The Marine Environmental Research Institute (MERI) 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 the Blue Hill Bay Coastal Monitoring Project and Seals as Sentinels, a long-term investigation of the impacts of pollutants in northwestern Atlantic harbor seals.

MERI is located on the Blue Hill Peninsula in a unique coastal ecosystem bridging midcoast and “Downeast” Maine. Habitat for bald eagles, harbor seals and porpoises, and a rich variety of marine and terrestrial wildlife, the landscape is dotted with small fishing villages, wooden boatyards and blueberry fields. Interns will spend the summer monitoring the health of this pristine ecosystem both on the ocean, in a biodiesel lobster boat, and on land in the lakes and streams that feed this coastal watershed.

This internship 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 laboratory. The ideal candidate will possess a personal interest in ecosystem monitoring, ecosystem health and a commitment to the mission of the organization.

Primary Job Responsibility

This position involves assisting the Research Department with the implementation of the Blue Hill Bay Coastal 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 laboratory, data entry and analysis. Additional duties may include assisting with a pinniped monitoring survey and education 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 and behavior
• Reports to Coastal Monitoring Project Coordinator and Senior 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 outlining your experience, CV and three references to:

Meggan Dwyer, Coastal Monitoring Coordinator at mdwyer@meriresearch.org

Please, no phone calls.

MERI is an Equal Opportunity Employer