the public - Perform other duties relating to the organization's goals and mission as required - Monitoring and recording pinniped haul-out sites *Reports to:** * Monitoring Project Coordinator and Research Staff *Qualifications** *** Applicants should possess a BA or BS degree in ecology, environmental sciences, marine biology, conservation biology or a related major. Field and laboratory experience and a basic knowledge of statistics and databases are required. Experience with spectrophotometers and multi-parameter probes, and familiarity with environmental sampling and monitoring methods is preferred. Applicants must also be able to work outside in a variety of environmental conditions, be comfortable working on a marine research vessel and be available to work occasional nights, weekends, and holidays as needed. Knowledge of computer software including Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel required; photography, ArcGIS, statistics (SPSS), and graphics experience is desirable. Knowledge of Gulf of Maine marine phytoplankton species is recommended. Applicant must possess a valid driver’s license and a good driving record. Only US citizens should apply. Position requires some physical activity and applicant should be able to lift up to 40 lbs. *Time Requirements:** *April - October (Flexible start) Full-time (40 hours/week); additional hours to be agreed upon by employee and Director. *Compensation: *Stipend and shared housing in Blue Hill, Maine. Housing is within walking distance to Marine Environmental Research Institute. Interns are responsible for all travel expenses and food. *To Apply: *If you are interested in applying for this position, please submit a cover letter, CV and three references to: Meggan Dwyer, Monitoring Coordinator at *[email protected]* Please, no phone calls. Marine Environmental Research Institute (MERI) PO Box 1652, 55 Main Street Blue Hill, ME 04614 Website:.*www.meriresearch.org* MERI is an Equal Opportunity Employer
