NOTICE: The Community Engaged Internship takes place intermittently. Check back to learn if there will be a 2026 summer program.

Washington Sea Grant Community Engaged Internship

A paid, 10-week summer internship opportunity in coastal Washington state for undergraduate students in any field of study with an interest in coastal and marine sciences.

The Sea Grant Community Engaged Internship (CEI) for Undergraduate Students aims to broaden participation in coastal, ocean, and marine sciences by providing training and mentorship to early-stage university and community college students. The goal of this paid internship program is to provide training and mentorship to the next generation of scientists, decision-makers and citizens. CEI students engage in place-based research, extension, education, and/or communication that respects and integrates local knowledge systems. Learn more about the overall CEI program here. 

The Washington Sea Grant (WSG) Community Engaged Intern will be part of a national cohort of students. In addition to working on the ground in Washington, the intern will also engage with other interns across the country through: 

  • Participation in all CEI professional development and training opportunities
  • Virtual professional development sessions
  • Peer discussions with other interns in the cohort using Slack or other virtual platforms
  • A graduation ceremony to celebrate accomplishments, network with peers and other professionals
  • Participation in pre- and post-evaluation

2025 Details

In 2025, the Washington Sea Grant Community Engaged Intern will work with the WSG Coastal Resilience Team and the Hazards Analysis and Resilience Planning Team at Washington State Emergency Management Division in supporting community-prioritized resilience efforts in coastal Washington. The intern will analyze existing data related to the community’s reported economic and social impacts from coastal hazards (e.g. damages from flooding, severe weather, and climate change risk) to identify areas of high risk and community’s priorities. This will help identify vulnerable areas that may need additional support to address coastal hazards and resilience issues.

Compensation: $6000

Location: Flexible arrangement as agreed with the mentors upon selection, with options to be in an office in Seattle, Camp Murray, or South Bend, WA. The intern is expected to attend some field trips and meet with local partners in coastal Washington with the mentors.

The intern is required to attend an all expenses paid in-person field experience from July 20-24 in North Carolina, hosted by North Carolina Sea Grant.

Timeline

  • Applications are due April 2, by 11:59 p.m.
  • Tentative internship start date: June 9, 2025
  • Field experience in North Carolina: July 20–24, 2025
  • Tentative internship end date: August 22, 2025

Eligibility

Applicants must be undergraduates enrolled or accepted at a degree-granting or certificate program from an accredited 2- or 4-year institution.

  • Students from any field of study are welcome to apply. Must have an interest in earth and environmental science, climate change, hydrology, environmental studies, public policies, social science, environmental justice, emergency management, or data analysis.
  • Desired qualifications:
    – Some experience with data analysis, Excel, and/or GIS
    – Ability to work independently
    – Effective writing and communication skills
    – Have personal ties to a region that is being impacted by coastal hazards, flooding, and climate change in coastal Washington counties

How to Apply

Submit application via the form here. 

Application Requirements

1)   Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV) (2-page limit): Please describe your work history, internship or volunteer positions, activities and clubs, and any awards or scholarships. 

2)   Letter of interest that includes answers to the following questions (1-page limit):
– What excites you about coastal resilience work?
– How your skills, experience, and interest align with the qualifications?
– How does this fit with your long-term career development?

Evaluation Criteria

 The evaluation criteria and weighting of the criteria are as follows:
– Relevance of internship to applicant’s interests and experiences (40%)
– Relevance of internship to applicant’s professional development (40%)
– Logistical feasibility of applicant performing internship activities on the coast (20%)

For Further Information

Please contact Dr. Sanpisa Sritrairat, WSG Community Engagement Specialist: sanpisa@uw.edu

The University of Washington reaffirms its policy of equal opportunity regardless of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, or status as a protected veteran. This policy applies to all programs and facilities, including, but not limited to, admissions, educational programs, employment, and patient and hospital services. Any discriminatory action can be a cause for disciplinary action. Discrimination is prohibited by Washington State Gubernatorial Executive Orders 89-01 and 93-07, Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Washington State Law Against Discrimination RCW 49.60, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, State of Washington Gender Equity in Higher Education Act of 1989, Sections 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 as amended, Age Discrimination Act of 1975, Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act of 1972 as amended, other federal and state statutes, regulations, and University policy. Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action compliance efforts at the University of Washington are coordinated by the Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action, University of Washington, 4320 Brooklyn Ave NE, Seattle WA 98195-4969, Box 354960, telephone(206) 543-3392 or email eoaa@uw.edu.

The University of Washington is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at least ten days in advance at: 206.543.6450/V, 206.685.7264 (FAX), or dso@uw.edu.