Application is currently: CLOSED

(we do not anticipate hosting a CEI intern in 2024)

 

Washington Sea Grant Community-Engaged Internship

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

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

The Sea Grant Community-Engaged Internship for Undergraduate Students (CEI) aims to broaden participation in coastal, ocean, and marine sciences by providing training and mentorship to early-stage university and community college students from under-resourced, underrepresented, and Indigenous and tribal populations. The goal of this paid internship program is to provide training and mentorship to the next generation of scientists, decision-makers, and citizens. 

In 2022, the Washington Sea Grant Community-Engaged Internship will focus primarily on two topics of focus for Washington Sea Grant on the coast — European green crab monitoring and ecosystem-based management. The Intern will assist mentors with fieldwork, analyses, research, and/or outreach and public engagement, depending on their individual interests. 

Program goals are to recruit, retain and engage diverse students in place-based research, extension, education, and/or communication that respects and integrates local knowledge systems. We also hope to encourage students to seek careers in marine and coastal professions, and to consider going on to graduate school. The Washington Sea Grant 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

Timeline

  • Applications are due May 11, 2022, by 5:00 p.m.
  • Interviews: May 17 and 19, 2022
  • Notification to applicants: May 23, 2022
  • Tentative internship start date: June 13, 2022
  • Tentative internship end date: August 26, 2022

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.
  • Applicants must have summer housing secured in either Pacific or Grays Harbor County.
  • For the candidate to participate in fieldwork specifically, the following physical abilities are needed:
    • The ability to lift 25 pounds regularly
    • The ability to respond quickly to sounds
    • The ability to move safely over uneven terrain or in confined spaces
    • The ability to see and respond to dangerous situations
    • The ability to wear personal protective gear correctly most of the day

Washington Sea Grant encourages applicants from groups that are historically underrepresented in the sciences, including African-American, American Indian or Alaska Native, Hispanic and Latino, female, first-generation college students, veterans, LGBTQ+, and students with disabilities. The program is also open to students who have experienced and worked to overcome educational or economic disadvantages, and/or who have personal or family circumstances that may complicate their career paths.

How to Apply

Submit ONE compiled application PDF to eSeaGrant. You will need to register for an eSeaGrant account before you can start your application. If you have questions about how to submit your application please contact Washington Sea Grant using the contact information provided below.

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. If you have questions about how to format your resume or what should be included please contact Washington Sea Grant using the contact information provided below.

2)   Cover Letter that includes answers to the following questions (2-page limit): 

  • Please describe your current degree program and how this internship will help you fulfill your degree requirements, a thesis or project for your degree, and/or career goals. We ask this as opportunities may be tailored to help you meet these requirements and goals. 
  • Tell us about yourself and how you fit into the goals of the CEI program including your experience and understanding of diversity and equity and how they influence the work you hope to do in the future.
  • Where do you currently reside, and where will you reside this summer?

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%)

Review and Selection Process

The Washington Sea Grant Internship Committee will review each application based on the evaluation criteria listed in the previous section. Each committee member will score each application and scores will be averaged and ranked by the committee. The top applicants will be interviewed in mid-May and the intern will be selected by May 23, 2022. The internship begins on or around June 13, 2020, and lasts for 10 weeks. Washington Sea Grant has one undergraduate position for the summer of 2022.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Washington Sea Grant

WSG maintains a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, by pursuing diverse perspectives and enhancing cultural understanding. WSG works to create equitable access to resources and opportunities for Washington’s diverse communities and seeks to incorporate their voices and priorities. WSG’s values are informed by environmental justice and are based on a culture of inclusion, respect, long-term engagement, and accountability. Individuals that are historically underrepresented in marine science and policy work are encouraged to apply for this opportunity.

For Further Information

Please contact Deborah Purce, WSG Fellowships and Research Specialist: sgfellow@uw.edu