Oceanographic Instrumentation Support Intern
Project Description (application is now closed)
The NOAA Chesapeake Bay Office (NCBO) and Chesapeake Research Consortium (CRC) seek an intern to assist with instrumentation, data entry, and field work on oceanographic observing systems in Chesapeake Bay. NCBO scientists conduct hydrographic surveys and operate the buoy system to better understand the Chesapeake Bay.
The internship will support the continued integration and use of oceanographic and meteorological sensors in the lab and in the field. The buoy program requires frequent calibration of instruments but the process is overly reliant on manual record keeping. Many of these instruments store higher-resolution data internally, sending summary data through the network in real-time. Over the last ten years these data have been stored in disparate locations on memory cards and network drives. This internship will continue work that was started last year to improve buoy operational systems.
Deliverables:
- Improve existing oceanographic instrument calibration routines
- Develop graphical user interface
- Develop calibration information database
- Automate data-entry task by writing directly to Microsoft Excel files
The oceanographic instrumentation support intern duties will also include maintenance, preparation, and calibration of sensors. Field work may be possible if it is of interest to the intern, but is not strictly required for the project. More information about the buoy system can be obtained through the link http://buoybay.noaa.gov .
In addition to these routine tasks, the intern will work with the office to select a project from the priorities outlined above. This project will guide the schedule over the internship and is intended to:
- Serve as a complete product for addition to the intern’s academic portfolio,
- Advance the intern’s career goals,
- Provide real value to NOAA.
Opportunities: These internships provide a unique opportunity to contribute to the mission of providing high-quality real-time observations in the Chesapeake Bay. This internship offers the opportunity to develop skills in software automation, data-munging, and marine electronics. This position will provide insight into careers at the intersection of marine science, electronics, and engineering. This internship also provides an opportunity to apply these skills in the field and to expand the intern’s knowledge of Chesapeake flora and fauna.
Requirements:
- College level coursework in computer science, mathematics, basic statistics, environmental science, and/or oceanography will be useful to this project.
- Motivated self-starter with ability to work independently
- Willingness to engage in physically demanding work, typically taking place outdoors on a boat
- Interest and/or background in water quality monitoring and instrumentation
- 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: This position is located at the NOAA Chesapeake Bay Office in Annapolis, Maryland. The primary work location will be the field operations facility located at the site of the former David Taylor Research Center. Work will be performed on small vessels on the Chesapeake Bay and tributaries when required. The position will begin in mid-May and conclude in mid-August (12 weeks). Computer and phone services will be provided.
Compensation: The intern will be reimbursed at the end of each month, for a total of up to $4,500 for the equivalent of 12 weeks of full-time activities (480 hours). Funds are available to compensate interns for required 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. A small housing stipend is available for those needing it, and we offer assistance in arranging local housing.
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.
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, 2019.