NATIONAL PARK SERVICE INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITY
Assateague Island National Seashore
Natural Resource Management (Aquatic Resources)

Dates of Service: Spring Internship March 5th – May 25th, 2012
Summer Internship May 29th – August 17th, 2012
Fall Internship August 27th – November 16th, 2012

Duties and Responsibilities: Interns will assist staff in estuarine water quality monitoring, tide gauge maintenance, beach water quality monitoring, vegetation studies, wetland surveys and various other natural resource management activities. Interns will gain experience working in a National Park, using water quality analytical instruments, and acquiring valuable hands-on experience conducting resource management field studies. People with skills and interests in estuarine, marine, vegetation, wildlife, geophysical and environmental sciences are encouraged to apply.
Housing, Uniforms, and Subsistence: There is no stipend available but interns receive a meal allowance and housing is provided free of charge. The housing area is located close to park headquarters and the beach. Interns will most likely share a room (same sex) and share living areas. Amenities include: full kitchen, microwaves, pots, pans, plates, utensils, and air conditioning, free washer/dryers and local phone calls. The housing area also has screened-in porches, a volleyball court, bbq grills and a well-equipped fitness room. Smoking is prohibited inside housing, and pets are not allowed.

Work Environment and Area Information: Assateague Island National Seashore, managed by the National Park Service, is an Atlantic coast barrier island and shallow water estuary habitat. The Park headquarters are located in northeastern Maryland, near the seaside resort of Ocean City, MD. Assateague Island is famous for its wild ponies and 37 miles of white, sandy beaches. Numerous outdoor recreational opportunities are available in the area including: fishing, crabbing, canoeing, kayaking, hiking, biking, camping and bird watching. The Natural Resource Management Division inventories, monitors, and manages biological, geological, and cultural resources and employs specialists in wildlife, vegetation, water quality, geographic information systems, and geophysical sciences.

Working conditions vary according to season, but may include exposure to cold water, wind, waves, intense sun and heat, humidity, biting insects, and poison ivy. Applicants should feel comfortable working in and on the water and from boats. Operation of two and four-wheel drive vehicles is required, so applicants must possess a valid driver's license.
Position dates are approximately 12 weeks long, working 40 hours per week. Within reason, lengths and dates of placement may be adjusted to fit applicants' needs. Groceries, general shopping, medical facilities and other amenities are located within 7 miles of the Park. A car is recommended for transportation, but a bicycle may be adequate for some.

How to Apply: Send a cover letter stating your interest and the specific seasonal internship(s) for which you are applying. Send a detailed resume documenting your work experience, education, skills, interests and other pertinent information. Include names, addresses and phone numbers of any previous employers. Send a copy of your most recent college transcript (unofficial). Also a list of additional courses you will have completed by the start of the internship that do not appear on your transcript. Send 3 letters of recommendation from references that know you well in a work or educational environment. Include addresses, email addresses, and phone numbers where you can be reached and dates you will be available at different addresses (home and school). Positions are usually filled 4 weeks prior to the start date, so send your application materials as soon as possible. Application deadlines: Spring Internship-January 23rd, Summer Internship-April 16th, and Fall Internship-July 16th. Applicants must make arrangements with their academic institution to obtain college credit. Upon selection, applicants must be willing to submit information and fingerprints for a FBI background investigation.

Contact: Eric Sherry, Assateague Island National Seashore, 7206 National Seashore Lane, Berlin, Maryland 21811, 410-629-6099, [log in to unmask]