Undergraduate Research Intern

POSITION OVERVIEW:

We are seeking 4 seasonal Undergraduate Research Interns to join the Department of Conservation and Policy. The Department of Conservation and Policy team conducts applied scientific research on the species and habitats of Long Island Sound and supports the development of policy that will improve the health and resiliency of marine and coastal systems. These positions will support two salt marsh research projects funded by grants from the Long Island Sound Study. One study will evaluate the efficiency of assisted migration of salt marsh plants to improve planting strategies in restored marshes. The other study will identify drivers and patterns of salt marsh elevation change to inform salt marsh restoration practices across Long Island Sound. Both projects aim to improve salt marsh restoration techniques to create more resilient marshes.

The ideal candidates will be current undergraduate students with an interest in coastal and marine ecosystems, passionate about conservation. Salt marsh research interns will assist staff in deploying and maintaining field equipment, collecting data on salt marsh plant biometrics and environmental parameters in the field, and managing data sets. Interns must have excellent communication skills, great attention to detail, time management skills, and be comfortable working in a group environment. The position will primarily consist of work outdoors in support of field research. Interns should expect to work in all weather conditions and navigate difficult terrain within salt marsh environments (uneven ground, deep mud, and up to hip deep water). The interns may also have the opportunity to support projects in other ecosystems, including on boats.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Conduct field research and collect data, primarily in salt marshes around Long Island Sound.
• Assemble and maintain experimental equipment in the field.
• Assist with data entry and quality control.
• May have the opportunity to assist with other projects within the Department of Conservation and Policy, including the Marine Debris Retrieval Project.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience collecting and organizing field data preferred.
• Must be able to work collaboratively and multi-task in a fast-paced environment.
• Interest in coastal ecology required.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

• All applicants must be at least 18 years of age or older to apply.
• Must be a current undergraduate student studying biology, ecology, or a related field who will be enrolled in an undergraduate program in the fall semester of 2025. Individuals who have already graduated from their undergraduate program are not eligible for this internship.
• Must be able to provide their own transportation to field sites, which can be up to 40 miles from The Maritime Aquarium. Reimbursement for mileage travelled from the Aquarium to field sites (in excess of a commute to The Maritime Aquarium) may be provided (based on the current IRS reimbursement rate).
• Must be comfortable working outside in all weather conditions and comfortable getting muddy.
• Must be able to carry 25 pounds over uneven terrain during field research.

Dates: ~May 15 - August 15, 2025 (Negotiable based on the availability of the selected individuals)

Schedule: Hours will be variable depending on the field work schedule, with an average of 26 hours per week (not to exceed 366 hours total over the internship duration). The typical schedule each week will be Monday-Thursday ~9a-4pm, but exact start and end times on each day of work will depend on that day’s field activities and may start earlier than 9am. The schedule for each week is subject to change due to weather and other factors.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk is an equal opportunity employer with a commitment to diversity. All individuals, regardless of personal characteristics, are encouraged to apply.

ABOUT THE MARITIME AQUARIUM:

The mission of The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk is to ignite a connection to Long Island Sound and the ocean to enrich the lives of all people and inspire action to protect our blue planet. The second largest family attraction in Connecticut, and 50 miles from New York City, the Aquarium hosts nearly 512,000 guests annually and about 54,000 students and children participate annually in a diverse array of educational programs in and out of the classroom, along the shoreline, and on the water. The Aquarium is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and is a member of the Aquarium Conservation Partnership. Its annual operating budget is approximately $13 million, consisting of about $10 million in earned income, with the remaining funds derived primarily from private support and government sources. The strength of the Aquarium is its 80+ full-time staff, and part-time and seasonal staff ranging from 30 to 80 additional employees, in addition to nearly 200 volunteers. The Aquarium is home to ~8,000 animals, consisting of 285 species in 75 exhibits, featuring touch tanks for horseshoe crabs, rays, sharks and jellies. The Aquarium engages in a wide range of research and conservation projects focused on Long Island Sound – an Estuary of National Significance – and its ecosystem. These projects include field-based research projects, as well as collaborative community-science projects in conjunction with numerous academic, non-profit and governmental partners. The Aquarium also actively supports the development of public policies that improve stewardship of Long Island Sound and the ocean. This includes testifying before the Connecticut General Assembly on policies affecting the Long Island Sound ecosystem, and working with city, state, and federal officials and lawmakers on environmental initiatives that are local, national and global in scope.