Delaware Sea Grant (DESG) Extension, Education, and Research Internship

The mission of the Delaware Sea Grant Marine Advisory Service (MAS) is to help Delaware communities wisely use, manage, and conserve our state's valuable coastal resources by fostering sustainable coastal economies, developing resilience to coastal hazards, and preparing the next generation of coastal leaders. We achieve this through building active partnerships with state and federal agencies, local businesses, environmental nonprofits, Delaware communities and residents, and by advancing environmental literacy and initiating opportunities for students, teachers, and Delaware residents.

Position Description: 

One intern will be hired from this posting. The Delaware Sea Grant (DESG) EERI is an opportunity to dive deep into MAS programs and play an integral role in their planning and implementation and gain practical research experience. It will allow the intern to understand the tremendous breadth of topics, including coastal hazards and preparedness, coastal ecology, environmental education, fisheries, social science, and climate change, and the required skills to be an effective extension-educator.

Join our dynamic team to gain hands-on experience in non-formal education and community engagement in a research setting. As an intern, you will play a key role in supporting a variety of educational initiatives including: 

1. Coastal hazard preparedness: Support GIS database development of data informed imagery regarding sea level rise and flooding; Comb through and sort photorealistic images of flooding; Participate in community outreach on climate resilience and emergency preparedness.
2. Habitat restoration programs: Support the development and implementation programs aimed at monitoring and restoring submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV); Conduct research to better understand the growth patterns of widgeon grass, a key SAV species; Collaborate with state and local partners, as well as engage community members in hands-on scientific research and environmental stewardship
3. Non-formal education programs: Assist with the design and delivery of teacher professional development workshops; Engage diverse audiences through interactive workshops, exhibits, and community events; Contribute to the creation of educational and outreach materials with a special focus on aquaculture 

The intern may also gain experience with energy extension, urban environmental education, and hands-on field work in fisheries, aquaculture, and coastal ecology. This is a unique opportunity to build valuable skills in science communication, education, and public engagement, while working alongside professionals dedicated to advancing science and understanding of our natural world. 

Qualifications: 

A current or recently graduated undergraduate or graduate student studying natural resources, marine science or policy, earth science, and/or science education is preferred, but all applications will be considered. Experience with or interest in science outreach/education/communication, formal and nonformal education, and stakeholder engagement are preferred. Familiarity with GIS is preferred. 

Internship Logistics: This is a paid internship at $15 - $20 an hour depending on experience, and hiring is contingent upon receiving federal funding. The internship will begin in late May or early June 2026 but is flexible. The internship will run for 10- 13 weeks, depending on availability. The intern will work at least 20 hours per week and no more than 29 hours per week, with the potential option of hybrid format on some occasions. Most work will take place in person at the University of Delaware Hugh R. Sharp Campus in Lewes, Delaware or select field sites across the state. Local and statewide travel, outside of daily commute, may be required and will be reimbursed. 

Application Process: 

We encourage applications from all interested individuals. University of Delaware undergraduate students who are currently enrolled through the Fall semester of 2026 should apply through Talent Link. All other interested parties should send a cover letter expressing their interest in the position and resume to Ingrid Miller at ingridm@udel.edu by 5:00pm Eastern March 20. Selected candidates may be asked to provide additional application materials and participate in a phone or video interview. For more information about Delaware Sea Grant and the Advisory Service, please visit www.deseagrant.org, or contact Ingrid Miller (ingridm@udel.edu) with specific questions.