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Coastal Wetlands Research Internship

The FWC’s Fish and Wildlife Research Institute's (FWRI) Coastal Wetlands Research Program (CWRP) is seeking detail-oriented interns and volunteers to assist with general laboratory duties in its St. Petersburg headquarters. College students and recent graduates with an interest in marine science or a related field may apply for this internship opportunity.

Successful candidates will be task-oriented individuals that have the ability to work independently in a laboratory setting. The primary responsibilities of the interns will be assisting with laboratory tasks, including:

  • performing lab analyses on soil and water samples; this may include loss-on-ignition analysis of organic matter in soil, grain size analysis of soil, and analysis of water samples for dissolved organic carbon content on a Shimazu TOC-5050A total organic carbon analyzer;
  • database management and data entry;
  • preparation of stock solutions and standards; and
  • general laboratory and glassware cleaning and upkeep.

Local opportunities to work in the field may also be a component of the internship. This will include monitoring work in mangroves, salt marshes, and oyster reefs. Field work may entail tasks such as plant identification and collection of water and soil samples.

Interns are also required to present a 15-20 minute seminar on the work accomplished during their internship.

College credit is possible through this internship. Please check with your department advisor at your home institution.

To learn more about coastal wetlands research at FWRI, please visit the Coastal Wetlands Research section.

Qualifications:

You may qualify if you are:

  • a current student or recent graduate who has successfully completed coursework in any of the following areas: environmental science, chemistry, marine science, geology or biology;
  • willing to learn carbon analytical techniques and make high-quality biogeochemical measurements;
  • willing to work long, strenuous hours outdoors in adverse weather conditions;
  • able to communicate effectively verbally and in writing;
  • able to lift at least 50 pounds; and
  • in possession of a valid U.S. Class E driver's license.

Preference will be given to applicants seeking an undergraduate or advanced degree (or recent graduates) in the following (or related) scientific disciplines:  Environmental Science, Chemistry, Oceanography/Marine Science, Biology and/or Geology. Candidates with working knowledge of Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, Powerpoint) and/or ArcGIS are also desired. Prior laboratory experience is preferred but not required.

If you are interested in applying for an internship with the Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, the following information is required:

  • A cover letter describing the internship you are applying for; area(s) of academic/research interest; and the dates, days, and hours of availability.
  • A résumé (or curriculum vitae) describing your relevant training and experience.
  • Current academic transcripts.
  • Names and contact information for three references.

Please submit application items as an e-mail attachment to: 
Interns@MyFWC.com.

If electronic submission is not possible, hard copies can be mailed to:
Internship Coordinator
FWC Fish and Wildlife Research Institute
100 Eighth Avenue SE
St. Petersburg, FL 33701-5020