Development Support for Chesapeake Bay Climate Change Indicators

Project Description: The NOAA Chesapeake Bay Office (NCBO) and the Chesapeake Research Consortium (CRC) seek a summer intern for late May through mid-August 2021 (approximately 12 weeks) to assist with the development of a framework document for climate change indicators that includes conceptual case studies on connecting physical change indicators (e.g., sea level rise, increased precipitation, warming air and water temperatures) with impacts to living resources and habitats and potential resilience activities to minimize negative impacts. Climate change indicators of interest include changes in Bay water temperature or shoreline condition (e.g., living shorelines, such as wetlands and oyster reefs, versus hardened shorelines), and corresponding impacts on fish and submerged aquatic vegetation habitats and species distribution. The intern will work with the Chesapeake Bay Program Climate Resiliency Workgroup, managed by NCBO, and the NCBO habitat science team to compile information and indicator strategies to track and analyze trends, impacts, and progress towards advancing climate resiliency – the ability to anticipate, prepare for, and adapt to changing conditions and to withstand, respond to, and recover rapidly from disruptions. This work supports the climate resiliency goals and outcomes in the 2014 Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement.

Opportunities: Interns will have the opportunity to be embedded in the day-to-day operations of the NOAA Chesapeake Office and the Chesapeake Bay Program and experience firsthand the work involved to incorporate climate change considerations in habitat and natural resources management decisions. Direct engagement with NOAA and the Chesapeake Bay Program will introduce the intern to various federal, state, academic, and nonprofit staff to build their professional network.

Deliverables:

  • Framework document for climate change indicators incorporating case studies for habitat and fisheries decisions.
  • Materials for use with workshops, conferences, and outreach.
  • Presentation to NCBO staff at the conclusion of the internship summarizing the experiences gained and work conducted.

Requirements:

  • Motivated self-starter with ability to work and reason independently
  • Must be a college-level student entering sophomore, junior, or senior year of undergraduate study
  • Must be a U.S. Citizen and willing to undergo a security background check

Work Location and Duration: Due to health concerns and NOAA policies guiding us during COVID-19 we have not yet determined if this position will be virtual or in-person. Currently, we are planning for both possibilities. If we are able to offer this position as an in-person opportunity it will be based out of the NOAA Chesapeake Bay Office in Annapolis, Maryland.

The position will begin in mid-May and conclude in mid-August. If the position is virtual this summer the duration will be approximately 10 weeks, if it is in person the duration will be 12 weeks. We plan on providing interns with access to a NOAA computer, email and phone services will be provided if this internship is offered in person. If the internship is virtual, interns will need to have access to a suitable internet, computer and communication resources.

Compensation: The intern will be reimbursed at the end of each month, for a total of up to $6,000 ($500/week) for the equivalent of 12 (in-person) or 10 (virtual) weeks of full-time activities (400 – 480 hours). Funds are available to compensate interns for occasional work-related travel. Candidates should expect to follow a normal weekday work schedule (roughly 9-5, M-F) with occasional variations for possible field work or other activities. No benefits are provided. We offer assistance in arranging local housing if the position is an in-person opportunity if desired.

Diversity and Inclusion: The NOAA Chesapeake Bay Office is committed to supporting a diverse and inclusive science-oriented workforce. Our internship program endeavors to recruit from a diverse, qualified group of potential
applicants to secure a high-performing workforce drawn from all segments of American society. NOAA is strongly supportive of broadening the participation of historically black colleges and universities, Hispanic serving institutions, tribal colleges and universities, and institutions that work in underserved areas. We highly encourage applications from students at any of the above institutions as well as students that identify as black, Indigenous, person of color or 1st generation college student.

Application Instructions: Use the form below to submit your application.  In addition to asking for some general information, you will be instructed to submit a resume and cover letter, along with three references.  The deadline for applications is February 20, 2021.